Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) (CRICOS course code 109195A) is a Diploma delivered by Royal Victorian Aero Club over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks). This CRICOS-registered course prepares international students for a career as a commercial pilot in Australia. As a Diploma level (AQF Level 5) program in Aerospace Engineering and Technology (Field 031505 - Aircraft Operation), it combines theoretical knowledge with practical flight training to meet the standards required for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). All providers and courses on HeadStart Academy are sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring you access only legitimate, government-audited institutions. Australia offers over 26,000 courses across 1,500+ registered providers, and this program at Royal Victorian Aero Club in Mentone, Victoria, is a trusted pathway for aspiring pilots.
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Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) (CRICOS course code 109195A) is a Diploma delivered by Royal Victorian Aero Club over 1 year 5 months (~74 weeks). This program is designed for international students seeking to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and build a career in aviation. The course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international education. As a CRICOS-registered provider (CRICOS 00277D), Royal Victorian Aero Club is authorised to enrol overseas students and is subject to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which protects your tuition fees and ensures quality education. Graduates acquire the skills needed for aeroplane operations, flight planning, navigation, and emergency procedures, aligning with the VET national code AVI50222.
This course falls under the field of education '03 - Engineering and Related Technologies' with a focus on '0315 - Aerospace Engineering and Technology' and specifically '031505 - Aircraft Operation'. At the Diploma level (AQF Level 5), students develop broad theoretical and technical knowledge in aircraft operations, aerodynamics, meteorology, and flight rules. Training includes both classroom instruction and practical flight experience, covering pre-flight and post-flight procedures, cross-country navigation, and instrument flying. While specific syllabi are determined by Royal Victorian Aero Club, typical outcomes include competency to operate single-engine aircraft under visual flight rules (VFR) and preparation for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) CPL exam. This practical orientation ensures graduates are job-ready for roles such as charter pilots, flight instructors, or airline first officers.
The CRICOS register lists the duration as 74 weeks (approximately 1 year and 5 months). This is a full-time, on-campus program delivered in English. There is no dual qualification or foundation studies component. The program is a single qualification exclusively focused on the Diploma of Aviation. Students should plan for intensive study and flight training commitments, with regular attendance required at the Mentone campus. All international students must maintain satisfactory course progress to comply with student visa conditions.
According to the CRICOS register (as at April 2026), the indicative tuition fee for this course is A$86,000, with no additional non-tuition fees listed, bringing the estimated total to A$86,000. Please note: these fees are indicative only and subject to change. Always confirm current fees directly with Royal Victorian Aero Club at www.rvac.com.au. Additional costs not included in this indicative total include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the student visa application charge. For a single international student in Melbourne, living costs are approximately A$25,000–A$30,000 per year, covering rent (A$200–A$350/week), groceries (A$80–A$120/week), and public transport (A$30–A$50/week).
Entry requirements are set by Royal Victorian Aero Club and typically include: IELTS overall band score of 5.5–6.0 (or equivalent) as a minimum English language proficiency. Applicants should also have completed Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification. Some prior aviation knowledge may be beneficial but not required. Foundation or pathway programs are not part of this course; however, students who do not meet English requirements may consider ELICOS pathways offered by the provider. Always check the latest requirements on the provider's website or contact their admissions team. For visa purposes, you must demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criteria and sufficient financial capacity.
No work component. This course does not include a mandatory work placement or internship. However, as a student visa holder (Subclass 500), you are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks, subject to visa conditions. Work rights commence after the course start date. Melbourne offers a vibrant job market for hospitality, retail, and admin roles, with part-time wages typically ranging from A$20–A$30 per hour.
This course is delivered at the Royal Victorian Aero Club campus in Mentone, Victoria. Mentone is a suburb of Melbourne, approximately 20 km southeast of the CBD, accessible by train (Mentone Station) and bus. Melbourne is home to over 50 CRICOS-registered providers offering aviation and engineering courses, and has a student population of over 250,000 international students. The city is known for its multicultural environment, excellent public transport, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to Sydney. The Mentone campus is located near Moorabbin Airport, one of Australia's busiest general aviation airports, providing excellent practical training facilities.
International students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) after receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this CRICOS-registered course. Visa requirements include: genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement, evidence of English proficiency, OSHC for the duration of stay, and sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited in breaks. Dependents may accompany if eligible. For detailed advice, consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or visit the Department of Home Affairs website. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Melbourne is Australia's cultural and sporting capital, offering a high quality of life for international students. With over 250,000 international students from 170 countries, you'll find strong support networks. The city consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities. For aviation students, Melbourne's proximity to numerous airports and a thriving general aviation sector makes it ideal. Living costs are moderate: a single bedroom in shared housing costs around A$200–A$300 per week, and a monthly Myki public transport pass is about A$150. However, flight training costs can be significant; factor in additional expenses for flying hours beyond tuition. Consider your budget and career goals before choosing this location.
Follow these three steps to enrol in Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) at Royal Victorian Aero Club: 1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers** – Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level, field, and city. Confirm Royal Victorian Aero Club (CRICOS 00277D) offers the course you need. 2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution** – Meet entry requirements (English test, academic qualifications) and submit your application by the deadline. The provider will assess your eligibility. 3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa** – Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to take the first step toward becoming a commercial pilot? Explore more about this course on HeadStart Academy or apply directly to Royal Victorian Aero Club.
Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence - Aeroplane) 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.