Bachelor of Aviation (Flying)

When you complete the Bachelor of Aviation (Flying), you'll graduate with a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), an Instrument Rating – Multi Engine Aeroplane and Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory credit. You'll complete around 200 hours of flight training and 30 hours of simulator training through the UNSW Flying Operations Unit (FOU), ensuring you meet the flight hours, knowledge and safety requirements to become a career-ready commercial pilot.

Practical flight training takes place at the UNSW Flying Operations Unit (FOU) at Bankstown Airport. The FOU includes a modern fleet of Diamond DA40 and Piper PA44 training aircraft, advanced flight simulators, dedicated briefing rooms and flight planning facilities. The FOU operates under UNSW's own Air Operator's Certificate. You'll complete approximately 200 hours of flight training and 30 hours of simulator training across Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot Licence, Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane, and ATPL theory.

In 2026, the anticipated standard cost of flight training to obtain the minimum of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating - Multi Engine Aeroplane is $154,500. Additional flying costs may be incurred depending on your choice of third-year flying elective and if more than 200 flight hours are required. For domestic students in a Commonwealth Supported Place, the indicative first year full fee is $9,500 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $181,000. For international students, the indicative first year fee is $62,500 and the full fee to complete the degree is approximately $348,000. Students are notified of their flight training costs in March of the year before they undertake flying training.

The Q-ACE Program is delivered by the Qantas Group to help prepare aspiring pilots for direct-entry employment with airlines. Available to eligible UNSW second-year aviation students, it provides career development sessions, industry mentoring and exposure to airline recruitment standards. In your final year, you'll also be matched with an airline pilot mentor through the Australian and International Pilots Association (AIPA), providing practical career guidance, insight into airline operations and support in navigating your transition from study to the aviation industry.

The Aptitude Admissions Test is an online assessment designed to understand how you think and respond, rather than what you've memorised at school. It includes general ability questions (logic, reasoning, and problem-solving) and a behaviour-based assessment (how you tend to approach tasks, challenges, and teamwork). The test fee is $55 (non-refundable) and must be completed within two weeks of receiving access. Only your first aptitude admission test result for the admission year you're applying for will be considered — if your first attempt is unsuccessful, any subsequent test results will only be valid for future admission years.