Bachelor of Aviation

You’ll gain the expertise to:

1. Strengthen aviation knowledge: deepen your understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft systems and flight operations
2. Enhance decision-making: analyse meteorology and its impact on operations
3. Lead and plan operations: apply navigation and operational planning principles in a professional context
4. Embed safety thinking: apply human factors knowledge to improve safety outcomes
5. Work within complex systems: apply safety frameworks and industry practices across aviation environments

Advance your career in the global aviation industry with one of Australia’s largest aviation degrees, backed by more than 30 years of teaching experience. Designed for professionals with existing industry experience, the professional entry pathway of the Bachelor of Aviation can be studied in just two years full time.  

You’ll deepen your understanding of the science and theory of flight, alongside strengthening the operational and management capability needed to move into more advanced roles across the aviation sector. Combined with self-funded flight training through an external provider, this degree can also support progression toward a commercial pilot pathway, where relevant. 

You’ll explore key areas such as aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems and safety management, strengthening both your technical capability and strategic understanding of the industry.

You’ll also gain experience using advanced flight simulators and learn from academics and professionals with global aviation experience.

Strengthen your career pathway

Whether you’re looking to move into leadership, broaden your expertise, or progress toward piloting, this degree provides a strong academic foundation to support your next step.

If your goal is to become a pilot, you can progress to flight training with a provider certified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), building flight hours toward your Commercial Pilot Licence. Completing your degree can enhance your career options and provide greater flexibility across the industry.

Build connections through Aviation MATES

You’ll have access to the Mentoring Aviators Through Educational Support (MATES) program, connecting you with industry professionals, guest speakers and peer mentors. This is an opportunity to strengthen your network and gain insight into career progression across aviation.

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 $36,000

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 University courses

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

ATAR/RANK: 65.00

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

An AQF Certificate III or above will meet the rank for admission to this program.

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 an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• 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 Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

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:

• Griffith English Language Institute

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.