Graduate Diploma in Aviation

What you will study

Students must complete 48 units comprising seven core courses. Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth eight units.

Core courses

Complete 48 units for all of the following:

• Advanced Flying
• Aircraft Navigation 1
• Aircraft Navigation 2
• Instrument Flight 1
• Instrument Flight 2 (six units)
• Night Flying (two units)
• Introductory Flying

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Applications for this program are by invitation only. Applicants are required to have a current enrolment in a qualifying Adelaide University Bachelor of Aviation degree.

Applicants will be selected via a process that includes:

• Formal interview.
• Flight aptitude test.
• Assessment of Aviation English Proficiency.
• Successful completion of AERO1006 Flight Training Theory 1 with a minimum of 80% class attendance.
• Academic achievement, typically achieving at least a pass average within the Bachelor of Aviation studies.

In addition:

• Students must obtain a Class I Medical Certificate before commencing flight training. Class II will be considered if Class I has been held in the last three years. The CASA medical must not have any restrictions that would impede the student’s ability to complete the program and must be held for the duration of the program.
• Students must hold an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) before enrolling in Advanced Flying.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

• Introductory and advanced flying: Learn core principles of flying, including pre-flight and post-flight procedures, basic in-flight manoeuvres and aircraft operating. You’ll then progress to studying key competencies required to be recommended for the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) flight test.
• Aircraft navigation: Learn how to carry out cross-country flying using visual flight rules with professionalism and accuracy. You’ll then carry out cross-country flying and aircraft handling to pass the Commercial Pilot Licence Flight Test.
• Night flying: Learn how to confidently operate an aircraft at night under visual flight rules.
• Instrument flight: Hone your flying abilities under Instrument Flight Rules and gain a multi-engine endorsement. Complete IFR ground simulator lessons and successfully pass the CASA Instrument Rating Flight Test.

Career outcomes

With our Graduate Diploma in Aviation, you’ll be equipped to transport people from A to B safely. You could work as a medical or ambulance pilot, moving patients who need critical medical attention. You might be a flight instructor, training new pilots to confidently operate aircraft. Perhaps you’ll take on roles in airport management, operations or airline administration.

You can also consider the following careers:

• Commercial Pilot
• Professional Airline Pilot
• Defence Force Pilot
• Charter Pilot

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $121,600 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students.