Launch your flying career at one of the top 20 universities in the world.* The Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) will prepare you for a successful career as a pilot, industry leader or manager within the aviation sector.

Our Flying program has been recently revamped to meet the rapidly changing needs of the aviation sector. The degree focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to become a professional pilot working either as a single pilot in a general aviation organisation or as a multi-crew team in an airline. Designed in collaboration with key aviation industry partners, the program allows students to gain real-world experience through mentorships and partner programs to accelerate their pathway to becoming a first officer.  

With tourism experiencing a huge upswing, airlines around the world growing their fleets and a brand-new airport opening in Sydney’s west, there’s never been a better time to take to the skies as a pilot. Our graduates are highly respected and in high demand in Australia and internationally, thanks to UNSW Aviation’s reputation in the industry and our global alumni network.

^{*QS World University Rankings, 2024}

Over this three-year full-time program, you’ll complete a total of 144 units of credit (UOC). This includes core courses (126 UOC), prescribed electives (6 UOC) and general education courses (12 UOC).  

You will spend half the program studying academic courses at our Kensington Campus and the other half completing flying theory and flight training at our Flying Operations Unit (FOU).  

The academic program includes courses in commercial aircraft knowledge, aviation transport economics and flight planning. In addition to theoretical studies, you will have up to 200 hours of flight training and approximately 30 hours of simulator training. You will also have the option to utilise 6 UOC towards a work placement through the UNSW Work Integrated Learning program, giving you first-hand experience with industry partners.

Full program structure

Students must complete 144 units of credit (UOC) to graduate with a Bachelor of Aviation (Flying). This three-year full-time course includes core courses (126 UOC), prescribed electives (6 UOC) and general education courses (12 UOC). 

• Year one
• Year two
• Year three

Professional Pilot Program Assessment

Flight training within the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) requires separate enrolment in the Professional Pilot Program in addition to the academic enrolment. Enrolment in the Professional Pilot Program enables students to undertake flight training for the purpose of obtaining the licences and ratings included in the program. There are no academic units of credit allocated to the Professional Pilot Program. However, the School of Aviation provides successful students with UNSW Wings and a certificate at a Wings and Awards ceremony. The theory lessons undertaken to gain the various ratings and licenses are part of the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) academic program. 

The Professional Pilot Program covers flight training and flight tests to a minimum of Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), together with Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane and Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory. 

The Professional Pilot Program is conducted in block periods throughout the degree program. It includes up to 200 hours of flight training and approximately 30 hours of simulator training to CPL and Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane status. The flight training and associated theory are taught in an integrated format and delivered over two years, in addition to the demanding main campus academic commitment. Students may elect to complete further academic work in lieu of flight training for the elective in the final phase of third year. 

Students undertaking the Professional Pilot Program begin the academic year in mid-February of first year, and complete the first two terms of the academic core before commencing Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) in September of first year. Flight training is scheduled continuously from November in first year to mid-December in second year; completing training for the Recreational and Commercial Pilot Licences, and Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane. Students complete the academic core in term one of third year and then return to Bankstown Flying Operations Unit for the final stage of flight training, which covers Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory, examinations and their elective. 

Students are expected to make themselves available on a full-time basis during training. At times, students may be expected to fly earlier or later or occasionally on weekends if necessary due to scheduling pressures or delays due to maintenance or weather.  

• Flight tests
• Theory examinations

Australia has one of the most highly developed aviation industries in the world. It is home to some of the best global airlines and has significant hubs for airlines based in Asia, the Americas and Europe. 

Becoming a pilot with an airline usually requires working within the general aviation sector to gain additional flying experience. For this reason, most flying graduates will spend some time working as a flying instructor, charter pilot or in some other general aviation flying activity.  

For qualified pilots, there is a wide variety of work in aviation which includes being an airline pilot (international and regional), a flight instructor, charter or corporate pilot, corporate jet flying, helicopter flying and aerial survey work. There is also the potential to transition into an aviation management role, working as part of a leadership team for an airline, airport or aviation business.  

Potential careers

• Commercial airline pilot
• Private airline pilot
• Flight instructor
• Technical support officer
• Flight operations manager
• Chief Operating Officer

There are several admission pathways to an undergraduate degree at UNSW including high school qualifications, UNSW Foundation Studies, UNSW Diploma, recognised prior study or university trans

IELTS: 6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest); TOEFL IBT (Internet Based): 90 overall (min. 23 in writing, 22 in reading, listening and speaking); Pearson (PTE - Academic): 64 overall (min. 54 in each subtest); C1 Advanced Cambridge: 176 overall (min. 169 in each subtest); C2 Proficiency Cambridge: 180 overall (min. 180 in each subtest); UNSW Global University English Entry Course (UEEC): C+, Writing C.