Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (CRICOS course code 102312B) is a Diploma delivered by Altocap Pty Ltd over 17 weeks. This AQF Level 5 qualification is designed for international students seeking to become licensed pilots with an instrument rating, enabling flight in various weather conditions. Delivered at Camden Airport in Cobbitty, NSW, the course combines theoretical knowledge and practical flight training. Altocap Pty Ltd (CRICOS 03851K) is a private provider registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, students benefit from the protections of the ESOS Act. This page provides indicative fees, entry requirements, and application guidance to help you plan your study in Australia.
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The Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) is a specialised qualification that prepares students for careers as commercial pilots. The course focuses on instrument flight rules (IFR) operations, navigation, and multi-crew cooperation. As a Diploma level course (AQF Level 5), it builds on foundational aviation skills and meets the training requirements for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) instrument rating. The field of education is Aerospace Engineering and Technology (0315), specifically Aerospace Engineering (031501). Graduates typically pursue roles as airline pilots, flight instructors, or charter pilots. Altocap Pty Ltd, a private training organisation with CRICOS registration 03851K, delivers this course at its facility located at Camden Airport. This CRICOS-registered course ensures international students receive quality education and legal protections under Australian law.
Students in this course learn to fly aircraft solely by reference to instruments, interpret meteorological data, and manage complex flight systems. The curriculum typically covers subjects such as instrument flight procedures, navigation, human factors, and aeronautical decision-making. At the Diploma level, students develop technical and managerial skills applicable to aviation operations. While the specific syllabus is set by Altocap Pty Ltd, the course aligns with the national competency standards under the VET national code AVI50519. Training includes both simulator hours and actual flight time, ensuring graduates meet industry requirements for an instrument rating endorsement. This course does not include a dual qualification or foundation studies.
The Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) is 17 weeks in duration, as recorded on the CRICOS register. Instruction is delivered in English at the Camden Airport campus. This is a single qualification with no dual award. Students attend full-time, with a mix of classroom theory and practical flight training. The intensive 17-week structure is designed to fast-track students into the aviation industry. Prospective students should consider their ability to commit to a full-time study load. As with all student visa holders, attendance and academic progress must be maintained to comply with visa conditions.
Indicative fees for Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) are as follows: tuition fee A$28,650, non-tuition fees A$0, and estimated total A$28,650. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. International students should budget for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses. In Sydney, typical weekly living costs range from A$400 to A$600 for rent, groceries, and transport. Always confirm current fees with Altocap Pty Ltd directly before applying. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource with no referral fees.
Entry requirements for Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) typically include an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 overall (or equivalent), completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent, and a current aviation medical certificate (Class 1 or 2). Prior flight experience or a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) may be required by the provider. Altocap Pty Ltd may also require a pre-training assessment. For students who do not meet these requirements, pathway options such as English language courses or foundation programs may be available — contact Altocap for details. Visa applicants must also demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) status and sufficient financial capacity.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, student visa holders (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights can help offset living costs but must not interfere with study. The ESOS Act ensures that work does not compromise academic integrity.
The course is delivered at Site 701, Aerodrome Road, Camden Airport, Cobbitty, New South Wales 2570 — located in the Chester Hill area of Sydney. This facility is situated at an active regional airport, providing real-world aviation training environment. Camden is approximately 65 km from Sydney CBD and is accessible by car or public transport (bus services to Camden). There are over 100 CRICOS-registered providers in NSW offering a wide range of courses, but aviation-specific training is concentrated around major airports. Cobbitty is a semi-rural area with lower living costs compared to central Sydney, making it a practical location for flight training. Students can expect a supportive community with access to amenities in nearby Camden town.
International students must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course in Australia. Visa requirements include enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, genuine temporary entrant (GTE) assessment, sufficient financial capacity, and valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). OSHC covers medical and hospital costs during your stay — it is mandatory for student visa holders. Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited during scheduled breaks. Dependents on Subclass 500 visas may also have work rights. For visa applications, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a migration agent and does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) at Altocap Pty Ltd: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course finder to filter by course level, field (Aerospace Engineering), and location (NSW). Verify CRICOS registration on the official register. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Submit an application to Altocap Pty Ltd meeting entry requirements (English test, prior qualifications, medical certificate). Check application deadlines and required documents. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, Altocap issues a CoE. Use this to lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC and sufficient funds.
Sydney is Australia's largest city with a diverse student population and strong job market. Living costs are higher than other Australian cities — expect A$250–A$400 per week for shared accommodation, A$80–A$150 for groceries, and A$30–A$50 for public transport. Camden Airport is about a 1-hour drive from Sydney CBD, so consider transport options. Sydney has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers, but aviation courses are niche — Altocap is one of few offering instrument rating training. The city offers vibrant cultural life, beaches, and networking opportunities in aviation. However, flight training may require early morning starts, so proximity to the airport might outweigh city living. Assess your priorities.
Ready to take off? Contact Altocap Pty Ltd directly to confirm fees and start your application. HeadStart Academy helps you find CRICOS-registered courses — no referral fees, just reliable information.
Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) is a CRICOS-registered programme at Altocap Pty Ltd. 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.