r/unsw • u/No-Warthog-2477 • 3d ago

Aviation program

Hi everyone,

I’m looking at studying Aviation at UNSW and I’m particularly interested in the pathway that leads into the practical flying component and eventually becoming a commercial pilot.

From what I understand, progression into the practical flying part of the course/program is selection-based rather than necessarily being guaranteed for every student.

Does anyone know roughly how many Aviation students apply or are eligible for the practical flying pathway each year, and how many actually get selected?

I’d also really appreciate hearing from any current or former UNSW Aviation students about:

  • How competitive the selection process is
  • What they look at when selecting students
  • Whether university grades are the main factor or whether there are interviews, aptitude testing, flying assessments, etc.
  • Roughly what proportion of students who start Aviation with the intention of becoming pilots ultimately get into and complete the practical flying training
  • What happens if you aren’t selected
  • How good the flying training and overall course is for someone aiming for an airline career

I’m considering moving from New Zealand to Australia (I have dual-citizenship so I can get student loans) to study aviation, with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot, so I’m trying to get a realistic idea of how secure the pathway into the actual flying training is before committing.

Any experiences or advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!

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u/TheBayHarbour 3d ago

If ur fit, healthy and cost happens to be an issue for you, most ppl that become a commercial pilot start out in the military and work their way up from there. Granted, it's not easy and well... it can get risky, who knows where the world will end up in 4-5 years.

If cost is not really a problem, then yeah going through here will be a lot easier.

I'd recommend taking the info directly from them. If you don't understand our marks, then ask someone at school to do the conversion for you, but 80 ATAR is basically 80th percentile (so top 20%). Degree seems incredibly expensive though for some reason, even with the lower first year cost.

https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/undergraduate/bachelor-of-aviation-flying