Aviation and Pilot Training Courses in Australia

Quick answer

International students can train as a commercial pilot in Australia through a CRICOS-registered aviation degree. One option is the Bachelor of Aviation (Flight), Major in Piloting at Holmes Institute in Melbourne (CRICOS 112849H): 3 years full time, intakes in March and July, with about 195 hours of flight training at Moorabbin Airport leading to a CASA Commercial Pilot Licence and Instrument Rating. You must hold a CASA Class 1 medical certificate before the course starts, so plan it early.

Aviation and Pilot Courses at a Glance

Course Options by Study Level

The Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) in Melbourne

Holmes Institute's Bachelor of Aviation (Flight), Major in Piloting combines a university-level degree with real flight training, so you finish with both a qualification and your licences. You study aviation theory on campus, practise in a dedicated flight simulator lab, and fly with Holmes's training partner Tristar Aviation at Moorabbin Airport in Melbourne's south-east. Holmes says graduates are "General Aviation ready", and it has an industry partnership with Kakadu Air in Darwin for a pathway into a first paid flying role.

What It Costs

Holmes Aviation lists a total course fee of about A$195,000 for international students, which includes the allocated flight and simulator hours. Its fee tables are labelled 2025 and Holmes expects increases of 4–5% a year, so always confirm the fee for your intake. Holmes lists these extra costs, paid on top of the course fee:

You also need to show enough money for living costs and your first year of fees for the Student visa. Use our funds calculator to check.

The CASA Class 1 Medical: Step by Step

Commercial pilots need a Class 1 medical certificate from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), and Holmes requires it before the course starts. The first (initial) Class 1 needs two separate specialist appointments, so start early. Holmes describes the process in five steps:

1. Create a MyCASA accountRegister online at mycasa.gov.au.
2. Apply for an Aviation Reference Number (ARN)In MyCASA, choose "Need an ARN?" and then "Apply for an individual ARN". You upload identification, such as your passport.
3. Apply for the medical onlineIn MyCASA, open the Medical Records System (MRS) under Aviation Medicals, choose the Class 1 certificate type, complete the health questionnaire and pay the A$75 CASA processing fee. Do steps 1 to 3 before you book any appointments.
4. See a DAMEBook a CASA Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). Find one in the CASA aviation medical contacts list by typing "DAME" in the search box. An initial Class 1 also needs an ECG, a hearing test (audiogram) and blood tests (fasting lipids and glucose). Some DAMEs do all of these in one place, while others send you elsewhere, so ask when you book and check whether you need to fast.
5. See a DAO for your eyesBook an eye examination with a CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist (DAO), separately from the DAME. Search "DAO" in the same CASA list. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring two pairs to both appointments, because they will test your spare pair too.

CASA treats test results as "recent" only if they are done within about three months of your application, so keep your appointments close together. Ask Holmes about timing for your intake: you may need to arrive in Australia early, or see a CASA-designated examiner in your own country if there is one.

Other Requirements Before You Fly

• Aviation English: CASA requires a General English Language Proficiency assessment before flight training and before a licence is issued. This is separate from your IELTS score for admission.
• Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC): you must be eligible, which includes a background check.
• Interview and skills assessment: Holmes interviews and assesses every applicant.

After You Graduate

Bachelor graduates who meet the Australian study requirement may be able to apply for the Temporary Graduate (485) visa in the Post-Higher Education Work stream, which does not need an occupation on a skills list. For permanent residence, Aeroplane Pilot is on the Regional Occupation List and the Core Skills Occupation List, but not the Medium and Long-term list. That means the usual pathways are regional (491 or 494) or employer-sponsored (482 and later 186) visas, rather than the 189 or 190. CASA assesses pilots for migration.

Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists

These occupations are linked to pilot training. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.

Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.

How to Start

1. Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
2. Start your Class 1 medical earlyYou must hold a CASA Class 1 medical before the course starts. Create your MyCASA account and ARN, apply in the Medical Records System, then book a DAME and a DAO. Allow several weeks.
3. Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
4. Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
5. Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.

How Aussie ASEAN Can Help

We check your eligibility for pilot training, help you apply to Holmes Institute and plan your Class 1 medical timeline, and our Registered Migration Agent prepares your Student visa and plans your options after graduation.

Free tools for students

Related courses and visas

Sources: Holmes Aviation: Bachelor of Aviation (Flight) · Holmes Institute: course page · CASA: aviation medical contacts (DAME and DAO search) · CASA: additional medical tests for pilots · CASA: individual Aviation Reference Numbers · MyCASA