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104 weeks
On campus
Full-time · Approximately 35 hours per week, including two or three days of theory classes at Bendigo or Point Cook campus, one day of theory classes at Melbourne City campus, one or two flying days, plus approximately three hours of independent study each night
February | July
Course Overview
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="overview"> Overview Designed in collaboration with industry, the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career as a pilot. Blending aviation theory with practical flying lessons, your studies in this associate degree will prepare you to undertake the CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) Commercial Pilot Licence theory and flight tests. In addition to your pilot training, you may also undertake subjects in instrument and instructor ratings to further your knowledge and capabilities in this exciting industry. A flying start to your career Step onto the tarmac with Aviation students Shakila and Colin, and discover a day in the life of Flight Training students at RMIT’s Point Cook campus. Flight Training - Jess Dettmer Jess Dettmer is studying the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots), gaining the skills she needs to achieve CASA certification as a Commercial Pilot and start her career in the sky. Get a flying start to your career Step onto the tarmac with Shakila and Colin, two students in the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) and discover a day in the life of Flight Training students at RMIT’s Point Cook campus. Transcript It’s an experience that really can’t be replicated Sliding into the pilot’s seat for the first time. The crackle and hum of the cockpit’s intercom Reviewing the flight plan one final time, before kicking the tires, lighting the fires and feeling the plane peel away from the earth. The temperature dropping as you climb Watching homes, rivers and highways shrink from view until you’re up among the clouds. It’s anything but your standard nine-to-five, flying. Whether it’s a long-haul over the red deserts of central Australia, or landing a ski plane on an Alaskan glacier, flying up opens a world of opportunities. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the earth’s shadow at dusk, as the sun sets in the opposite direction...while you navigate the rivers of wind in the sky And catch a tailwind that speeds you towards your destination. So, are you ready to take on what’s next in aviation? Then step on to the tarmac and launch your career with RMIT. Back to Video Flight Training - Jess Dettmer Jess Dettmer is studying the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots), gaining the skills she needs to achieve CASA certification as a Commercial Pilot and start her career in the sky. Transcript VISUAL: Flight Training. Jess Dettmer talks about what it’s like to study at RMIT. RMIT University logo. VISUAL: Jess Dettmer speaking to and smiling at the camera. She is wearing her pilot training uniform of a white shirt and tie with RMIT University logo on her shoulder slides. Jess Dettmer: I've always had an interest in aviation ... VISUAL: Jess Dettmer sitting in the cockpit carrying out checks of the instrument panel whilst holding a checklist. Jess Dettmer: ... and I've always wanted to become a pilot. VISUAL: Jess Dettmer standing under the wing of the plane doing a pre?flight safety check looking at and touching the wing. Jess Dettmer: It's been my dream ever since I was a child. VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. Video on top left of screen is of Jess standing in front of the airplane and touching the propeller. Video on the bottom left is of Jess walking on the tarmac towards the plane in the distant background. The video on the right side of the screen is of Jess Dettmer speaking to camera. Jess Dettmer: The most enjoyable part is definitely the flying. VISUAL: Close up of Jess flying the plane, sitting in the cockpit with headset on looking to her right at her co-pilot who is off?screen then back to the controls and front window of plane. She is holding the yoke (ie plane’s steering wheel). Jess Dettmer: It's just so much fun to be up there ... VISUAL: Video as camera is sitting on the back of the plane looking back towards the tail of the plane as it is in the air, the runway is on the ground in the background and there is a large body of water to the right of the screen. Jess Dettmer: ... and flying around and ... VISUAL: Video of view from the plane’s window of land and a bay with a dock and a large container ship moored there. In the far distance you can see bridges and towns. Jess Dettmer: ... experiencing the world from above. VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. The two videos on the right top and bottom are of Jess Dettmer smiling at the camera. The image on the left of the screen has the words: What has been the biggest challenge? written in white over a red background. VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. The video on the left is Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. The video on the top right is of Jess Dettmer and a fellow male student smiling and listening to someone who is speaking off?screen. The bottom right video is a close up of a map with someone pointing at a place on the map. Jess Dettmer: The biggest challenge is really to ... VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. The video on the left is the same as before, Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. The video on the top right is of Jess Dettmer and a fellow male student, now with their backs to the camera listening to a male instructor who is speaking with them. The bottom right video is a close up of a model of an airplane being held by someone’s hand. A male RMIT student pilot is sitting in the background looking at the model plane. Jess Dettmer: ... balance theory and flying. VISUAL: Camera is in the cockpit looking towards the two pilots sitting in their seats flying the plane. Jess Dettmer: You get carried away by just flying 'cause it is the funnest (sic) ... VISUAL: Video taken from inside the plane looking out the window down on the patchwork of farms and roads below. Jess Dettmer: ... part and sometimes ... VISUAL: Jess Dettmer speaking to and smiling at the camera. Jess Dettmer: ... theory gets left behind. VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. The two videos on the left top and bottom are of Jess Dettmer smiling at the camera. The image on the right of the screen has the words: What was your first solo flight like? written in white over a red background. VISUAL: Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. Jess Dettmer: It was really fun, exciting, nerve-wracking ... VISUAL: Close up of Jess’s hands holding the yoke with the instrument panel in the background. Jess Dettmer: ... and scary at the same time VISUAL: Jess flying the plane wearing her headset and holding the yoke, the farmlands below can be seen through the plane’s window. Jess Dettmer: ... being up there all by yourself and trusting yourself. VISUAL: View from the plane’s window as it is flying with the underside of the wing in the foreground. The patchwork farms, roads and the bay can be seen way below. Jess Dettmer: My favourite was all the ... VISUAL: Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. Jess Dettmer: ... PPL solo flights. VISUAL: Close up of the navigation screen on the cockpit’s instrument panel showing a map of the bay and the land and flight routes etc. Jess Dettmer: So you were solo navigation ... VISUAL: View of Melbourne city below from the plane’s window. Jess Dettmer: ... flying all around Victoria. VISUAL: Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. Jess Dettmer: The Decathlon is definitely the most fun to fly ... VISUAL: Video of the Decathlon fixed wing airplane with a propeller on the front parked on the tarmac. The plane is painted red with white decals or a star and stripe down the side. The plane’s call sign is VH-ZFT. Jess Dettmer: ...it's really great to manoeuvre ... VISUAL: Video of the plane camera is front on to it and close up on the propeller and nose of the plane and glass of the cockpit. Jess Dettmer: ... you've got a great view from the cockpit ... VISUAL: Video of the back of the plane where you can see RMIT University’s logo is placed on its tail. Jess Dettmer: ... and you can do some really fun tricks. VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. The two videos on the left top and bottom are of Jess Dettmer smiling at the camera. The image on the left of the screen has the words: What’s next for you? written in white over a red background. (Background music) VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. The video on the left is Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. The video on the top right is of Jess Dettmer working at her desk. The bottom right video is of Jess smiling as she walks on the tarmac towards the camera. Jess Dettmer: Hopefully, I'll try to find some charter work ... VISUAL: Three videos on one screen. The video on the left is the same as before, Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. The video on the top right is of Jess Dettmer standing at a bench in the flight room speaking to a male instructor who is standing behind the bench. The bottom right video is a close up of Jess Dettmer holding and using a navigation instrument. Jess Dettmer: ... or an instructor position ... VISUAL: Jess Dettmer standing at the bench in the flight room looking at a large folded map. Jess Dettmer: ... elsewhere in Australia. VISUAL: Jess Dettmer sitting in the classroom nodding as she listens to an instructor off?screen. A fellow male student is sitting beside her. Jess Dettmer: My dream job is to one day work for ... VISUAL: Jess Dettmer speaking to the camera. Jess Dettmer: ... the Royal Flying Doctors. I'd love to help ... VISUAL: Video of Jess Dettmer sitting in the cockpit on the tarmac continuing with her pre?flight checks. Jess Dettmer: ... people and fly throughout rural Australia. VISUAL: View from the plane’s window looking down at the farmlands below. The underside of the wing is in the foreground. Jess Dettmer: My other dream job would be to become ... VISUAL: Jess Detter speaking to and smiling at the camera. Jess Dettmer: ... an international pilot and fly all around the world. VISUAL: RMIT University’s logo and website . End of video Back to Video 1 / 2
Where You Can Study
Melbourne
124 La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Student Information
Tuition Fee
See Fees for details. AU$79,680 (2026 annual)
Duration
2 years full-time
Intakes
February | July
Study Mode
On-campus / Full-time
Entry Requirements
Eligibility
Domestic (Local) Students:
Applicants with Recent Secondary Education (current or within past two years):
Applicants with VET Study:
Applicants with Higher Education Study:
Applicants with Work and Life Experience:
Medical Requirements (all applicants):
International Students:
Career & Study Pathways
class="m-0 section-title__container anchorname" id="career"> Career Qantas Group – Aviation Career Enrichment (Q-ACE) Program Qantas and RMIT have partnered to offer an exciting career path to aspiring pilots. Find out more Qantas Group – Aviation Career Enrichment program is designed to support Aviation students through partnerships with selected Australian aviation universities, including RMIT. To participate, university students will need to be in Year 2 of their undergraduate Aviation degree. The program will provide University students the necessary insights and preparation for future roles in the aviation industry. Students who complete the Q-ACE program will be able to update their aviation experience every six months. Once the minimum direct entry pilot recruitment requirements are met for one of the Qantas Group airlines, they will be extended an invitation to attend a Qantas Group Assessment Centre, subject to operational requirements. To be eligible for the program, students will need to be enrolled in the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot Training) or Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilot) and be actively undertaking flying training in one of these courses as an Australian resident student. This course is available to students studying AD023 at the Point Cook or Bendigo Campuses, or other approved airfields. For further information, contact RMIT Flight Training , or visit Qantas Careers . Your career as a professional pilot Start your career as a professional pilot or an instructor while you work towards flying in a commercial operation or airline. Career outlook If you successfully complete this course, you will be eligible to apply for a CASA Commercial Pilots Licence, plus either Command Instrument Rating (multi-engine) or Flight Instructor Rating (single engine). Roles you may find immediately after graduation may include charter and freight operation, air-work/agricultural operations, major and regional airlines, emergency services, flight training organisations, seasonal bushfire spotting and beach patrols Captain Shubh Saxena talks about his journey from studying at RMIT to flying the Bombardier Q400 with QantasLink. Captain Shubh Saxena - Flight Training Captain Shubh Saxena talks about his journey from studying at RMIT to flying the Bombardier Q400 with QantasLink. Transcript This video features a male narrator (Captain Shubh Saxena). There is no dialogue apart from the narration. The video opens on a wide shot of Qantas planes on the runway at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport. We then see Shubh walking towards the camera and his narration begins. During the video, we see him working with members of his crew performing flight planning activities in various work environments at the airport. These scenes are interspersed with shots of Qantas planes on the runway. Upbeat music plays throughout. Duration: 1 minute 44 seconds. I'm a captain on the Bombardier Q400 with Qantas link. It can be a dynamic and challenging environment but I thoroughly enjoy it. Achieving my command with Qantas link has no doubt been a highlight of my career. Here at Tullamarine if it's a flying day I’ll sign-on, complete planning for the flight sectors with the first officer, and then we'll meet up without cabin crew team members. On any given day we can find multiple sectors between ports right across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. Becoming an airline pilot was my goal from an early age. At RMIT I enjoyed learning how to fly with like-minded classmates and instructors and formed wonderful friendships that continue to this day. RMIT's flight training program was balanced and well-structured. It taught me how to work as a team, multitasking, prioritising and always thinking ahead. My courses based on CASA-approved training techniques, with theory and flying running concurrently across the various licensing levels In Australia the early stage of a flying career sees you complete a lot of civilian flying roles as an instructor, as a charter pilot or as an airline trainee. I worked at RMIT as an instructor when I graduated and was able to build on my leadership skills and enhance my aviation knowledge. The combination of all of these skills has helped to set up a great base for the rest of my career. A true passion for flying in aviation is motivation enough to work hard and achieve your goals. The journey to success is exactly that a journey. Savour every moment. [Closing credits] RMIT University logo CRICOS provider number 00122A Back to video Our graduates As an RMIT Flight Training graduate, there are a variety of paths you can take. You may choose to undertake flight instructor training and work as an instructor while you complete further studies. This can be a rewarding way to build your hours or become a long-term career. With further experience (typically more than 200-300 flight hours), you may find work in multi-engine charter operations flying high-performance aircraft with regional airlines, or within high-performance general aviation activities, such as the Royal Flying Doctors Service or Border Protection Command services, and in the role of first officer in major airlines. Major airlines typically require approximately 1,500 hours total time for direct entry first officers. With further experience and managerial qualifications, you'll be able to seek positions with major airlines as a: chief pilot fleet manager flight operations manager or inspector. Expand all sections Professional recognition and accreditation The Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilot) conducted by RMIT University Flight Training meets all the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements. You will be prepared to undertake relevant CASA flying licences as well as the relevant CASA theory exams. RMIT will also facilitate the relevant CASA flight tests and the associated cost of the first attempt for each flight test is incorporated in the course fee. It is preferable that you sit the CASA tests during the program . All flying activities are conducted under RMIT University's CASA approved Air Operator Certificate (AOC). <div
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Professional Body
Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)
Accreditation Status
AccreditedSkills Assessor
CASA
Course Content
Introduction to Aviation
Theory to Recreational Pilot Licence
Theory to Recreational Pilot Licence (Bendigo)
Flying to Recreational Pilot Licence
Flying to Recreational Pilot Licence (Bendigo)
Human Factors in Aviation
Theory to Private Pilot Licence
Theory to Private Pilot Licence (Bendigo)
Flying to Private Pilot Licence
Flying to Private Pilot Licence (Bendigo)
Introduction to Commercial Pilot Licence
Introduction to Commercial Pilot Licence (Bendigo)
Incident and Accident Investigation
Unmanned Aerial System Operations
Air Cargo Management and Operations
Airport Planning and Management
Aviation Strategy in the Global Context
Airport Design
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory (Bendigo)
Commercial Pilot Licence Flying
Commercial Pilot Licence Flying (Bendigo)
Air Transport Pilot Licence 1 & 2
Theory to Instrument Rating
Theory to Instrument Rating (Bendigo)
Flying to Instrument Rating
Flying to Instrument Rating (Bendigo)
Instructor Theory
Instructor Theory (Bendigo)
Flying to Instructor Rating
Flying to Instructor Rating (Bendigo)
Common Questions
The total estimated program tuition fees for 2026 are AU$159,360 for both the Instrument and Instructor streams. This breaks down as: Year 1 — $36,480 theory fees + $41,320 practical fees = $77,800; Year 2 — $36,480 theory fees + $45,080 practical fees = $81,560. The program is only offered as a full-fee paying program. Domestic students may be eligible to defer payment using a FEE-HELP loan, with the 2026 HELP loan limit for this program being $186,544 (a 20% loan fee applies). International student fees are AU$79,680 per year (2026 annual). Fees are adjusted annually by up to 7.5% each year.
The minimum ATAR for entry is 60.30 for the Point Cook campus and 60.60 for the Bendigo campus. Entry is competitive and applicants are ranked in order of merit. You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors of up to 28 aggregate points, which include subject adjustments (e.g., a study score of 25 in Maths or Science subjects equals 2 aggregate points each, up to a maximum of 8 points), equity access schemes, and regional adjustments. Additional adjustment factors are available for female applicants as this program is under-represented by women.
Upon completing the program, you will be eligible to apply for a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). During the course, you will also obtain a Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) and a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). In your final semester, you choose between two specialisation streams: Option A (Instrument stream) — Command Instrument Rating (IREX) with a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), or Option B (Instructor stream) — Flight Instructor Rating (FIR, single engine). RMIT facilitates the relevant CASA flight tests and the associated cost of the first attempt for each flight test is incorporated in the course fee.
You will be trained in single- and multi-engine aircraft including the Cessna 172S, Cessna 182T, Decathlon 8KCAB, and the PA-44 Piper Seminole (multi-engine). You will also have access to flight training devices including the Frasca 242 flight simulator and FM210 Touch Trainer. At Bendigo, newly acquired Cessna 172s with glass cockpits are available. RMIT holds an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), meaning students receive more than the minimum required flying hours.
Yes. Students offered a place are required to undergo a CASA Class 1 Medical Examination by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). RMIT strongly recommends obtaining this medical certificate before commencing the program to ensure no existing condition would prevent you from completing CPL training. A Class 1 medical is required for the CPL and ATPL; a Class 2 medical is required for the PPL. The approximate cost of the first-issue Class 1 medical exam is $650–$750, plus a CASA Medical Processing Fee of $75. RMIT does not accept responsibility for students who enrol but cannot complete the program due to inability to receive a CASA Class 1 medical certificate.
To graduate, you must complete 192 credit points in total: 144 credit points of core subjects plus 48 credit points from one of two specialised streams (Instrument or Instructor). In Year 1, you complete 84 credit points of core subjects plus 12 credit points from Aviation Technical Options, totalling 96 credit points. In Year 2, you complete 24 credit points of core subjects, 24 credit points from Aviation Technical Options, and 48 credit points from either the Instrument or Instructor stream. Full-time study involves approximately 35 hours per week, including theory classes at the flight training campus (2–3 days), one day at Melbourne City campus, and 1–2 days of flying. If you complete only the first 8 core subjects and gain your PPL, you may be eligible for an exit award: the Diploma of Flying (Private Pilot Licence).
Application
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Step 02
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Step 03
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Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.
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