Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (CRICOS course code 0101242) is a Diploma delivered by Royal Victorian Aero Club over 19 weeks. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring it meets Australian quality standards for international education. As an AQF Level 5 qualification, it falls under the field of Aerospace Engineering and Technology, specifically Aircraft Operation (031505). Students who complete this diploma gain the skills and knowledge required to operate aircraft under instrument flight rules, including navigation, communication, and decision-making in complex environments. The course is delivered at Royal Victorian Aero Club's facility in Mentone, Victoria, a suburb of Melbourne. Australia is home to over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and HeadStart Academy sources all data from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026 to ensure accuracy. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, and student visa guidance to help you plan your study journey.
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The Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (CRICOS 0101242) is a Diploma-level qualification designed for aspiring pilots who wish to specialise in instrument flying. Delivered by Royal Victorian Aero Club (CRICOS 00277D), a private provider with a long history in aviation training, this course equips students with the competencies needed for instrument rating endorsement under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The field of education is 03 – Engineering and Related Technologies, with a focus on Aerospace Engineering and Technology (0315) and Aircraft Operation (031505). Graduates typically find employment as commercial pilots, flight instructors, or in aviation management roles. The course is a single qualification with no dual or foundation studies component. As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected by the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which ensures tuition protection and quality assurance. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that does not charge referral fees, helping you compare courses across Australia.
This diploma covers the theoretical and practical aspects of instrument flight operations. Students learn to interpret meteorological data, use navigation aids, execute instrument approach procedures, and manage aircraft systems under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). The curriculum aligns with the VET national code AVI50519 and includes modules on flight planning, human factors, and radio communication. While specific syllabi vary by provider, graduates of instrument rating programs are prepared for the CASA instrument rating flight test. This level of study typically requires completion of a prior diploma or equivalent experience. The course is delivered in English, so proficiency is essential. Note that this is a general description; for exact subjects, contact Royal Victorian Aero Club directly.
The Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) runs for 19 weeks (19 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification, meaning it does not lead to an additional award or foundation studies. Students are expected to attend full-time at the provider's location. The duration is relatively short compared to other diplomas, reflecting the focused nature of instrument rating training. Royal Victorian Aero Club may offer flexible scheduling, but the CRICOS registration indicates 19 weeks of study. Always confirm the exact study mode and timetable with the provider.
Indicative tuition fees for this course are A$44,500, with non-tuition fees of A$0, resulting in an estimated total of A$44,500. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. They do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs approximately A$500–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs in Melbourne (VIC) are around A$400–A$600 per week for rent, food, and transport. For the most current fees, always visit Royal Victorian Aero Club's website at www.rvac.com.au. HeadStart Academy does not set fees and recommends confirming directly with the provider before enrolment.
To enrol in the Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating), international students typically need an IELTS overall score of 5.5 to 6.0 (or equivalent) and have completed Year 12 or a relevant qualification. Since this is a diploma at AQF Level 5, prior learning in aviation or a related field is advantageous but not always mandatory. Foundation or pathway programs are not offered for this course. Royal Victorian Aero Club may also require a medical fitness assessment and a valid pilot licence. All entry requirements are set by the provider; contact them directly for precise criteria. Remember, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee a visa. The Department of Home Affairs assesses Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria and financial capacity separately.
This course has no mandatory work component. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. However, this course does not include a work placement or internship. Students seeking practical experience in aviation should explore options independently, such as part-time work at airports or flight schools, subject to visa conditions. The absence of a work component means the focus is entirely on academic and practical flight training.
The Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) is delivered at Royal Victorian Aero Club's facility in Mentone, Victoria (VIC). Mentone is a suburb located about 20 km southeast of Melbourne's central business district. Melbourne is a major education hub with over 200,000 international students and a wide range of CRICOS-registered providers. The city has excellent public transport, including train and bus services connecting Mentone to the city. Living costs in Melbourne are moderate, with indicative weekly rent of A$200–A$350 for shared accommodation, groceries around A$80–A$120, and public transport about A$50. The provider's address is at Moorabbin Airport, which is well-served by bus routes. For exact location details, visit the Royal Victorian Aero Club website.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course and work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, with unlimited work during scheduled breaks. You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The visa application also requires you to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status, sufficient financial capacity for tuition, living costs, and dependants (if applicable), and meet health and character requirements. The Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed information. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA-registered agent for visa assistance. Student visa holders must comply with visa conditions, including maintaining enrolment and attendance.
Applying for the Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) at Royal Victorian Aero Club involves three steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm Royal Victorian Aero Club's CRICOS registration (00277D) and the course code 0101242.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.rvac.com.au, check entry requirements (including English test scores and prior qualifications), and submit an application. Ensure you meet deadlines and provide all required documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the provider will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Include OSHC, financial evidence, and a genuine temporary entrant statement. Processing times vary, so apply early.
Ready to start your aviation career? Research more Diploma of Aviation courses at headstartacademy.com.au or apply directly to Royal Victorian Aero Club.
Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Royal Victorian Aero Club. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.