Enter OTP
At Swinburne, the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting (international students) is your pathway to becoming a professional commercial pilot. Over three years, you'll earn a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi‑engine Command Instrument Rating (MCIR), and a Frozen ATPL theory. You’ll also complete either a Multi‑Crew Cooperation / Jet Orientation course or a Flight Instructor rating, all provided through CAE at Moorabbin Airport. Throughout, you’ll dive into aviation human factors, management, and technology, giving you the skills to thrive both in the cockpit and beyond.
Curriculum Structure:
You’ll complete 300 credit points over 24 units, including 11 core aviation subjects (137.5 cp), 8 piloting major units (100 cp), and 4 electives or minors (50 cp).
Key units include:
The Global Aviation System and Aviation Legal & Regulatory Framework
Private & Commercial Pilot Licence Practicums
Essential Aviation Analytical Skills
Capstone sequence: Project Planning and Project Implementation.
Accreditation & Recognition:
The degree meets the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements—covering all key licences and ratings (CPL, MCIR, ATPL theory, and optional instructor or mult-crew training).
Campus & Facilities:
Based at Swinburne’s vibrant Hawthorn campus, you’ll split time between university classes and flight training at CAE Melbourne in Moorabbin. Swinburne also boasts a cutting-edge Aviation Simulation Lab—complete with A320 simulators, runway projectors, eye-tracking gear and more
Swinburne places strong emphasis on hands-on, real-world learning throughout the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting. Students have access to several immersive learning experiences:
• Flight Training with CAE at Moorabbin Airport: From the early stages of the degree, students train in real aircraft and simulators, progressing through the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR). This structured training ensures graduates meet the industry-standard licensing requirements.
• Aviation Simulation Labs: On-campus simulation facilities allow students to build confidence in controlled environments. These include A320 flight simulators, virtual control towers, runway projectors, and advanced eye-tracking technology used for decision-making analysis.
• Industry-Linked Projects: Swinburne’s strong connections with aviation partners such as Qantas, Jetstar, and Melbourne Airport enable students to participate in authentic, problem-solving projects as part of their coursework. These projects simulate the complexities of real aviation challenges and develop both technical and professional skills.
• Professional Placements: Eligible students can take part in optional work placements during the degree. These placements offer direct exposure to industry practices and the inner workings of airlines, airports, or aviation consultancy firms—helping to bridge the gap between academic theory and operational reality.
Swinburne supports students in building a career-ready mindset from the start of the program. The university’s career development services offer:
• Career planning and one-on-one guidance tailored to aviation careers.
• Resume-building workshops and support for aviation-specific applications.
• Interview preparation, including mock interviews for airline cadet programs and charter pilot roles.
• Employer networking events with aviation industry leaders and alumni.
Employability:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Aviation and Piloting are highly sought after for roles as professional pilots, flight instructors, and airline operations specialists. Many go on to work with domestic and international airlines, flight schools, regional air services, and airport authorities. The program’s integration with CAE and focus on licensing ensures graduates are flight-ready upon completion.
Further Academic Progression:
Students interested in expanding their qualifications can pursue further studies such as a Graduate Diploma in Aviation, a Master’s in Aviation Management, or even diversify into areas like aeronautical safety, logistics, or business administration. Swinburne’s flexible degree structure also supports those aiming for roles in aviation consultancy, airport planning, or aviation regulatory bodies.
IELTS - IELTS - Minimum overall band 6.0 (no band below 6.0)TOEFL - TOEFL - Minimum score of 64 (with reading not less than 9, listening 9, speaking 16, writing 19)Certified academic transcripts and evidence of course completion (secondary school certificates or equivalent) Proof of English proficiency, if your secondary education wasn't in English — typically IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent scoresCertified copy of passport (photo page and, if you’re already in Australia, relevant visa pages) Skills Assessment Test results, demonstrating psychomotor abilities, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination — part of Swinburne’s internal aptitude process Statement of purpose or personal statement, if requested — though typically not required for this undergraduate course Curriculum Vitae (CV) — useful to showcase any relevant experience or extracurricular activitiesEvidence of qualifications from outside Australia, such as an APS statement, if needed Additional CASA-specific documents, such as aviation medical certificate, logbook entries or CASA assessments — required once acceptedProfessional pilotflight instructorairline or airport operations professionalaviation consultantaviation regulatory & safety services managerairline ground operations managerairport manager
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Swinburne University of Technology
