Bachelor of Aviation

Graduates of the Bachelor of Aviation will:

1. Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge required in the constantly changing aviation environment.
2. Be equipped with the knowledge and skills for further learning through professional practice, post-graduate studies and/or during flight training. 

Study one of Australia's largest and most highly recognised aviation degrees and launch your career in the exciting global aviation industry. The Bachelor of Aviation is an accelerated full-time two-year degree designed to get you career-ready sooner.

You'll build a strong foundation in the science and theory of flying while gaining the practical skills needed for a wide range of operational and managerial roles in aviation. The Bachelor of Aviation together with fully self-funded flight training with an external provider will allow graduates to be ready to work in the aviation industry as a commercial pilot.

Study core courses like aerodynamics, meteorology, aircraft systems, flight operations and navigation, safety management systems and the human factors (how people influence safety) in aviation, preparing you for the next step into professional flight training or other operational and managerial pathways.

Highlights of studying the Bachelor of Aviation

• Accelerated two-year program to fast-track your aviation degree
• Access advanced on-campus flight simulators for realistic training
• Learn from industry experts and aviation researchers with global experience
• Be prepared for pilot training or other operational or managerial roles in aviation.

Build skills and connections for your aviation career

You may choose to progress into flight school training with providers certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), where you can accumulate flight hours and earn your Commercial Pilot Licence. We recommend flight training is undertaken after completing your degree. Our graduates are highly sought after, going on to fly for commercial airlines, freight operators, flight schools, rescue services, agricultural aviation and the Defence Force.

Completing a Bachelor of Aviation before gaining your pilot licence gives you a strong foundation for a long-term career in aviation. It provides a competitive edge for airline graduate programs and leadership roles, while also offering flexibility to pursue other aviation pathways if your career goals evolve.

Take off with Aviation MATES 

As a Griffith Aviation student, you'll gain exclusive access to the Aviation MATES program (MATES: Mentoring Aviators Through Educational Support), a supportive network that connects you with industry professionals, weekly guest speakers and dedicated student Flight Leaders. MATES helps you build personal connections, expand your professional network and gain real insights that will set you apart in the aviation industry.

Please Note: The study load for this program exceeds the standard 1 EFTSL or 8 subjects. First year is 120CP (1.5 EFTSL) which includes compulsory Trimester 3.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Economics in Aviation
• Contemporary Aviation Management 
• Safety Management
• Human Factors for Pilots I.

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Bachelor of Aviation (BAvn), you must successfully

Complete 240 credit points for one of the following:

• 240 credit points for Standard Pathway, or
• 240 credit points for all Professional Entry Pathway (160CP of study and 80CP of advanced standing), or
• 240 credit points for all Professional Entry Pathway (80CP of study and 160CP of advanced standing)

You must also ensure that:

• Selected courses must include at most 100 credit points at level 1.
• Selected courses must include at least 60 credit points at level 3 or higher.

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $34,200

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

Learn more about Griffith University.

Explore Griffith courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

ATAR/RANK: 65.00

The Griffith University's Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy will apply.

VET qualification: Certificate III.

The Professional Entry pathway has two entry points catering for basic and advanced levels of qualifications and experience.

To be eligible for admission with 80 credit points of advanced standing, a student must have the following:

• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
• Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (MECIR).

Upon acceptance, students will be granted 80 credit points of advanced standing on the basis of their qualifications and experience.

To be eligible for admission with 160 credit points of advanced standing, a student must have the following:

• Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) [granted in accordance with current CASR Pt 61 provisions or equivalent provisions].

OR

• Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory examinations passed (ATPL frozen) AND be currently cleared to line with an airline operating CASR 25 / FAR 25 aircraft type(s).

Upon acceptance, students will be granted 160 credit points of advanced standing on the basis of their qualifications and experience.

Applicants should upload a copy of their pilot licence with their application. If applicable, copies of authorised examination and assessment report/s and a letter from their employer which states that they are cleared to line and that the airline operates CASR 25 / FAR 25 aircraft types should be attached.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Applicants should refer to the following University procedure for further information:

• Admission Procedure

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.

Students studying through the Standard Entry Pathway are required to attend on campus. The program is available full-time or part-time. Courses are offered on-campus at the Brisbane South (Nathan) although some courses may be offered in external mode or via the internet (fully online) with no requirements for on-campus attendance.