Bachelor of Aviation
RC*
Overview
The Bachelor of Aviation 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
Study theory required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, plus learn about aviation human factors, management and technology.
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
Your industry experience
Build up your CV with real industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning program, which is guaranteed in all our bachelor degrees. In this degree, you’ll work on four projects based on real problems faced by the aviation industry and organisations such as Qantas and Melbourne Airport.
Skills you’ll learn
- Professional piloting
- Safety risk management
- Human factors understanding
- Teamwork under pressure
- Adaptability and resilience
- Professional workplace skills
Your career opportunities
- Professional pilot
Key codes
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.
-
Aviation Simulation Lab
Professional accreditations
-
"Swinburne is the best option for aviation if you want to get your pilot training and a degree. You get all the qualifications required to work for an airline. It's such a cool thing to be 18 years old and able to fly yourself from Melbourne to New South Wales."
Josh , Bachelor of Aviation
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 Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas, Associate Degrees and Degrees)
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
RC*
Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2024 [after adjustment factors]
63.15
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 adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.
Subject adjustments:
- A study score of 25 in any Mathematics, Physics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- A study score of 30 in any Mathematics, Physics or Psychology equals 3 aggregate points per study.
Overall maximum of 15 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.
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.
Course prerequisites
- 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
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne’s MathsLink Methods bridging program.
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.
Other requirements
Prior to selection, all shortlisted candidates are required to complete a skills assessment test (SAT).
It is a computer-based aptitude test consisting of psychometric testing, hand-eye coordination, motor skills, spatial awareness, ability to manage a dynamic environment, and personality type. SAT sessions will be held prior and during the selection round.
Although not an entry requirement, students must also satisfy the statutory Class 1 medical requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety 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.
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.
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.
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.
-
Diploma of Engineering (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 6 units max credit
-
Diploma of Information Technology (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 6 units max credit
-
Diploma of Arts and Communication (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 6 units max credit
-
Diploma of Business (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 6 units max credit
-
Diploma of Health Science (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 6 units max credit
-
Diploma of Science (UniLink)
8 months full-time, 6 units max credit
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.
How credit points work
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Aviation 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.
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 |
|
Essential Aviation Analytical Skills
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVA10011 |
|
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.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | |
|
Airline Operations Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVA20022 |
|
Aviation Safety and Risk Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVA20023 |
|
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVT20003 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Aviation Project: Managing Implementation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVA20024 |
|
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 |
|
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 2
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVT30004 |
|
Advanced Aviation Analytics and Research Skills
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVA30005 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
| Semester 2 | |
|
Aviation Capstone 2: Project Implementation
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVA30009 |
|
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 3
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVT30002 |
|
Current and Future Aviation Technologies and Operational Concepts
Major unit, 12.5 credit points |
AVA30006 |
|
Elective
Elective unit |
|
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$9,314
Total fee* ($AUD)
$27,942
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
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 fees and costs are applicable to the flying training (practicum) units that form part of this course. You should take these flying training fees into account when considering this course. Eligible students can elect to enrol in the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) to access FEE-HELP to assist with flying training fees.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Closing date
Applications for Round 1 close on 20 December. Applications submitted after this date may be considered in later rounds.
-
- Aviation
New pilot pathway program takes off at Swinburne
Swinburne is partnering with Qantas under a new pilot pathway program that will see aviation students eligible to enter the airline’s regional brand, QantasLink, as a Turboprop First Officer.
Monday 11 December 2017
