Flying training fees
Aviation students will incur fees for flying training. These fees differ depending on whether you are a local or international student.
Payment options
Local students
Local students enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will need to enrol in practicum units from the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) to complete their flying training.
Fees for these units are not covered in the Bachelor course fees. These are an additional cost billed to the student at the point of enrolment.
A Skills Assessment Test is an entry requirement for the Bachelor of Aviation and Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business and involves a non-refundable fee (A$185 + booking fee).
International students
International students enrolled in either the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting or Bachelor of Aviation and Pilotin/Bachelor of Business have the flying training fees included in the course fees.
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loans
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP eligibility and fees vary between courses.
Local students completing the Bachelor of Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business can defer their course fees using HECS-HELP. This is a loan available to students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place.
For domestic students completing flying training at the CAE Melbourne Flight Training within the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting), FEE-HELP can also be requested. As this is a postgraduate program there is no FEE-HELP loan fee.
International students undertaking the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting are not eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.
As of 2024, the HELP loan limit for students studying eligible aviation courses is $174,998.
| Description | 2023 fees (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Private Pilot Licence Practicum | $28,060 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Practicum 1 | $33,335 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Practicum 2 | $44,275 |
| and either Multi Crew Cooperation and Jet Orientation Course Practicum |
$11,625 |
| or Flight Instructor Rating Practicum |
$27,325 |
| Total practicum unit fees | $117,295 (or $132,995) |
These out-of-pocket expenses are not covered by FEE-HELP.
1st year additional costs
| Description | Estimated costs |
|---|---|
| Books (majority purchased from pilot book shop with some from CAE) | $825 |
| Equipment (purchased from pilot book shop) | $765 |
| Uniform (provided by CAE) | $425 |
| CASA and Air Services publications, required to be purchased from reseller prior to relevant flying practicum | $820 |
| Aviation Security ID card (ASIC) and Class 1 Medical, required before first flight | $820 |
2nd year additional costs
| Description | Estimated costs |
|---|---|
| Books and Air Services Publications | $1,185 |
3rd year additional costs
| Description | Estimated costs |
|---|---|
| Books and publications | $920 |
Note: Estimates are provided as a guide only. Changes in supplier prices occur over time.
Flying training is competency based and the flying training practicum unit fees are based on minimum hours to both achieve competency and meet the regulatory licencing requirements.
Additional costs will accrue if the student requires additional flight training hours to meet the required competencies/standards
| Additional flying unit fees | 2024 fees (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Private Pilot Licence Additional Practicum | $6,105 |
| Commercial Pilot Licence Additional Practicum | $7,130 |
| Multi Crew Cooperation Additional Practicum | $3,065 |
| Flight Instructor Rating Additional Practicum | $1,935 |
| Multi Engine Aeroplane Instrument Endorsement Additional Practicum |
$2,900 |
This schedule applies to students enrolled in both the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting), Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting and Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting/Bachelor of Business and covers the expected payment requirements for flying practice. Students may pay up-front at the points outlined below or via FEE-HELP (if eligible).
Current international students completing the Bachelor of Aviation or Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business are expected to pay for and complete their flying training during the same periods as local students, as set out in the schedule below.
Students completing flying training through CAE Australia Flight Training are also required to complete their training units and payments according to this schedule.
1st year
- Semester 1 (February) payment required for AVF80001 Private Pilot Licence Practicum
2nd year
- Semester 1 (February) payment required for AVF80002 Commercial Pilot Licence Practicum 1
- Semester 2 (July) payment required for AVF80013 Commercial Pilot Licence Practicum 2
3rd year*
- Semester 1 (February) payment required for AVF80005 Multi Crew Cooperation and Jet Orientation Course Practicum or AVF80006 Flight Instructor Rating Practicum
*Or 4th year for students completing a double degree with Business.
Swinburne course fees are reviewed annually. Other charges may change throughout the year where aviation industry costs change or where increases in specific industry costs occur such as fuel, parts and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) fees occur.
Need help or advice regarding your fees?
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