Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
Operations and management: 73.55. Piloting: ATAR 71.10.
Duration
Full-time 3 yearsLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$36,480 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Qantas Future Pilot program
Qantas and RMIT have partnered to offer an exciting career path to aspiring pilots.

Overview
Get prepared for employment in a range of operational, management and planning roles in the dynamic and vibrant aviation industry.
Through this program, you'll gain a broad awareness of the aviation industry and a range of analytical skills, giving you a comprehensive appreciation of the aviation operating environment. You'll develop breadth and depth of thinking, and the ability to solve problems relevant to the aviation industry.
The program contains two specialised streams.
The Aviation Operations and Management stream focuses on developing a breadth of skills and knowledge across the aviation industry. This includes operational and management aspects of airlines and airports, as well as cargo and logistics, ground handling, and safety.
The Piloting stream is where you’ll gain the skills required to become a commercial pilot, while also learning about the aviation industry. Flight training can be taken in conjunction with RMIT Flight Training at Point Cook, or with any other government-approved provider.
This program offers a career development option for people who already hold a commercial pilot licence. Commercial pilots can also receive up to one year of advanced standing credit.
You’ll also be able to tailor the program to suit your interests and desired career path, through many general, business and aviation electives.
Why study aviation at RMIT?
- Study with a leading organisation
RMIT has been involved in aerospace and aviation education and training for more than 75 years so we have a strong history in educating aviation professionals. - Tailor the program to you
You can tailor the program to suit your interests and desired career opportunities through a number of general, business, and aviation electives. - Practical and industry-focused approach
Project-based learning and work-integrated learning means you graduate equipped to be effective in a wide range of roles and levels.
Details
This program undertakes a practical and industry-focused approach. A feature is project-based learning and work-integrated learning (WIL) to ensure you graduate with the skills to work effectively in rapidly changing environments.
In the final year of the degree you’ll undertake the Capstone Aviation Industry Project in which you’ll receive feedback from industry practitioners.
This program has connections to a range of aviation industry organisations.
In all years of the program, industry-based professionals deliver lectures that are designed to enhance your understanding of the aviation industry.
Some final-year projects are also supported by aviation industry professionals.
Qantas Future Pilot Program
Qantas and RMIT have partnered to offer an exciting career path to aspiring pilots.
The Qantas Future Pilot Program provides aviation students with access to experienced pilots during their degree, and selected students will be invited to complete an intensive twelve-week airline transition course.
Upon successful course completion, graduates will transition to employment with QantasLink and complete their training under the supervision of QantasLink's experienced training team and become qualified as First Officers flying the airline's Dash 8 200/300 or Q400 fleet.
To be eligible to be considered for the program, students will need to be enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) or Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilot) and be actively undertaking flying training in one of these programs. Students also need to have an equivalent GPA score of 4.0 (based on a seven point scale) or above for the duration of their degree and Australian work rights.
For further information, contact RMIT Flight Training by email: ad023admin@rmit.edu.au,
tel: +61 3 9925 0050 or visit qantas.com/careers.
This program has connections to a range of aviation industry organisations.
In all years of the program, industry-based professionals deliver lectures that are designed to enhance your understanding of the aviation industry.
Some final-year projects are also supported by aviation industry professionals.
RMIT encourages you to aspire to a global career, not just a local one.
Through partner organisations in Europe, Asia and the United States, the RMIT International Industry Experience and Research Program (RIIERP) offers workplace training and academic research placements of between six and 12 months.
There are also opportunities to study abroad through Education Abroad.
Aviation operations and management stream (Plan code BP070P6)
Year 1
You’ll develop a breadth of skills and knowledge across the aviation industry.
Year 2
You’ll learn the operational and management aspects of airlines and airports, as well as cargo and logistics, ground handling, and safety.
Year 3
While completing your studies you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your preferred area of future employment.
Piloting stream (Plan code BP070PL)
Year 1
You’ll develop a breadth of skills and knowledge across the aviation industry.
Year 2
You’ll learn the operational and management aspects of airlines and airports, as well as cargo and logistics, ground handling, and safety.
You’ll also undertake your recreational pilot licence (RPL).
Year 3
While finishing your studies you’ll undertake your Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) and Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL).
Choose a program structure
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP070
Career
Professionals in the aviation industry are in demand, not only in Australia, but across the globe. With a rapidly growing population that seeks to travel internationally, the need for well-planned and managed airlines, airports and related organisations will become even more important.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (Aviation) will prepare you to play an important role in meeting the needs of the aviation industry, and RMIT graduates continue to be highly employable.
Graduates may choose to embark on professional careers in the following areas:
- airline management
- airline operations
- airport management
- airport operations
- airport planning
- aviation charter business
- aviation consulting
- aviation regulation and safety
- commercial pilot
Graduates have gone on to work at a range of organisations including:
- Jetstar Group
- Qantas Airways
- Australian Defence Force
- Airservices Australia
- Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd
- Regional Express
Qantas Future Pilot Program
Qantas and RMIT have partnered to offer an exciting career path to aspiring pilots. More information
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent with a minimum 65% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
Aviation operations and management stream (Plan BP070P6)
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between $6,566 and $10,958*.
* Note: additional fees apply to students undertaking the Piloting stream (plan BP070PL). See below for more detail.
Aviation operations and management stream (Plan BP070P6)
The annual tuition fee for 2019 is AU$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$112,320.
* Note: additional fees apply to students undertaking the Piloting stream (plan BP070PL). See below for more detail.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
---|---|
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,566 per standard year $820 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,359 per standard year $1,169 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,958 per standard year $1,369 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Piloting stream (Plan BP070PL)
The Piloting stream is where you’ll gain the skills required to become a commercial pilot, while also learning about the aviation industry. Flight training will be taken in conjunction with RMIT Flight Training at Point Cook.
Students who undertake flight training at Point Cook will incur additional costs, which are detailed in the sections below.
Piloting stream BP070PL students
The Piloting stream is where you’ll gain the skills required to become a commercial pilot, while also learning about the aviation industry. Flight training will be taken in conjunction with RMIT Flight Training at Point Cook.
Students who undertake flight training at Point Cook will incur additional costs, which are detailed in the sections below.
Students will complete their flight training under the Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots), RMIT program code AD023. This program is full-fee paying only, however, eligible students can apply for a FEE-HELP loan to cover their tuition fees.
You will be charged a specific fee for each course, with practical flying-oriented courses attracting higher fees and theory-oriented courses attracting lower fees. The fee charged will depend on the year you take the course (e.g. if you take a course in 2019 you will be charged the 2019 course fee, and if you take a course in 2020 you will be charged the 2020 course fee).
Each flying-oriented courses includes the standard number of flying hours required to gain competency. Note, the cost of additional flying hours to gain competence cannot be deferred to FEE HELP
Students who are eligible for FEE-HELP can apply to defer the cost of their Associate Degree in Aviation (Professional Pilots) courses using the loan scheme. A FEE-HELP loan can be used to defer payment of up to $104,440 (2019 indexed rate) of your tuition fees over the course of your total tertiary education. For more information, contact RMIT Connect.
Plan AD023A
Course code |
Course name |
Semester* |
Credit points |
2019 course fee |
AERO2466 | Theory to Recreational Pilot Licence | 4 | 12 | $3,360 |
AERO2467 | Flying to Recreational Pilot Licence (includes 39 flying hours) | 4 | 12 | $22,560 |
AERO2469 | Theory to Private Pilot Licence | 5 | 12 | $3,360 |
AERO2470 | Flying to Private Pilot Licence (includes 26 flying hours) | 5 | 12 | $13,920 |
AERO2576 | Intro to CPL (includes 21 flying hours) | 5 | 12 | $9,360 |
AERO2587 | Commercial Pilot Licence Theory | 6 | 12 | $3,360 |
AERO2586 | Commercial Pilot Licence Flying (includes 76 flying hours) | 6 | 12 | $29,040 |
Total flight training course fees | 84 | $84,960 |
*Based on standard full-time program progression.
Equipment
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
M1499 | David Clark Headset (H10 13.4) | $595 |
M1498 | Flight Computer CR3 - $62, Protractor - $17, Scale Ruler 120 NM - $17 | $96 |
M1518 | Knee-board (GFPT, PPL, CPL) | $79 |
Textbooks and handbooks
Textbooks and handbooks are required at the start of each licensing level: General Flying Progress Test (GFPT), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Some materials can be used across multiple licensing levels. Students who elect to obtain their Instructor rating as an elective can use the CASA-approved Aviation Instructor's Handbook, which is available without charge for this portion of their training.
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
TBA | Avionics Manual - Seminol PA44 POH Glass | $95 |
M1496 | Avionics Manual - Cessna 172S POH Glass (172SIMBUS) | $100 |
M1497 | Avionics Manual -Cessna 172S POH Analogue (172SIM) | $100 |
M1494 | GFPT The Complete Student Pilot Manual by Val Dyson-Holland | $103 |
M1495 | Manual of Aviation Meteorology | $79 |
M1514 | The Human Being Pilot - book | $87 |
M1508 | PPL/CPL VFR Meteorology (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1509 | PPL/CPL Aerodynamics, Maths & Physics (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1510 | PPL/CPL Aircraft General Knowledge (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1511 | PPL/CPL Aeroplane Performance & Operation and VFR Flight Planning (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1512 | PPL/CPL VFR Navigation and NAV Computer Handbook (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1513 | PPL/CPL Human Performance and Limitations (Dyson-Holland) | $48 |
M1515 | Victorian Country Airstrip Guide (PPL & CPL) | $60 |
M1516 | Avionics Manual - Cessna 182T POH Analogue (182TIM) (PPL & CPL) | $88 |
M1517 | Avionics Manual -Cessna 182T POH Glass (182TIMAUS) (PPL & CPL) | $88 |
M1519 | Instrument Rating Study Guide (Bob Tait) | $110 |
M1650 | Radiotelephony, Radio Systems Equipment & VFR Flight Rules & Air Law (PPL/CPL) Dyson Holland | $81 |
Uniforms
RMIT code |
Item |
2019 fee |
M1612 |
Replacement RMIT branded epaulette |
$35 |
M1616 |
Replacement RMIT branded tie |
$35 |
The uniform items below are available directly from the supplier. Contact RMIT Flight Training for more information.
Item |
2019 fee |
Short sleeve shirt, white epaulette (men's and women's) |
$28 |
Long sleeve shirt, white epaulette (men's and women's) |
$29 |
Epaulette jumper (unisex) |
$73 |
Trousers, navy (poly/viscose) (men's and women's) |
$52 |
Trousers, navy (poly/wool) (men's and women's) |
$100 |
RMIT branded bomber jacket (unisex) |
$79 |
RMIT branded soft shell jacket (women's) | $106 |
Standard flying hours
Course code |
Course name |
RMIT code |
2019 fee |
Semester* |
Description of fee |
AERO2467 |
Flying to General Flying Progress Test |
M1572 |
$18,000 |
4 |
39 flying hours |
AERO2470 |
Flying to Private Pilot Licence |
M1433 |
$9,360 |
5 |
26 flying hours |
AERO2586 |
Commercial Pilot Licence Flying (AERO2856) |
M1434 |
$24,480 |
6 |
76 flying hours |
AERO2576 |
Intro to Commercial Pilot Licence |
M1750 |
$4,800 |
5 |
21 flying hours |
* Based on standard full-time progression.
RePL (Remote Pilot Licence)
Course code |
Course name |
RMIT code |
2019 fee |
Description of fee |
AERO2481 |
Unmanned Aerial System Operations |
M1780 |
$500 |
RePL (Remote Pilot Licence) and flight training at the Flight Data Systems flight training field |
Equipment
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
M1499 | David Clark Headset (H10 13.4) | $595 |
M1498 | Flight Computer CR3 - $62, Protractor - $17, Scale Ruler 120 NM - $17 | $96 |
M1518 | Knee-board (GFPT, PPL, CPL) | $79 |
Textbooks and handbooks
Textbooks and handbooks are required at the start of each licensing level: General Flying Progress Test (GFPT), Private Pilot Licence (PPL), and Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). Some materials can be used across multiple licensing levels. Students who elect to obtain their Instructor rating as an elective can use the CASA-approved Aviation Instructor's Handbook, which is available without charge for this portion of their training.
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
TBA | Avionics Manual - Seminol PA44 POH Glass | $95 |
M1496 | Avionics Manual - Cessna 172S POH Glass (172SIMBUS) | $100 |
M1497 | Avionics Manual -Cessna 172S POH Analogue (172SIM) | $100 |
M1494 | GFPT The Complete Student Pilot Manual by Val Dyson-Holland | $103 |
M1495 | Manual of Aviation Meteorology | $79 |
M1514 | The Human Being Pilot - book | $87 |
M1508 | PPL/CPL VFR Meteorology (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1509 | PPL/CPL Aerodynamics, Maths & Physics (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1510 | PPL/CPL Aircraft General Knowledge (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1511 | PPL/CPL Aeroplane Performance & Operation and VFR Flight Planning (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1512 | PPL/CPL VFR Navigation and NAV Computer Handbook (Dyson-Holland) | $81 |
M1513 | PPL/CPL Human Performance and Limitations (Dyson-Holland) | $48 |
M1515 | Victorian Country Airstrip Guide (PPL & CPL) | $60 |
M1516 | Avionics Manual - Cessna 182T POH Analogue (182TIM) (PPL & CPL) | $88 |
M1517 | Avionics Manual -Cessna 182T POH Glass (182TIMAUS) (PPL & CPL) | $88 |
M1519 | Instrument Rating Study Guide (Bob Tait) | $110 |
M1650 | Radiotelephony, Radio Systems Equipment & VFR Flight Rules & Air Law (PPL/CPL) Dyson Holland | $81 |
Uniforms
RMIT code |
Item |
2019 fee |
M1612 |
Replacement RMIT branded epaulette |
$35 |
M1616 |
Replacement RMIT branded tie |
$35 |
The uniform items below are available directly from the supplier. Contact RMIT Flight Training for more information.
Item |
2019 fee |
Short sleeve shirt, white epaulette (men's and women's) |
$28 |
Long sleeve shirt, white epaulette (men's and women's) |
$29 |
Epaulette jumper (unisex) |
$73 |
Trousers, navy (poly/viscose) (men's and women's) |
$52 |
Trousers, navy (poly/wool) (men's and women's) |
$100 |
RMIT branded bomber jacket (unisex) |
$79 |
RMIT branded soft shell jacket (women's) | $106 |
In some situations, students who require training above the maximum allotted flight hours for their course may be charged for any additional flight hours to achieve the required competencies.
Each fee is for one additional hour of flying time. It will only be charged if additional hours above the standard number of flying hours are required.
RMIT Code |
Item |
2019 fee |
M1444 | C172S solo hire | $260 |
M1445 | C182T solo hire | $440 |
M1446 | PA-44 solo hire | $505 |
M1447 | Aero 8KCAB solo hire | $310 |
M1520 | Flight Simulator dual hire | $250 |
M1521 | C172S dual hire flying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $430 |
M1651 | C182Tdual hire flying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $600 |
M1652 | PA-44 dual hireflying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $660 |
M1653 | Aero 8KCABdual hire flying cost for per 1 hours for students who withdraw prior to census date | $470 |
Flight instructor hourly rate
This fee is for one additional hour of flying time. It will only be charged if additional hours above the standard number of flying hours are required.
RMIT code |
Item |
2019 fee |
M1448 |
Flight Instructor Hourly Rate |
$170 |
These fees are paid to bodies outside of RMIT but will be necessary for students wishing to pursue the program. The prices given below relate to 2019 and are indicative only. Students should ensure they remain up to date with current pricing.
Licences
Item |
2019 fee |
---|---|
Class 1 Medical Exam (First Issue only) |
Approx $420 |
Processing of medical exam results (Civil Aviation Safety Administration – CASA) |
$77 |
Aviation Security Identity Card (CASA) |
$204 |
Private Pilot Licence – licence issue, processing and consideration of application (CASA) |
$61 |
Private Pilot Licence – exam (CASA and ASL) |
$178 |
Commercial Pilot Licence – 7 exams (CASA and ASL) |
$1075 |
Commercial Pilot Licence – licence issue, processing and consideration of application (CASA) |
$81 |
Air Transport Pilot Licence – 7 exams (CASA and ASL) |
$1060 |
Instrument Rating Examination (CASA and ASL) |
$178 |