Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) (CRICOS course code 088880B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 3 years 1 month (~159 weeks). This course is designed for international students aiming to become professional pilots, combining academic study with practical flight training. You will study in the field of Aerospace Engineering and Technology, specifically Aircraft Operation (031505), at AQF Level 7. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets the requirements for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. UniSA is a public university with CRICOS provider code 00121B, offering quality education and state-of-the-art training facilities at Parafield Airport and Mawson Lakes campus. The indicative tuition fee is A$122,700, with an estimated total of A$122,900 including non-tuition fees. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) depending on training progression. The course is accredited by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and includes flight hours in modern aircraft. With Australia's growing aviation industry, this degree opens doors to airline careers globally. As a HeadStart Academy resource, all data is sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) — ensuring accuracy. Read on for full details on fees, entry requirements, delivery locations, and visa information.
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Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) (CRICOS course code 088880B) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by University of South Australia (UniSA) over 3 years 1 month (~159 weeks). This course is located in the field of Engineering and Related Technologies, specifically Aerospace Engineering and Technology (0315) with a focus on Aircraft Operation (031505). It is classified as a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) and is taught in English. The course does not include a dual qualification or foundation studies. It is a single qualification leading to a Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) upon completion. International students can enrol directly into this CRICOS-registered course, ensuring they benefit from the protections of the ESOS Act. UniSA is a public university with a strong reputation in engineering and aviation training. The course is delivered at two locations: Flight Training Adelaide at Parafield Airport and the Mawson Lakes Campus. Both sites are well connected by public transport in Adelaide, South Australia. South Australia is home to over 40 CRICOS-registered providers offering courses across all levels. The indicative fees for this course are A$122,700 tuition plus A$200 non-tuition, total A$122,900. However, these are indicative and subject to change. Always check with UniSA for current fees.
This Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) program is classified under the field of Aircraft Operation (031505), which is part of Aerospace Engineering and Technology. The curriculum covers both theoretical and practical aspects of aviation. You'll study subjects such as flight theory, navigation, meteorology, aviation law, human factors, and aerodynamics. Practical flight training is a core component, with hands-on experience in aircraft. The course is designed to meet the requirements for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL) as approved by CASA. Graduates develop strong technical skills, decision-making abilities, and an understanding of safety management systems. The program also includes simulator training and cross-country flights. At the Bachelor Degree level (AQF Level 7), students are expected to demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of aviation operations and critical analysis skills applicable to real-world flying.
The course duration is 3 years and 1 month (approximately 159 weeks) as registered on CRICOS. It is a full-time program delivered face-to-face in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies integrated. The duration includes both academic study at Mawson Lakes campus and flight training at Parafield Airport. Students must maintain a full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The program is structured to progress from ground school to advanced flight operations. It is a single qualification leading directly to the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) degree.
The indicative tuition fee for this course is A$122,700, with non-tuition fees of A$200, totalling an estimated A$122,900. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are set by University of South Australia (UniSA). Please note that fees are subject to change and may increase annually. The non-tuition fee covers administrative costs such as enrolment and student services. Additional costs not included in the total are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For current fee information, always visit UniSA's official website. International students should budget for living costs in Adelaide, which average A$30,000–A$35,000 per year.
For international students, the minimum English language requirement is IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall with no band below 5.5-6.0 (depending on the specific requirement from UniSA). Academically, applicants must have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent with satisfactory results in mathematics and physics. Given the practical nature of pilot training, students must also meet medical fitness standards set by CASA (Class 1 Medical Certificate). Prior aviation experience is not required but may be considered. If you do not meet direct entry requirements, UniSA may offer pathway options such as foundation studies or diploma programs. Always verify the exact prerequisites with the institution, as they can change. HeadStart Academy recommends contacting UniSA's admissions team for personalised guidance.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no internship, work placement, or industry experience integrated into the program. However, students are encouraged to seek voluntary or part-time work in the aviation industry during their studies. As a Student visa holder, you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work experience can enhance your practical skills and employability, but it is not a requirement for graduation.
The course is delivered at two locations in South Australia: Flight Training Adelaide, Hangar 55 Kittyhawk Lane, Parafield Airport SA 5106 (Parafield Airport, SA) and University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus (Mawson Lakes, SA). Parafield Airport is a general aviation airport about 20 km north of Adelaide's city centre. It is accessible by car or bus from the Adelaide CBD. Mawson Lakes campus is located in a northern suburb with modern facilities and is connected by train and bus. Both locations are in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. Adelaide is known for its affordable living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a student around A$200–A$300. Public transport includes buses, trains, and trams. South Australia has a strong aviation sector, with many flight schools and maintenance facilities.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, have sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC, and maintain enrolment in a full-time course. From July 2025, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The ESOS Act provides legal protections, including tuition fee protection if your provider ceases operations. For visa application details, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
South Australia offers a vibrant student lifestyle with a lower cost of living than eastern state capitals. Adelaide, the state capital, has a population of 1.3 million and is home to over 40,000 international students from 100+ countries. The city is known for its festivals, food, and wine regions. For aviation students, South Australia's climate allows for year-round flying. Parafield Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Australia. Living costs in Adelaide are moderate: average weekly rent for a shared apartment is A$200–$300, groceries A$80–$120, and public transport with a student concession is affordable. The city has reliable bus and train networks connecting campuses. When choosing a study destination, consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career goals. HeadStart Academy helps you explore all options across Australia.
Applying for the Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) at University of South Australia (UniSA) involves three key steps:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers:** Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Bachelor Degree), field (Aerospace Engineering), and location (South Australia). Confirm the course code 088880B meets your interests.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution:** Submit your application to UniSA, including academic transcripts, English test results (IELTS 6.0-6.5), and evidence of meeting CASA medical requirements. Check application deadlines — many intakes are in February and July.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500):** Once accepted, UniSA will issue a CoE. Use it to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Remember to arrange OSHC and demonstrate sufficient funds. Always consult the official visa website for the latest requirements.
Ready to take off? Explore more Bachelor degrees in Aviation on HeadStart Academy, or contact UniSA directly for application details.
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Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of South Australia (UniSA). 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.