Overview

The Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting will equip you for a professional career as a commercial pilot.

Train at CAE Melbourne Flight Training (Moorabbin) to gain your:

  • Commercial Pilot Licence
  • Multi-engine Command Instrument Rating
  • Multi Crew Cooperation and Jet Orientation Course or Flight Instructor Rating
  • Frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence


Gain an understanding of aviation human factors, management and technology.

Check the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting course handbook
Timely applications close soon

State-of-the-art facilities. Innovation in every course. Finding your people. Make Swinburne your #1 VTAC preference before Timely applications close 5pm Monday 30 September.

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Your industry experience

Get real industry experience while you study with our Work Integrated Learning program, which is guaranteed in all our bachelor degrees. In this degree, as part of the Aviation Research Project Part 1 and 2, you’ll work on a group project based on real problems faced by the aviation industry and organisations such as Qantas and Melbourne Airport.

Explore Work Integrated Learning

Skills you’ll learn

  • Professional piloting
  • Safety risk management
  • Human factor understanding
  • Teamwork under pressure
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Professional workplace skills

Your career opportunities

  • Professional pilot

Key codes

CRICOS course code
093354D
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400211283
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Labs

Discover Swinburne’s aviation facilities, where innovation takes flight with advanced technology and hands-on learning to shape the future of aerospace engineering.

Professional accreditations

Why Swinburne?

A leader in aviation education for more than more than 30 years

  • A professional piloting student standing next to an airplane at the Moorabbin Airport
    Learn to fly with Swinburne and CAE Melbourne Flight Training
  • Two professional piloting degree students fly a plane in the aviation flight simulator
    Learn to fly with Swinburne and CAE Melbourne Flight Training
  • Professional aviation and piloting students in a classroom at the Moorabin Airport
    Learn to fly with Swinburne and CAE Melbourne Flight Training
  • A professional piloting degree student fly a plane in the aviation flight simulator
    Learn to fly with Swinburne and CAE Melbourne Flight Training
  • A professional piloting student inside an airplane at the Moorabbin Airport
    Learn to fly with Swinburne and CAE Melbourne Flight Training

Qualifications

One of the following:

  • successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
  • completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

75.0

You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.

If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements. 

Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.

*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Assess your eligibility for entry to Swinburne

Course prerequisites

Learn more about MathsLink Further
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent

Other requirements

Skills assessment test 

Prior to selection, all shortlisted candidates are required to complete a skills assessment test, facilitated by CAE Australia Flight Training. It is a computer-based pilot aptitude test that is designed to determine a candidate's understanding of a career as a professional pilot and their suitability to undertake an intensive professional flight training program. The skills assessment test is composed of a series of computer-based assessments that cover pilot aptitude, including hand–eye coordination, motor skills and spatial awareness.

Applicants will be provided with test booking information with the Conditional Offer Letter if you meet all other course entry requirements. 

A non-refundable fee is payable prior to taking the test. 

Information for applicants 

Although not an entry requirement, students must also satisfy the statutory Class 1 medical requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (or equivalent ICAO State regulatory authority) to undertake practical flying training to commercial level.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Visit course handbook

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Book your Pearson Test of English

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about credit

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more about RPL

Apply for a pathway course

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.

Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.

Learn more about pathways

How credit points work

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting requires students to complete units of study to the value of 300 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated. 

12
Core units
+
8
Major units
+
4
Elective units
=
3-year bachelor degree

What your course could look like

This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2025 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.

Units of study Unit code
Semester 1
The Global Aviation System
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA10001
Aviation Legal and Regulatory Framework
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA10010
Private Pilot Licence Practicum
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVF80001
Private Pilot Licence Theory
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVT10005
Semester 2
Airline Business Strategy
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA10012
Aviation Project: Blue Sky Ideas
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA10014
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 1
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVT10006
Elective
Elective unit
Want to see the full range of electives?

Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.

Visit course handbook
Units of study Unit code
Semester 1
Airline Operations Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA20022
Commercial Pilot Licence Practicum 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVF80002
Essential Aviation Analytical Skills
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA10011
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVT20003
Semester 2
Commercial Pilot Licence Practicum 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVF80013
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 1
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVT30003
Elective
Elective unit
Elective
Elective unit
Units of study Unit code
Semester 1
Aviation Capstone 1: Project Planning
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA30008
Multi Crew Cooperation and Jet Orientation Course Practicum
Core* unit, 12.5 credit points
AVF80005
Flight Instructor Rating Practicum
Core* unit, 12.5 credit points
AVF80006
Advanced Aviation Analytics and Research Skills
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA30005
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVT30004
Semester 2
Aviation Capstone 2: Project Implementation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA30009
Current and Future Aviation Technologies and Operational Concepts
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVA30006
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 3
Major unit, 12.5 credit points
AVT30002
Elective
Elective unit

* Students must select one of these core units in year three.

2025 fees

Total indicative fee* ($AUD)

$221,610 - $237,910

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Flying training fees

Additional flying training fees are applicable if students wish to complete flying training (practicum) units.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front. 

Find out more about fees

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.
Learn more about paying your fees

Eligibility for HECS-HELP

You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:

  • are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
  • hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.

Learn more about HECS-HELP

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365.00

Learn more about SSAF

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

Learn more about scholarships

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Learn more about scholarships

Professional placement fees

Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
BA-AVPIL
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code
BA-AVPIL
Apply directly
Course code
BA-AVPIL
CRICOS code
093354D
Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
21-January-2025