Graduate Diploma of Aviation

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Duration
2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 3, 2026
Study mode
Online
Course code
CM54
First-year fee
$152,800 (2026 Indicative) (FFP)
Direct applications for Term 3, 2026 are open and close Monday 26 October 2026. View How To Apply section for more details about this intake.
Overview
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OverviewStructure & AvailabilityRequirementsFees & ScholarshipsHow to Apply
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Aviation students in plane cockpit

Overview

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

Watch our Aviation Open Day Webinar on demand.

Build your skills as a pilot, starting with short flights 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. Our extensive network of flight training partners throughout Australia will enable you to accrue over 200 hours of total flight training and simulator time at your nearest approved CQU flight training provider.

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

To enrol in this course, you must successfully complete the first year of the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations), hold a minimum of Class 2 CASA Aviation Medical (Class 1 strongly recommended), be eligible to hold an Australian Security Identification Card, and successfully complete an interview with the Head of Course or designated academic staff member. You must concurrently maintain full-time study in the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight Operations) with a passing Grade Point Average (GPA), or otherwise enrol as directed by the Head of Course to maintain eligibility for the graduate diploma.

When you graduate from this course you would normally hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and a MECIR.

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.

  • Industry Relevant
  • Local Flight Training Networks
  • Seamless Pathways
  • Student Support

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 or in other roles. You may also find employment opportunities with the Australian Defence Force.

With additional flight training, you may 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. Visit the Academic Calendars webpage for key dates relevant to your chosen intake.

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 prior experience or have studied previously, you may be eligible for credit or recognition of prior learning (RPL), which can help reduce your study load and the time it takes to complete your degree.

Learn more about credit and RPL, including application timelines and the overall process.

This course does permit you to defer your offer and commence at a later date.

Learn more about the offer process.

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
  4. 4
    Receiving an offer
    Find out more about how your application will be assessed, offer types and timelines for receiving and responding to an offer.

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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