Study Graduate Diploma in Aviation at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

Enquire Apply

Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

You're viewing degree information for Australian students

You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:

Australian or New Zealand Citizen
Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

Not an Australian student? Switch to International content

Australian students

Start Date
February

Campus
Mawson Lakes

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Program Code
LGAN

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
$AU 110,200 per 1.0 EFTSL for students enrolled in 2024

Entry requirements

Applications for this program are by invitation only. Applicants are required to have a current enrolment in a qualifying UniSA Bachelor of Aviation degree.

An offer of entry into the Graduate Diploma in Aviation will be made when the following additional requirements
are met. Applicants are required to be selected via a process which includes:
- a formal interview
- a flight aptitude test
- an assessment of Aviation English Proficiency,
- successful completion of AERO 1021 Flight Training Theory 1 with a minimum of 80% class attendance, and
- academic achievement, normally achieving at least a pass average.
In addition:
- before commencing flight training, students must obtain a Class I Medical Certificate (Class II will be
  considered if Class I held in the last 3 years). The CASA medical must not have any restrictions that would impede the student’s ability to complete the program, and must be held for the duration of the program.
- before enrolling in Advanced Flying, students must hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Enquire Compare 0 Compare Degrees Apply

Applications for this program are by invitation only for students who have a current enrolment in a qualifying UniSA Bachelor of Aviation degree. UniSA works with its flight provider to deliver training for students. Aircraft have restrictions and minimum standards for safe operations; continued enrolment is subject to approval by the provider.

Degree overview

Learn to fly with our partner Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) and under the supervision of highly experienced instructors.
Develop the skills, knowledge and competencies to sit for a Commercial Pilot Licence and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating.
Benefit from strong links with industry including practicing professional pilots, air traffic controllers, and through the Qantas Future Pilot Program.

Snapshot

Make your dreams of becoming a pilot a reality, and develop the skills and knowledge to work as a first officer in a multi crew aircraft, or as a pilot in command of most single engine operations.

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation is a highly disciplined, technical flight training program at Parafield Airport. It is delivered in conjunction with the professional flight instructors at Flight Training Adelaide, our industry partner.

This qualification equips students with the skills, knowledge and competence to sit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) exams for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating (CIR). These are professional qualifications recognised by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation is delivered at the UniSA Aviation Academy at Parafield Airport. It is studied alongside the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot).

What you'll learn

This diploma comprises seven courses delivered with our industry partner Flight Training Adelaide. You will study them at the same time as the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot).

As part of this diploma you will sit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) theory exams. Your studies in the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) will help prepare you for these exams.

When you have developed the flight skills and knowledge – and passed the CASA theory exams – you can test for your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Command Instrument Rating (CIR) flight.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Introductory Flying	AERO 2061	6	Note(s): 7
Advanced Flying	AERO 5027	6
Night Flying	AERO 5032	1.5
Aircraft Navigation 1	AERO 5028	6
Aircraft Navigation 2	AERO 5029	6
Instrument Flight 1	AERO 5030	6
Instrument Flight 2	AERO 5031	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To be eligible to graduate from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation students must satisfy all academic and non-academic requirements including professional conduct, as well as be eligible to graduate from the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot).

2. Continuing enrolment in the Graduate Diploma is dependent on enrolment in the Bachelor of Aviation. If a student ceases to be enrolled in the Bachelor's program they will be withdrawn from the Graduate Diploma.

3. In accordance with government guidelines, the flight training provider requires that all flight related courses take no longer than two calendar years to complete. The duration of two calendar years is defined as the time from the validation of Flight Training Theory concepts to the time in which AERO 5029 Aircraft Navigation 2 is completed in this program. Students who have not completed AERO 5029 within this timeframe will be discontinued. (Please note that the validation of Flight Training Theory concepts involves a follow-up examination required by the flight training provider after the completion of the course AERO 1021 Flight Training Theory).

4. Any student who has been disqualified from flying by the Aviation Academy cannot enrol in courses in this program.

5. Students are required to complete the Graduate Diploma in Aviation courses in the sequence shown.

6. It is compulsory for students in this program to meet with their Program Director for academic counselling if they fail a course.

7. Students must hold a current Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC) throughout the duration of their study in the program from the commencement of the course Advanced Flying.

8. Students are required to own or purchase at their own cost a compatible iPad/tablet and aviation headset prior to flying. This is to enable students to perform numerous flight-related tasks in the cockpit.

Notes

1. Students who do not achieve the required course outcomes in the allocated hours in a course, will have the option to apply for the Aviation Consolidation Short Flying program to achieve the required competencies.

2. Students should note that a leave of absence may not be available and may require withdrawal from the program. Removal from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation may disqualify students from readmission in future.

3. Completion of Commercial Pilot Theory AERO 2064 prior to admission into the Graduate Diploma in Aviation may result in disqualification from entry.

4. Weight and height restrictions apply throughout the duration of the program and exceeding these restrictions may result in discontinuance from the program.

5. Students who are unable to maintain medical and ASIC clearances may result in discontinuance from the program.

6. Students are required to progress through the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) program in accordance with their Program Director's advice. Enrolment in Bachelor of Aviation courses outside of the Program Director's advice may result in disqualification from the Graduate Diploma in Aviation.

7. Credit may be available for this course. Credit will not be awarded for any other course in this program.

Study hours

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation, studied concurrently with the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot), is a very demanding and time-consuming study commitment.

You will be expected to have a minimum of 3 weekdays (and the occasional weekend day) available for flying. Once you start flying you are strongly discouraged from taking any planned leave until you finish your flight training.

The combination of contact hours and flying hours requires a strong work ethic and commitment.

In your own study time you’ll have assignments, readings, projects to work on and assessments to prepare for. You can also watch or listen to most of your lectures again, online.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

practical assessments (e.g. flight, navigation) weighted pass/fail
practical exams (e.g. Commercial Pilot Licence, Command Instrument Rating)
theoretical exams with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Graduate Diploma in Aviation

You will work with industry experts, flight instructors and academics. They will prepare you with the flight training skills to enter the aviation industry as a pilot.

We emphasise hands-on, practical knowledge. This program offers flight training in single and multi-engine aircraft, giving our students the opportunity to master professional flight training competencies. The theoretical training learned in the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) alongside the highly disciplined, technical flight training in this graduate diploma makes our graduates much sought after by airlines.

As part of this diploma, you will prepare for and sit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) exams for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating (CIR). These professional qualifications are recognised by CASA and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Real-world connections

Our partnership with Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) draws on mutual experience and expertise to deliver quality flight training to our aviation students. FTA instructors teach from the University of South Australia’s Aviation Academy, located near the Mawson Lakes campus.

We have a focus on aviation research and have developed partnerships and new technologies for industry. In fact, UniSA is one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering research (UniSA's Engineering research rated well above world-class - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)). UniSA also collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide. These extensive industry connections give us a truly competitive edge – our students get real-world skills and contacts.

Hear from Sam Rogers, Aviation student

Sam Rogers talks about his experience studying UniSA's Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) and Graduate Diploma in Aviation, where he completed flight training at UniSA's Aviation Academy.

Career outcomes

Your career

Within the next 20 years, it is predicted there will be a demand of 837,000 new personnel required in the Asia-Pacific region. Although the aviation industry is currently experiencing a downturn driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term need remains robust with anticipation of growth to the sector in coming years.¹

You could consider the following careers:

commercial pilot working for international, national or regional airlines
corporate and business aviation
flight instructor
defence pilot
firefighting pilot
medical and air ambulance pilot

¹Boeing 20-year Pilot, Technician and Cabin Crew Outlook 2020 - 2039

Industry facts

Boeing predicts an additional 602,000 commercial airline pilots will be needed worldwide between now and 2041

(2022 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook)

Commercial air traffic is expected to recover to 2019 levels by 2024

(2022 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook)

By 2038, global air travel transport is forecasted to support 143 million jobs and contribute $6.3 trillion to the global economy

(Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders 2022)

How to apply

Entry into this program is competitive and strict standards of behaviour apply. In order to be selected, applicants must be currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) program. Students in the Bachelor of Aviation will be contacted when applications are open for the next intake.

Process for offers

An offer of entry into the Graduate Diploma in Aviation requires certain additional requirements to be met and applicants will be contacted by the University with details of the next steps.

Applicants are required to be selected via a process which includes:

attending a formal interview
providing proof of general English language proficiency and being assessed on this proficiency during the formal interview
sitting a flight aptitude test with FTA
academic achievement of at least a pass average

The cost of the flight aptitude test is currently $268 and applicants will be required to pay this on the day of the test.

Interviews and tests are held at the UniSA Aviation Academy. You must be available during the nominated times as tests will not be rescheduled. In addition, before commencing flight training, students must:

Obtain a Class I Medical Certificate (Class II will be considered if Class I held in the last 3 years). The CASA medical must not have any restrictions that would impede the student’s ability to complete the program
Obtain an Aviation Reference Number from CASA
Comply with the requirements of the Drug and Alcohol Management Program
Before enrolling in Advanced Flying, students must hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

Further details about these requirements are below.

What will they ask me about in the interview?
The interview will assess the skills and qualities considered important for professional practice, including:

Professional behaviour
Personal motivation and commitment
Your ability to communicate clearly and take direction
Workload management and organisational skills
Compatibility and understanding of the program and the aviation profession

How do I prepare for the interview?
You are encouraged to prepare for the interview by thinking about the criteria listed above but are discouraged from reciting rehearsed responses. "Rehearsed" answers, rather than "natural" responses to the questions asked, can lessen overall performance. Interview content may change from one year to the next.

It is important that you arrive on time, dress and behave as you would for a job interview, so ensure you have noted the date and time of the interview and send a message if you’re unable to be on time.

Those who perform poorly in the interview may not be allowed to proceed to the aptitude test.

General English Language Proficiency: At the interview, you will be asked to provide the required background evidence for the General English Language Proficiency (GELP). For details of the background evidence requirements and the criteria for assessing the GELP, please visit the CASA website.

What does the aptitude test involve?
The aptitude test is composed of a series of computer-based assessments that cover pilot aptitude, including hand–eye coordination, motor skills and spatial awareness. The aptitude test is to be administered by FTA at the time arranged by UniSA. No external tests will be accepted as proof of aptitude.

Other requirements

Class 1 medical certificate
You must hold a Class 1 medical certificate to successfully complete this diploma¹.

It is required for all holders of:

air transport pilot licence
commercial pilot licence (other than balloons)
multi-crew pilot (aeroplane) licence
flight engineer licence
student flight engineer licence

Please note that not all doctors can administer aviation medicals – you must see a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME).

The initial issue of a Class 1 medical certificate is complex and there are several steps. Your DAME will help you with this process. When you book your medical, inform them it is for the initial issue of a certificate. Class 1 medicals can take up to 8 weeks so you should factor that in to your planning.

Unless otherwise advised by the Aviation Medicine Section, a Class 1 medical certificate is valid for one year.

¹There are certain circumstances under which a Class II medical certificate may be considered. A Class 1 medical is required for the commercial phase of the flight training. A Class 2 medical is approved as long as it was initially issued as a Class 1, and again the student must obtain the Class 1 renewal prior to starting the commercial phase of training.

Aviation Reference Number
The Aviation Reference Number (ARN) is a unique identifier used by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to identify aviation businesses and personnel, including pilots. This unique identifier allows all your medicals, licences and rating to be applied to your CASA profile.

You must submit the form to apply for an ARN before all other applications to CASA. UniSA staff are not required to certify or endorse this form before you submit it. Please complete and submit to CASA as soon as possible.

Drug and Alcohol Management Program
The University of South Australia’s Aviation Academy is what CASA deems a Safety Sensitive Area and everyone who has access is required to undergo drug and alcohol induction.

Please note that during your time at the Academy, you will be subject to random drug and alcohol tests by the Academy’s DAMP Supervisors or CASA drug and alcohol testers.

Aviation Security Identification Card
All flight students must have an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC).

All flight students must have an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC). You must apply for the ASIC card online.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Scholarship for student leadership

Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your study spaces

The UniSA Aviation Academy at Parafield Airport is fully equipped for flight training with networked classrooms, a student lounge, briefing rooms for one-on-one time with instructors and a flight planning area.

An operations room is staffed by qualified personnel who maintain a ‘flight watch’ service for all FTA aircraft in the air. Students have immediate access to weather, NOTAMS and other flight planning data as required.

Your program director

I’m an academic in UniSA’s aviation program, I teach courses and conduct research into aviation safety, specifically in standardisation and multiculturalism. My colleagues and I work on projects in aviation safety with airlines and airports, so we maintain a close connection to industry. This really helps us to be certain that the coursework and materials we provide students satisfy the needs of industry and represent academic excellence.

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire

AsPr Paul Lee

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

More FAQs

What others are saying

Before my instructor sent me on my first solo flight, I was feeling quite nervous, but knowing that I was in control of the aircraft with no one sitting beside me was an experience I'll never forget. Watching yourself grow as a professional pilot is truly an amazing feeling.

Alexi Currie

Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot), Graduate Diploma in Aviation
Second Officer | Cathay Pacific Airways

Alexi Currie

Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot), Graduate Diploma in Aviation
Second Officer | Cathay Pacific Airways

I think I grew a passion for aviation from a young age, flying to different islands around the Eyre Peninsula with my dad, who had his Private Pilot's Licence. One of my most memorable experiences from my course was definitely my first solo flight. I went up with my instructor and did a few circuits with him, then we landed, he got out of the plane, left it to me, and I took off and did the circuit by myself. It was a surreal feeling being in total control of the plane.

Sam Rogers

Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot), Graduate Diploma in Aviation