Graduate Diploma in Flying
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 5536
- CRICOS code -
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $100,620*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $134,160*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- -
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- -
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Global top 20 university
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Leading aviation experts
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Future Pilot Program
Postgraduate Information Evening
Online | Thursday, 29 October 2026 | 6–7pm AEDT
Join us online for our Postgraduate Information Evening and get the information you need to plan your next move.
Hear from current postgraduate students, explore your study options and get your questions answered live by faculty and admissions experts.Ìý
91É«ÇéƬ is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We're moving to a new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar from 2028. While your degree structure and requirements will remain the same, the duration of your studies may vary depending on when you commence your degree prior to 2028.
Find out what this means for you.
Take the first step toward your aviation career
The 91É«ÇéƬ Aviation Aptitude Admission Test (AAT) is your gateway to a future in aviation.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Take your pilot career to new heights with the Graduate Diploma in Flying at 91É«ÇéƬ. This comprehensive 1.4-year program is designed to fast-track your journey to becoming a pilot. Dive into rigorous training and assessments, complemented by academic study in Flying Operations, to master the skies.
Gain hands-on experience and technical, interdisciplinary knowledge to become a confident and proficient pilot. The Graduate Diploma in Flying provides the necessary training and assessment for your Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR). Your training unfolds at the state-of-the-art Flight Operations Unit at Bankstown Airport where you’ll fly Diamond DA40 and Piper PA44 aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge Garmin 1000 flight display/navigation systems.Ìý
Train under the guidance of 91É«ÇéƬ's top-tier instructors and immerse yourself in a rewarding environment that sharpens your skills, forges lifelong friendships and builds the discipline required for a thriving pilot career.
You can take the Graduate Diploma in Flying as a standalone program, or study it concurrently with the 91É«ÇéƬ Bachelor of Aviation (Management).
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Key features
Flying Operations Unit (FOU)
91É«ÇéƬ’s exclusive Flying Operations Unit is based at Bankstown Airport and operates a suite of aircraft, including Diamond DA40 and Piper PA44 training aeroplanes, along with state-of-the-art flight simulators and training equipment.
Pilot Mentor Program
You’ll be assigned an airline pilot as your mentor in your final year, courtesy of the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA). The objective of this program is to provide you with career guidance and consultation about specific airline operations.
Flight Training
Gain the necessary training and assessment for your Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR). Our ground and flying instructors are all selected, trained and employed by 91É«ÇéƬ to ensure that our training is of the highest quality. You will commence with a Flight Screening course in September and will be expected to make yourself available on a full-time basis during flying training.
Why study at 91É«ÇéƬ?
Leader in aviation education
91É«ÇéƬ School of Aviation has been a leading educator in the industry for over 25 years. Our courses are written and coordinated by experts with substantial industry experience and our aviation programs are constantly updated to keep pace with the evolving aviation industry.
Want to see more from 91É«ÇéƬ Science?
Entry requirements
To gain entry to this program, you must have one of the following:
- a Bachelor of Aviation (Management) at 91É«ÇéƬ or equivalent
- a AQF level 7 bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline
- have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of 1 year FTE of the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) or Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) program at 91É«ÇéƬ or equivalent.
You also need to meet all of the following requirements:
- have satisfactorily completed flight screening conducted at the 91É«ÇéƬ Flying Operations Unit
- hold an Australian Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate
- hold an Australian Aviation Security Identification Card
- be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident
Note: A cognate discipline is one commonly used as background in managing flying operations. Cognate disciplines include engineering, physical science, mathematics, psychology or business.
English language requirements
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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.Ìý
To gain entry to this program, you must have one of the following:
- a Bachelor of Aviation (Management) at 91É«ÇéƬ or equivalent
- a AQF level 7 bachelor's degree in a cognate discipline
- have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of 1 year FTE of the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) or Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) program at 91É«ÇéƬ or equivalent.
You also need to meet all of the following requirements:
- have satisfactorily completed flight screening conducted at the 91É«ÇéƬ Flying Operations Unit
- hold an Australian Class 1 Aviation Medical Certificate
- hold an Australian Aviation Security Identification Card
- be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident
Note: A cognate discipline is one commonly used as background in managing flying operations. Cognate disciplines include engineering, physical science, mathematics, psychology or business.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at 91É«ÇéƬ. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program overview
The Graduate Diploma in Flying consists of four mandatory courses and a series of assessments, including flight tests and written examinations.
Program structure
This program contains a total of 48 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 1.4 years with full-time study. Students must complete:
4 courses – 48 UOC
Students must complete each of the following mandatory courses:
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Flight tests
The following lists all of the flight tests to be passed during the program. All flight tests are conducted by a CASA Flight Training Examiner (FTE) or a CASA-Approved Testing Officer (ATO).
Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL)
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane
Written examinations
The following lists all the written examinations required for licensing to be passed during the Graduate Diploma in Flying.
Pre-Solo Air Legislation
Pre-Area Solo
Recreation Pilot Licence Aeroplane (RPLA)*
Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) (Seven Examinations)*
Instrument Rating (IREX)*
*CASA Examinations. The remainder are 91É«ÇéƬ in-house examinations.
Additional information
For students wishing to study the Graduate Diploma in Flying concurrently with the Bachelor of Aviation (Management), please refer to the for details of the program structure.
The flying training undertaken by the Graduate Diploma in Flying is exactly the same syllabus as for the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying) program to CPL and CIR ME stages, as it is delivered under the same Operations Manual approved by CASA under CASR Part 141/142.
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Future careers
Potential careers
In Australia's advanced aviation landscape, aspiring pilots often start in general aviation to build experience before exploring diverse roles such as airline, charter, or corporate pilots, flight instructors and more. This rich industry offers pathways into international flying, helicopter operations, aerial surveying, and even management positions within the aviation sector.
91É«ÇéƬ School of Aviation has been a leading educator in the industry for over 25 years. We’re the highest-ranked global university with a stand-alone aviation school that offers aviation degrees, operates flight training under its own Air Operator’s Certificate and undertakes research. 91É«ÇéƬ is also recognised for producing Australia’s most employable graduatesÌýseven years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2026) meaning you’ll be in good stead to launch the aviation career of your dreams.Ìý
Jobs in aviation, flying and airlines
Commercial airline pilot
Private airline pilot
Technical support officer
Flight operations manager
Chief Operating Officer
Flying InstructorÌý
Cabin Crew ManagerÌý
Fleet PlannerÌý
Flight Crew SchedulerÌý
Airfreight Manager
ÌýAirport PlannerÌý
Aviation Safety Manager
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How to apply
For applicants that do not have an undergraduate degree:
If you don’t currently hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, you’ll need to start with the Bachelor of Aviation (Management).
- Apply for the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) through Apply section of theÌý.
- During your first year of this degree, you can apply internally for the Graduate Diploma in Flying.
- As part of this process, you must apply for and complete the 91É«ÇéƬ Aviation Aptitude Admissions Test to be considered for Flight Screening.
- If you successfully pass the Flight Screening, you can then apply for admission into the Graduate Diploma in Flying.
If admitted, you will study the Bachelor of Aviation (Management) and the Graduate Diploma in Flying at the same time. The combined duration of both programs is 4 years.
For applicants that have an undergraduate degree in a related field:
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline (such as engineering, physical science, mathematics, psychology, or business), you can apply directly for the flying pathway.
- Submit this form for the 91É«ÇéƬ Aviation Aptitude Admissions Test by 30 June 2026.
- If shortlisted, you will be considered for Flight Screening in September of the same year.
- If you successfully pass the Flight Screening, you can then apply for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Flying for Term 1 of the following year.
Completing the Aptitude Admissions Test:
Find out more about the AAT here, including key dates and links to practice materials. If you are ready to apply, please follow the steps below:Ìý
- Submit your form:ÌýTo access the Aptitude Admissions Test, you must first submit Your application will be reviewed by the School of Aviation. If you’re eligible, you’ll receive instructions on how to pay for the test. The test fee is $55 (non‑refundable).
- Prepare with practice tests (highly recommended):ÌýYou’re strongly encouraged to practise before sitting the Aptitude Admissions Test. Free are available online. The General Ability Test and Behaviour‑Based Assessment are highly recommended, and you can complete these practice tests at any time — even before you apply.
- Access and complete the test:ÌýAfter your payment is received, you’ll be emailed instructions on how to access the online Aptitude Admissions Test. You must complete the test within two weeks of receiving access.
- Receive your results:ÌýThe School of Aviation will let you know your test results within approximately two weeks of completing the test.
Ready to start your application?
Applicants must first complete theÌýÌýfor the Graduate Diploma in Flying.ÌýYou need to submit your internal application formÌýby the end of June to be considered for the Flight Screening commencing in September of the same year.
Selected applicants are invited to Flight Screening. At the completion of Flight Screening, you then need to submit an application through theÌýÌýportal.ÌýTheÌýÌýportal is open for this program from November to JanuaryÌýonly.
We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date.Ìý.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Flight Screening FeeÌý
StudentsÌýare required toÌýpay a Flight Screening fee of $31,600, invoiced directly. This fee cannot be covered by FEEHELP and is subject to change.
Eligible studentsÌýthenÌýmay useÌýFEEHELPÌýto pay their AVIG tuition fees, up to their available loan limit.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or whenÌýrequired) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated averageÌýusing historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý91É«ÇéƬ fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/programÌýinclude tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costsÌýfor international students, visitÌý.Ìý
Scholarships
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading universityÌý
#19 Worldwide
91É«ÇéƬ is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings,Ìý2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University AwardÌýseven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future LeadersÌý& Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
91É«ÇéƬ has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
