Aviation
- Mar 18, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 21, 2025
Aviation is the operation of aircraft to provide transportation of people, goods, or services. It covers a wide range of fields including air traffic control, airport management, and aircraft maintenance. With the growth of the aviation industry, there are plenty of opportunities for professionals in this field. Whether you're interested in flying or managing the industry, studying aviation can lead to exciting career prospects.

1. Admissions Guide for Aviation in Australia
This diagram provides a brief guide to the admission process for high school graduates who wish to study aviation in Australia.
2. Entry Requirements for Aviation Studies in Australia
The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for international students who are interested in pursuing studies in Aviation in Australia. Entry requirements are categorized into academic and English language requirements. For detailed admission requirements, please consult with an Australian Study Abroad Counselor (QEAC).
Note: These requirements may vary depending on the institution.
Qualification | Duration | IELTS | Academic Requirement |
Bachelor's degree | 3 years |
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Master's degree | 2 years |
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3. Prerequisites for Enrolling in Aviation Program in Australia
Before enrolling in an aviation program in Australia, it is important to obtain an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) and a CASA Medical Certificate from a CASA-designated hospital. The ARN is a unique identifier for individuals operating in the Australian aviation industry, while the medical certificate is required to ensure that you are medically fit to fly.
Types Of Casa Medical Certification | Required Group |
Class 1 medical certificate |
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Class 2 medical certificate |
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Class 3 medical certificate |
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4. Structure of Aviation Courses in Australia
The following table provides an overview of the structure of an Aviation course for international students in Australia. It outlines the key components of the course and briefly describes what each component covers. This information can be useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in aviation and want to gain a better understanding of the different areas of knowledge and skills that they will acquire through the course.
Note: The components and course structure may vary depending on the institution and specific course.
Component | Description |
Aviation Theory | This component covers the principles of flight, aviation regulations, navigation, meteorology, and aircraft systems. It also includes topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft performance, and flight planning. |
Flight Training | Flight training involves practical instruction in flying an aircraft. Students will typically start with basic flight maneuvers and progress to more complex procedures such as takeoff, landing, and emergency procedures. |
Aircraft Maintenance | |
Human Factors | Human factors covers the study of human behavior, limitations, and capabilities in the aviation context. It includes topics such as crew resource management, situational awareness, decision-making, and communication. |
Aviation Management | This component covers the business and management aspects of the aviation industry. It includes topics such as airport operations, airline management, aviation law, and safety management systems. |

5. Aviation Courses in Australia: A Guide to Providers
The following table provides a brief overview of schools offering aviation courses in each Australian state and territory, along with the total duration of the courses. If you're interested in becoming a pilot, air traffic controller, or aviation engineer, this table can help you find the right aviation course provider to suit your needs. Simply browse the table below to discover the schools offering the courses you're looking for.
State/Territory | Institution | Program | Duration |
NSW | UNSW Sydney |
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VIC | RMIT University |
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VIC | Swinburne University of Technology |
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QLD | Griffith University |
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QLD | University of Southern Queensland |
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QLD | Airways Aviation |
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QLD | Southern Cross University |
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SA | University of South Australia |
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WA | Edith Cowan University |
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6. Types and Requirements of Aviation Licenses in Australia
Australia offers various types of aviation licenses, including the Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). The requirements for each license differ depending on the level of skill and experience needed. Please refer to the table below to check the specific requirements for each license.
Types Of Aviation Licences | Requirement |
PPL (Private Pilot Licence) |
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CPL (Commcercial Pilot Licence) |
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ATPL (Air Transport Licence) |
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7. Hierarchy of Aviation Positions and Descriptions
The table outlines the positions in the aviation hierarchy in Australia, from Aviation Assistant to Pilot. Responsibilities and required skills increase with each position, with higher positions requiring experience in managing a team and providing advanced aviation services.
Note that the positions and descriptions may vary depending on the aviation institution or organization.
Position | Description |
Aviation Assistant | This position involves assisting with ground operations, including tasks such as loading and unloading baggage, guiding aircraft, and performing basic maintenance checks. |
Aviation Technician | An aviation technician performs maintenance and repairs on aircraft, engines, and other aviation-related equipment. This position requires specialized technical knowledge and skills, as well as the ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. |
Aviation Engineer | An aviation engineer designs and tests aircraft, engines, and related systems. This position requires a high level of technical knowledge and expertise in areas such as aerodynamics, materials science, and systems integration. |
Aviation Manager | This position involves managing aviation operations, including overseeing staff, scheduling flights, and ensuring compliance with regulations and safety standards. This role may also involve managing budgets and financial planning. |
Pilot | A pilot is responsible for operating an aircraft and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. This position requires extensive training and experience, as well as a high level of skill in areas such as navigation, communication, and decision-making. Pilots may work for airlines, charter companies, or other aviation organizations. |

8. Registration and Career Information for Air Transport Profession in Australia
The table below provides information on the pathway and outlook for becoming a pilot in Australia. Additionally, it provides information on the employment size, future job growth rate, average salary, employee percentage, female employment rate, and the average age of the pilot profession in Australia.
Occupation | Air Transport Professionals (ANZSCO ID 2311) |
Job Type | Professionals |
Skill Level | Very high skill |
Unemployment Rate | Above average |
Employed | 16,300 |
Future Growth | 31.4% |
Weekly Earnings | A$3,360 |
Full-Time Share | 78% |
Female Share | 9% |
Average Age | 42 |

9. Immigrating to Australia through Aviation
The diagram below provides an overview of the general process for immigrating to Australia through the Australian Aviation Program, including available visa options and Aviation-related occupations.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) | Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) |
X | X | O | O (Medium Term - Regional only) | O |
Occupation | ANZSCO | List | Visa | Accessing Authority |
Aeroplane Pilot | 231111 | ROL | Subclass 482 (Medium Term - Regional only) Subclass 187 Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | CASA |
Helicopter Pilot | 231114 | ROL | Subclass 482 (Medium Term - Regional only) Subclass 187 Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | CASA |





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