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Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma of Aviation

Graduate Diploma of Aviation (GDAV)

Entry requirements
Study mode
  • Online
Campus
  • -
Duration
  • 1 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Jan, Jul

Overview

  • The Graduate Diploma of Aviation is designed to transform aviation professionals into future leaders capable of navigating the rapidly evolving global aviation landscape. 
  • Emphasising safety systems, aviation human factors, and advanced leadership skills, the Graduate Diploma of Aviation equips graduates with a deep understanding of management and business principles within an aviation context. 
  • As a graduate, you will be prepared to critically analyse complex information and drive innovation in aviation, aligning with the strategic and operational demands of the industry. 
  • Explore topics such as elevating performance through aviation human factors, enhancing aviation safety management and culture and optimizing air transport economics. 
  • You’ll study this degree in comprehensive 6-week teaching blocks and have the option to complete within 8 months, setting you on a path towards leadership positions.  
  • Learn from lecturers who are experts in their field and are among the most qualified in Australia for the development and delivery of aviation education programs. 

Further study

After completing the Graduate Diploma of Aviation, you can apply (with credit) to study the Master of Business Administration Aviation.   

Career outcomes

  • As a graduate you will be equipped for management and supervisory roles in airlines, airports, aviation safety regulation, and aviation authorities.  You will possess skills to drive innovation and align operations with strategic industry demands. 
  • You will have a deep understanding of aviation safety systems, human factors and safety culture, allowing you to make a positive contribution towards senior leadership roles in safety management, compliance, and operational efficiency within various aviation sectors 

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

  • Completion of an Australian university Bachelor degree in the area of aviation, management and/or psychology, or equivalent. 

For candidates who have a Bachelor degree or equivalent (AQF level 7) from a recognised institution outside the areas stated above, UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Aviation provides an articulation pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Aviation.

English language requirements

You are required to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.5 with a minimum 6.0 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can apply to study with our English language partner, the Union Institute of Language (UIL).

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 8 units.

Courses to be studied Units
7 x core courses 7
1 x selective course 1
Total 8

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for an example of courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 31760

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2025. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Intakes

From 2025, this degree will be offered in Block study periods. You can choose to start in Block 1 or 4.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Block 1, 2025 Monday 13 January Monday 13 January Monday 20 January Friday 7 March
Block 4, 2025 Monday 30 June  Monday 30 June  Monday 7 July Friday 22 August

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

Talk to us
Why should I study an Aviation Graduate Diploma at UniSQ?

When you choose to study a Graduate Diploma in Aviation at UniSQ, you are choosing a premier provider of Aviation degrees.

  • As the only Australian university equipped with both Boeing 737 and A320 flight simulators, we offer our students unparalleled opportunities to train on the industry’s leading simulators.
  • Take advantage of superior industry experience, with highly trained staff including current and recent Airline, Australian Defence Force and Instructor Pilots and managers.
  • Fast track your studies in comprehensive six-week teaching blocks, giving you the option to complete your aviation graduate diploma within 8 months.
  • Learn your postgraduate diploma in aviation from the best! According to the Good Universities Guide 2024, we are rated 5/5 stars for postgraduate overall experience, staff qualifications and graduate salary.
What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Aviation?

The entry requirements to study a Graduate Diploma in Aviation (also known as a Graduate Diploma Aviation) will vary depending on the learning provider you choose.

At UniSQ, to gain entry into our Graduate Diploma of Aviation, you need to have completed an Australian university bachelor degree in the area of aviation, management and/or psychology. For more information on entry requirements, please view the entry requirements section of this page.

Do you still have questions about our postgraduate diploma in aviation? Get in touch with one of our iconnect support staff to talk through your options.

Can the Graduate Diploma of Aviation be completed online?

Yes! At UniSQ we offer an online aviation graduate diploma, allowing you to study where and when it suits your life. We’ve been delivering distance education for over 40 years, so you can be sure that you are learning your aviation degree from the experts in online education.

Discover more about the different ways you can study at UniSQ.

What career opportunities are available after completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Aviation?

Graduates holding a Graduate Diploma in Aviation can enjoy many employment opportunities in aviation management and flight operations, including:

  • Aviation manager or other management/supervisory roles in airports
  • Aviation safety regulation and compliance, and
  • Aviation authorities.