Study Aviation Abroad
Looking to pursue a career in aviation? Countries like the USA, UK, Australia have been recognised as the undisputed kings for apsirants looking to study aviation abroad. Learn about the admission requirements and the career prospects in the aviation industry here.
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What you'll learn in this article
As a field of study, aviation is diverse, it can mean different things in relation to different programmes. Some programmes specialise in training students to be commercial pilots, while others focus more on air traffic or airport and airline management.
Aviation courses are available at the undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctorate levels. Depending on the programme you choose, your aviation degree course can involve many practical sessions with aircrafts, along with a combination of seminars, group lectures, and tutorials.
To be eligible to work as a commercial pilot abroad, you will have to complete the necessary training first and then earn a relevant pilot’s licence. The duration of training for an aspiring commercial pilot and what this training involves differ between certain nations, but all countries have aviation authorities that accredit licences and stipulate the requirements for one to be eligible to fly. Aviation courses for aspiring commercial pilots involve flight school training.
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Courses to Study Aviation Abroad
The content and structure of aviation programmes can differ depending on the university where students decide to study. A vast majority of aviation courses have different subjects or are available with specialisations, such as the following:
- Aviation and logistics management
- Aviation management
- Aviation with commercial pilot training
- Aviation engineering
- Aviation technology
- Aviation with airline and airport management
- Aviation and tourism
Therefore, the units you will study will vary depending on which aviation degree programme you decide to enrol in. However, the common topics that you may anticipate studying include the following:
- Aviation logistics
- Aircraft systems and navigation
- Airport operations
- Aviation safety
- Aviation engineering
Why Study Aviation Abroad?
If you are contemplating studying aviation abroad, then here are some of the top reasons why you should pursue it:
Competitive Pay
The pay scale of a pilot working abroad can be lofty, making it a job with one of the highest salaries. How much a pilot or an aviation manager earns hinges on factors like their employer and experience. As for aviation managers and pilots, a regional airline usually pays a lot less than a major airline.
The yearly salary of a commercial pilot in the USA is $102,726 on average. As an aviation manager in the USA, you may be able to earn anywhere between US $100,000 and US $150,000 per annum in the first two years of work.
Increasing Demand
As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be around 6% growth in employment for commercial pilots this decade. In this period, there should be around 7,700 pilot vacancies in the US aviation industry. There are also similarly high requirements for commercial pilots in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and the UK. Studying aviation in one of these top destinations is a surefire way to find work within the aviation industry.
As for aviation managers in the USA, the statistics regarding the unemployment rate for the last decade paint a bright picture. This trend is likely to continue as airline operations pick up pace following a challenging epidemic. The aviation sector in the ASEAN region has a bright future and is among the world's fastest-growing industries.
For the Incredible Career Opportunities
Earning a master's in aviation management or pilot training overseas is the best way to enhance your career options, as it offers you a competitive advantage over others in this field due to certain reasons, the main reason being that foreign schools have top-quality faculty with plenty of experience in aviation management or pilot roles, along with state-of-the-art equipment for pilots. With a master's in aviation abroad, you may work as a pilot or take up a high-profile managerial role at an international airline. Alternatively, you could be eligible to work as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector or within the FAA's team that looks into air traffic control facilities.
Opportunity to Travel Around the World
Perhaps you want to pursue an aviation career for the travel opportunities it offers. As an aviation industry professional, the world is your oyster. If you like exploring places and embarking on adventure trips across the globe, your options will be virtually limitless in this field.
People who work for major airlines can get flight benefits not just for themselves, but also for their family members. The benefits include a non-revenue ticket, also known as a “buddy pass,” that you can use to travel on a flight if there are seats available after every paying customer has boarded it.
Best Countries to Study Aviation Abroad
Aviation is among the industries that are growing faster than other sectors. That said, to land a job in aviation, you should know which study destinations have the best aviation courses. For instance, it only takes three years of study in Australia to be a commercial pilot, and institutions such as Southern Cross University and Swinburne University offer top aviation programs. Besides, aviation is among the best career options here because Sydney-based Qantas is one of the best airlines in the world. Here are some of the other best study destinations for aviation education abroad:
The United States
Recognised as the birthplace of aviation, the United States of America has been an undisputed top destination for aspiring pilots, aeronautical innovators and aerospace engineers. Here some reasons why the US stands out:
- Globally-recognised Licensing: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is one of the most universally accepted licensing/authority in the world. This makes securing jobs around the globe significantly easier.
- Fight-Hours Advantage: US programmes are designed to push its aviation students to acquire 250 hours as a pilot to acquire their Commercial Pilot License, compared to the rest of the world where students are required to achieve a minimum of 200 hours for the same. This makes US CPL pilots highly competitive in the job market.
- Top-ranking institutions: The US is renowned to house the world best institutions for aviation studies including the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Purdue University.
Australia
Australia has been one of the top destinations for aviation studies, especially by students hailing from Asian countries, as a result of its location ideal training environment. Let's see some reasons why studying in Australia continues to be a top choice to study aviation abroad.
- Ideal Flying Weather: With year-round clearer skies, aviation students are able to rack up their flying hours quicker than those learning in other destinations. This is a result of the lack of weather-related training delays seen in Australia.
- CASA Certification: Like the FAA, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority holds an impeccable reputation, especially for those looking to work in the Asia-Pacific airline market, which is currently in booming.
- Integrated Learning: Universities like the University of New South Wales and RMIT University offer brilliant bachelor's degree which are integrated with hands-on flight training.
Canada
With its welcoming immigration policies and rigorous aviation safety standards, studying in Canada remains a top choice for aviation aspirants.
- Welcoming Immigration: Through its Post-Graduate Work Permit policies, graduates get a chance to stay back in the country and gain the necessary experience to fully migrate to the country as well.
- Transport Canada: A license from Transport Canada is also one of the most recognised licenses that pilots can carry, allowing them to secure a well-paying job anywhere in the world.
- Cost-Effective Diploma: Canada's top-ranking institutions like Seneca College and the British Columbia Institute of Technology offer highly-affordable applied aviation diplomas to fast-track the students' journey from college to workforce.
The United Kingdom
The UK has been an undisputed destination for any aspirant looking to pursue a career in aviation management or aerospace engineering. Here are some reasons why you should study aviation in UK.
- Engineering Heritage: With engineering giants like Rolls Royce and BAE Systems starting their heritage in the country, the UK is ideal for aspirants looking to design aircrafts and managing airports.
- Elite Training Academies: Academies like Oxford Aviation Academy and CTC Aviation, aspiring pilots can directly apply for cadet programmes that put graduates on route to working with airlines like British Airways and easyJet.
- EASA/CAA Standards: The UK provide training according to the rigorous European regulatory environment, a skill that is highly-sought after by premium airline carriers.
South Africa
South Africa has been a top destination for aviation study, especially for aspirants who wish to secure the highest returns on their investment. Outlined here are some reasons why aspirants choose to study aviation abroad:
- Unbeatable Costs: The cost of training for your CPL in South Africa is 40-50% less than other top destinations like the US and the UK.
- Exceptional Weather: With mostly clear skies throughout the year, students find themselves able to complete their training and build flying-hours in record time.
- ICAO Compliance: The South African licenses are compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), making them easy to convert in countries across South Asia and the Middle East.
Need help finalising which country, programme and aviation institution you wish to enrol at? Connect with AECC counsellors and get tailored guidance to study at the best aviation institutions and destinations according to your needs and aspirations.
Requirements to Study Aviation Abroad
The criteria you need to satisfy to study aviation abroad may vary depending on where you want to do it and the course you want to pursue. This means that you must consider the following as just general information, when in doubt, feel free to contact our counsellors for more information:
- Depending on your study destination, there is usually a minimum age requirement to begin flight training, which can range between 14 and 18 years.
- You must meet the basic educational requirements, which include a high school diploma or university degree. Most aviation institutions require a high school diploma.
- The university-specified minimum score in an English language proficiency test, such as the IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT.
- Usually, a student pilot licence is also necessary to start flight training. Your school board will take care of this for you. It will not be your responsibility because flying usually starts in the second or third year of study.
- Medical fitness (for flight school admission).
Read More About: Scholarships to Study Abroad
Career Prospects and Scope of Aviation Abroad
Are you a teenager who is keen on exploring an aviation career? If so, you are going to enjoy it because there are more options than just becoming a pilot. Statistically speaking, flying may be the safest way to travel, but if you are afraid of it, you may also pursue a career in a non-pilot role in aviation management abroad. Pursuing this career requires you to learn everything possible about challenging concepts, such as aviation management, aviation maintenance, air traffic control, and air transportation economics.
The aviation sector is ever-changing, exciting, and rife with great career opportunities. Films like Top Gun and Con Air may romanticise aviation careers somewhat, but the fact is that aviation jobs come with several benefits. Let us discuss some popular aviation jobs to help you understand what your options are in this industry:
- Pilot
- Air traffic controller
- Flight attendant
- Flight instructor
- Airport manager
- Aviation maintenance technician
The UK has a way for you to know whether you are fit for a pilot’s job, The Honourable Company of Air Pilots offers an aptitude test for those without much flying experience. It can help you determine whether becoming a pilot is a suitable move for you, before paying for a related course.
If it fits you, you should start considering how you are going to pay for one of the best aviation programmes abroad. For instance, there are many partial scholarships for international students which you should consider when financing for your programme. Or Connect with AECC counsellors today and get tailored guidance to simplify your applications abroad.
Study Aviation Abroad FAQs
Your aviation subjects will differ depending on your specific programme. If you are studying aviation management, your areas of study may include transport logistics management, flight route planning, aviation safety, sustainable aviation practices, and digital aviation. If you are attending flight school, however, your aviation subjects may include data science, aviation meteorology, VOR navigation, and the fundamentals of flying.
A bachelor of aviation course abroad usually lasts four years. A master’s in aviation can last as many as two years. On the other hand, a PhD in aviation can last up to four years.
Flying an aircraft may not be hard per se, but it is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you are not afraid of heights, do not have any other condition that keeps you from staying calm, and have the right trainer, flight school may be ideal for you. That said, it is important to have that urge to reach for the sky each day to ensure that you enjoy your job as a pilot.
Canada is a good place for a career in aviation because of the competitive pay and the increasing number of job opportunities for aviation professionals here. According to the CAE Pilot Demand, Canada’s civil aviation sector will require over 26,000 pilots over the next ten years or so. Further, Canada's aviation sector requires around 55,000 skilled employees in non-pilot roles by 2025, which may offer plenty of opportunities for those with managerial aspirations as well.
How much mathematical knowledge you need for a career in aviation depends on what career you want to pursue. If you want to be a pilot, then you must know the basics of mathematics, including basic algebra, mental mathematics, arithmetics, and geometry. On the other hand, if you want to work in aviation management, you may not need to know all these aspects of mathematics.
Trusted Expertise
About the Author
Published and reviewed by AECC counsellors who guide students through every step of their study-abroad journey.
Published by Payal Chandra Roy
IELTS, Courses and Application Expert | 15 Years in International Education
Payal Chandra Roy has 15 years of experience in international education, writing on three areas students navigate regardless of which destination they are heading to: English proficiency tests, course selection and application documents. She covers IELTS and the Duolingo English Test, writes on standalone course guides across disciplines, and covers the application documents that accompany university applications including Letters of Recommendation, Statements of Purpose, academic essays and CVs.
Her background is practical in a specific way. She began as a student counsellor advising students directly, then moved into training and developing counsellors across AECC's network. That progression means she understands not just what students need to know across these three areas, but where the advice they typically receive falls short. Her articles give students the kind of guidance a well-prepared counsellor would offer in a consultation: on which IELTS band a specific university actually requires, what a particular course looks like in practice, and what makes an SOP work for a student with their specific background.
With over 1,000 students helped and more than 464,000 article views across the AECC platform, Payal's content covers the questions that come up most consistently from students preparing for English proficiency tests, choosing a course and putting together their application documents. She holds an MBA in Marketing and is based at AECC's offices.
