Graduate Diploma of Aviation

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Duration
2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 1, 2026
Study mode
Online
Course code
CM54
First-year fee
$146,832 (Indicative) (FFP)
OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Aviation will provide you with the aeronautical experience required for a career as a commercial pilot under the standard of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) 142 Integrated Program.

Build your skills as a pilot, starting with short flights constrained within the aerodrome training area and circuit area right through to the commercial pilot licence level, where you'll conduct long-distance flights and visit multiple aerodromes in regional and outback Australia. You will be required to attend a flight training provider approved by the Head of Course in order to complete this course.

During this course, you will develop your critical reflection and self-analysis skills as well as analytic, communication, and presentation skills. You will also gain the aeronautical experience required to apply for a Recreational Pilot Licence, Private Pilot Licence, Command Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Licence.

To enrol in this course, you must successfully complete the first year of the Bachelor of Aviation, hold a minimum of Class 2 CASA Aviation Medical, be eligible to hold an Australian Security Identification Card, and successfully complete an interview with the Head of Course or designated academic staff member. In order to gain both aeronautical knowledge and experience, you must concurrently maintain full-time study in the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) and Graduate Diploma of Aviation. 

When you graduate from this course you would normally hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating (ME-CIR).

Study Experience

Discover more about your online Graduate Diploma of Aviation and how you'll benefit from practical experiences, including over 200 hours of total flight training and simulator time. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

  • Authentic Learning Experiences
  • Part-time Study
  • Flexible Online Study
  • Industry Relevant
  • Seamless Pathways

Career Opportunities

This course prepares you for aviation careers in the air transportation industry as a commercial pilot.

When you graduate with the Graduate Diploma of Aviation (you will meet the aeronautical experience requirements for a career as a commercial pilot in the air transportation industry. When studied in conjunction with CQUniversity’s Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations), you will be prepared to work as a commercial pilot, in other aviation careers in the air transportation industry or in a cadetship/traineeship offered by some airlines. You may also find employment opportunities with the Australian Defence Force which recruits potential pilots for all services.

With additional flight training, you can explore opportunities in general aviation, such as flight instructing, tourism operations, and agricultural operations, such as mustering and crop spraying.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete seven units (48 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (7 units)

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and the term you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

The fees listed are indicative and should be used as a guide only. They are based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year in a Full-Fee Paying (FFP) place. For this course, that means seven units studied over two terms. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage. 

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.

You may be eligible for FEE-HELP, an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible students pay their tuition fees. Provided you meet the FEE-HELP eligibility criteria, you can choose to use FEE-HELP to cover all or part of your tuition fees. 

Learn more about paying for university or view the FEE-HELP information booklet on the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. 

Explore other study costs.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Follow These Steps

  1. 1
    Check you meet the course requirements
  2. 2
    Get a Unique Student Identifier

Extra Admission Information

Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.

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