Overview

Become a professional pilot who also excels in the boardroom with a Bachelor of  Aviation / Bachelor of Business. Gain a commercial pilot license through CAE with Melbourne Flight Training and prepare to enter the industry supercharged with a variety of skills.

Apply ATAR-free and secure your future

The best move you’ll make in Year 12 is not leaving your future to chance. Apply for Swinburne’s Early Entry Program now and you could secure an offer before exams – no ATAR required.

Your major

Business Administration

Gain an essential understanding of business operations, including organisational behaviour and managing workplace relations. You’ll also learn practical skills in areas, including data analytics, data collection, strategic planning and project management. The aim of this major is to give you the confidence to ask intelligent questions so you'll be able to get the answers you need for successful administrative work in any industry or workplace.

Your industry experience

Bolster your CV with industry experience while you study through our Work Integrated Learning programs. These are guaranteed as part of our bachelor degrees and can include placements, internships or industry-linked projects in organisations including Qantas and Melbourne Airport.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Professional piloting
  • Safety risk management
  • Human factors understanding
  • Communication
  • Data collection
  • Strategic planning

Your career opportunities

  • Professional pilot
  • Aviation consultant
  • Aviation regulatory and safety services manager
  • Business manager
  • Human resource officer
  • Business administrator

Key codes

CRICOS course code
079135K
VTAC Code (CSP)
3400234521
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Professional accreditations

Why Swinburne?

A leader in aviation education for more than 30 years

Top 5% of the world’s higher education business schools

Top 300 for Business and Economics

Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023

#1 in Melbourne for student support

Qualifications

One of the following:

  • successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
  • completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

RC

Lowest ATAR to receive an offer in 2025 [after adjustment factors]

69.2

You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.

If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors.

Subject adjustments: 

  • A study score of 25 in any Business, any Information Technology, any Mathematics, Physics, Politics or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. 
  • A study score of 30 in any Business, any Information Technology, any Mathematics, Physics, Politics or Psychology equals 3 aggregate points per study.

Overall maximum of 15 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.

*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent overseas qualification.


This will be assessed at the time of your application. To check your eligibility for this course, visit our entry requirements for international students page.

Course prerequisites

  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent 
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne’s MathsLink Methods bridging program.

  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent 
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

Other requirements

Prior to selection, all shortlisted candidates are required to complete a skills assessment test, conducted at CAE Oxford Aviation Academy in late November. They are designed to determine a candidate's understanding of a career as a professional pilot and their suitability to undertake the program. The skills assessment test is composed of a series of computer-based assessments that cover pilot aptitude, including hand–eye coordination, motor skills and spatial awareness.

Although not an entry requirement, students must also satisfy the statutory Class 1 medical requirements of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority if undertaking practical flying training to commercial level.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

Informed Choices

Informed Choices is how Swinburne supports you through course selection, navigating university experiences and accessing the right support services at the right times, along with ensuring you can successfully complete your course, and are equipped with the information you need to make the right career decision for you. 

Informed Choices covers five areas of course requirements and capability: 

  • Sensory 

  • Mobility and movement  

  • Legal, duty of care and professional 

  • Learning and knowledge creation; and 

  • Interpersonal.

When applying for the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business and before commencing flight training units, you will need to complete two external assessments. Together, these assessments review areas such as vision and eye health (including hand–eye coordination), motor skills, cardiovascular health, overall physical and mental health, spatial awareness, neurological and cognitive function, and the ability to operate in dynamic environments. A review of medical history is also undertaken, along with completion of a personality assessment. The following activities show how these areas appear in practice. 

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course. 

Sight 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use and interpret visual information, including colour and/or facial cues, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Interpreting flight instruments, cockpit displays, charts, runway environments and visual navigation cues

  • Observing direct line of sight between aircrafts to maintain safety in airspaces

Some industry-standard tools and software may have limited compatibility with assistive technology or alternative formats. 

Sound 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use hearing to respond to vocal cues and differentiate sounds and tone, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Hearing instructions, cockpit warnings, crew communications and environmental audio cues
     

Touch 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use touch to feel tactile differences and changes in objects, assess physical conditions, and respond to discomfort or danger, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Working in close-proximity cockpit environments, including shared use of flight controls, switches, throttles and aircraft systems

  • Wearing required safety clothing, including gloves
     

Smell  

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use smell to distinguish the differences and changes in smell for identifying odours, detecting hazards (like smoke or gas), and enhancing taste, to maintain safety and make accurate assessments. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Detecting and identifying odours, including smoke, fuel or burning electrics, when assessing aircraft systems and environments to respond to warning signs

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course. 

Endurance 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use endurance to sustain physical effort and concentration over extended periods without experiencing excessive fatigue. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Managing prolonged flight operations and duty hours

  • Avoiding fatigue‑related safety risks
     

Stamina 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use stamina to perform short-term, high-intensity physical tasks while maintaining control and energy. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Managing prolonged flight operations and duty hours

  • Avoiding fatigue‑related safety risks
     

Strength 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use strength to lift, move, or hold objects safely using physical effort. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Handling aircraft and operating flight controls to manage cockpit tasks and respond effectively in emergency situations
     

Dexterity 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use fine and coordinated movements of the hands and limbs to complete tasks that require precision and control. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Operating flight controls

  • Managing cockpit systems

  • Performing tasks requiring hand-eye coordination

  • Responding promptly in time-critical or emergency situations
     

Interruptions to consciousness 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will need to remain conscious and aware of surroundings and external factors to be able to respond appropriately and safely, even when managing interruptions or medication effects. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Maintaining continuous situational awareness

  • Monitoring aircraft systems, environment and position during all phases of flight

  • Detecting and responding to hazards, system changes and unexpected events with timely safety actions to maintain control
     

Fine motor skills 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use fine motor skills to execute small, precise movements efficiently, such as manipulating tools, equipment or controls. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Operating controls, electronic systems and devices (avionics) and instrumentation
     

Gross motor skills 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use gross motor skills to coordinate whole body movements such as lifting, walking, standing, or maintaining posture or balance. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Entering and exiting cockpit simulators and aircraft

  • Performing coordinated movements to manage cockpit tasks and maintain control

  • Coordinating emergency procedures
     

Adaptable components

The following mobility and movement components are required in this course. Reasonable adjustments can likely be supported.

Component Definition
Steadiness Maintain balance, control, and stable movement while standing, walking, or performing physical tasks.
Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course. 

Cognition 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop, use and apply thinking skills such as attention, memory, language, and perception to focus, learn, and complete tasks over a continued period of time. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Processing complex aviation information, maintaining situational awareness, and making sound decisions in non-routine and novel flight scenarios

  • Following real-time instructions during flight simulations and practicum, and simultaneously applying and adjusting the information in response to flight instruments and cockpit displays
     

Understand and apply information 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use and interpret information by following instructions, making decisions, solving problems and applying knowledge.  

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Accurately applying sound judgement in real-time to aviation regulations and procedures to ensure safety
     

Critical thinking and analysis 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use skills in analysing and evaluating information objectively to form well-reasoned conclusions. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Evaluating risks and responding effectively to complex or unexpected aviation situations, and making informed decisions, particularly in non-routine or time-critical situations
     

Digital literacy 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop skills to use digital tools and technologies effectively to access, create, and apply knowledge. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Engaging in real-time with aviation software, analytics tools, digital flight planning systems and technology to identify risks

Required components

Required components are essential functions and attributes that are encountered in different learning and assessment contexts throughout the course.

The examples below show how these components appear in practice, which can guide your approach to learning and participation throughout the course. 

Verbal communication 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use spoken language to express ideas clearly, supported by tone and body language, to support understanding and feedback. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Communicating effectively with crew, instructors, ATC and stakeholders, leading to safety and professional risks
     

Social cues 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use social cues to notice and respond to unspoken communication such as body language, facial expression, gestures and pace of conversations. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Reading and understanding crew or flight controller interactions to maintain safety when working either in teams or autonomously
     

Written communication 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use written communication skills to express information through written formats including via software, print or handwriting. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Reviewing and completing flight plans, aircraft load and trim sheets, and aircraft performance graphs and tables by hand or with industry-standard software

Some industry-standard tools and software may have limited compatibility with assistive technology or alternative formats 

Numeracy 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will use numbers and data to make decisions in everyday and professional situations.  

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Calculating and applying aircraft performance data in real-time to plan a flight, adjust for take-off and landing distances, determine correct airspeed, and adjust for weather conditions
     

Collaboration and teamwork  

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use skills in working with others to build trust, contribute to shared goals, and maintain positive team dynamics. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Demonstrating professional cockpit communication, coordination and protocols as an effective crew member or team leader
     

Conflict resolution 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use skills to address disagreements calmly and respectfully to reach beneficial outcomes. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Applying strategies to manage workload, errors and distractions, particularly in high workload and time-compressed situations. This will be observed and assessed during flight simulations and practicum. 
     

Emotional regulation 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use skills to take part in interactions with others in a way that supports respectful and productive communication.  

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Responding with calm precision and authority. This will be observed and assessed during flight simulations and practicum.
     

Adaptability 

Students in the Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business will develop and use skills in responding to change through adjusting plans and managing different tasks as situations change. 

Some activities are core to safety and professional practice. Therefore, there may be limited flexibility for adjustments in activities such as: 

  • Responding to dynamic and complex aviation environments and unexpected scenarios. This will be observed and assessed during flight simulations and practicum.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Apply for a pathway course

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.

  • 8 months full-time, 4 units max credit

    Diploma of Engineering (UniLink)

Note: This information should be used as a guide for those who have completed a course and are seeking credit into another course. For those yet to commence their course, during the time taken to complete, this information may change. Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree. Progression to professional degrees may be subject to additional criteria or academic performance.

How credit points work

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Aviation / Bachelor of Business requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

24
Core units
+
8
Major units
=
4-year bachelor degree

What your course could look like

These are some examples of the units currently in this course. Your sequence may vary depending on unit availability, prerequisite requirements and the semester in which you commenced your course.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
The Global Aviation System and Regulatory Framework
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA10001
Aviation Project: Blue Sky Ideas
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA10014
Aviation Safety and Risk Management
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA10017
Aviation Project: Managing Implementation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA20024
Airline Crew Planning and Resourcing
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA20027
Airport and Airline Planning: Factors and Outcomes
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA20028
Airline Market Analysis and Network Planning
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA20029
Advanced Aviation Analytics and Research Skills
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA30005
Current and Future Aviation Technologies and Operational Concepts
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA30006
Aviation Capstone 1: Project Planning
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA30008
Aviation Capstone 2: Project Implementation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVA30009
Private Pilot Licence Theory
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVT10005
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVT10006
Commercial Pilot Licence Theory 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVT20003
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 3
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVT30002
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVT30003
Air Transport Pilot Licence Theory 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
AVT30004
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Financial Information for Decision Making
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
ACC10007
Economics for Business Decision Making
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
ECO10005
Contemporary Management Principles
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
MGT10009
Marketing and the Consumer Experience
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
MKT10009
Business Digitalisation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
INF10024
Business Consulting Project
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
BUS30032
Creative Mindset and Entrepreneurship
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
BUS10015
Business Practice Core Option*
Core unit
Major units (Business Administration)
Business for Sustainability, Social Change and Impact
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BUS10014
Managing Workplace Relations
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
HRM20017
Organisational Behaviour
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
MGT20007
Big Data Management
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
INF20016
Law of Commerce
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20019
Knowledge Management and Analytics
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
INF30015
Strategic Planning
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
MGT30005
Project Management Essentials
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
PRM30001
Want to learn more about the available majors?

Learn about all the units you can take in each available major from the course handbook.

2026 tuition fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$13,467.00

Total fee* ($AUD)

$53,868.00

2026 tuition fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2026 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Flying training fees

Additional fees and costs are applicable to the flying training (practicum) units that form part of this course. You should take these flying training fees into account when considering this course. Eligible students can elect to enrol in the Graduate Certificate of Aviation (Piloting) to access FEE-HELP to assist with flying training fees.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front. 

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Finances
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for HECS-HELP

You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:

  • are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
  • hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

The fee shown in the capped amount for 2026.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2026.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$373.00

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$373.00

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2026 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Professional placement fees

Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code
BB-AVBUS3
Apply directly
Course code
BB-AVBUS3
CRICOS code
079135K
Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Closing date

Applications for Round 1 close on 20 December. Applications submitted after this date may be considered in later rounds.

Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
01-March-2027
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
24-February-2027
Start dates
01-March-2027
Upcoming events