International Students

Registered Training Organisation

RVAC is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 22465 & CRICOS Code 00277D) approved by the Australian Government, via its Department of Education, to deliver Nationally Recognised Training, specifically Flight training, to overseas students in accordance with the Educational Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS). The ESOS Framework can be accessed here.

Each individual course leads to a formal award recognised nationally by the Australian education authorities and is in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF). All successful graduates will also qualify for Australian pilot licences, ratings and endorsements which are issued by the Australian aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These CASA issued qualifications are recognised by all ‘Contracting States’ or members of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), i.e. by virtually all countries of the world.

Why should international students choose Royal Victorian Aero Club?

Experience

RVAC has a history of over 100 years of training pilots for professional careers in the Aviation industry in Australia and abroad. RVAC trained graduates may be found in all areas of aviation, including Domestic and International Airlines and the Royal Australian Air Force just to name a few. With a dedicated team of qualified Flight Instructors, it has adapted to changes in aviation technology and in the aviation industry and continues to play a significant role in providing pilots for the Domestic and International Aviation Sector.

Not for Profit Organisation

One of the other key reasons for training with the RVAC is the fact that we are a Club, meaning we are a not-for-profit organisation. Any profits the club makes goes back into the club, benefiting its students and members. We do this by improving the facilities, purchasing new aircraft and upgrading the existing fleet.

Located at a leading general aviation flight training airport

RVAC operates professional accredited flight training courses in a safe learning environment. We operate 362 days of the year. Our flight training is based at Moorabbin Airport, 25km south of Melbourne’s CBD, a comprehensive training facility, with a great selection of aircraft. Moorabbin Airport is the leading General Aviation flight training airport in Victoria. Learning to fly at Moorabbin Airport offers the trainee pilot excellent aviation infrastructure. Moorabbin Airport is close to the CTA and other airports, has a control tower, 5 sealed operational runways and a nearby Training Area. The Airport’s Melbourne Flying Schools train approximately 800 commercial pilots each year, with 30% coming from international destinations.

Safety is our priority

RVAC is fully compliant with all CASA Standards and Requirements. Safety at RVAC Flight Training for all flight operations is our highest priority and is demonstrated in all our training standards. RVAC does not compromise on safety with training, is committed to high standards and produces students to above Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirements. It is our aim to produce the safest pilots available to the International Aviation Industry. This policy will not change.

We own all our aircraft and have a comprehensive knowledge of our aircraft histories and ensure they are maintained to the highest standards by our highly experienced Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. We ensure our aircraft are in top condition giving you comfort, so you can focus on learning to fly.

How to apply

Please CONTACT US to receive further detailed information to initiate the application and enrolment process.

A Student Visa (subclass 500) is required for international students to study in Australia. In order to apply for a visa, accepted applicants will need to provide Department of Home Affairs with a letter of offer and confirmation of enrolment issued by RVAC.

Prospective students must be aged 18 or over and will need to provide a copy of an English Language Assessment satisfactory for both Department of Home Affairs and CASA, copy of Passport ID page, and complete a detailed application form to initiate the enrolment process.

You will need to arrange Overseas Student Health Cover, your own travel and accommodation arrangements. RVAC can provide information regarding accommodation.

Please note that RVAC, as policy, does not use Education or Migration agents.

Current course fees and durations can be found here. Students will be advised of their estimated course and ancillary fees prior to enrolment. In order to safeguard student tuition fees, RVAC pays an annual levy into an International Student Tuition Protection Service .

An Aviation Reference Number, Aviation Security Identity Card, Aviation Class 1 Medical are requirements for training. RVAC will assist students with these requirements prior to commencement.

Current student visa conditions allow the student to work up to 48 hours per week. Your course should remain your first priority and you are required to maintain satisfactory attendance and progress in your course as required by the education provider. RVAC courses are structured for full time face to face attendance requiring the student to attend 4 days each week. Our industry professionals monitor each person individually, and will keep an eye on your attendance and flying progress for the duration of your course. Student visa holders who fail to attend classes or meet satisfactory course progress, may be in breach of their visa conditions.

Overseas Licence Conversion

Students who hold an overseas Private Pilot Licence may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning. In our experience RVAC has found that the conversion of a foreign PPL can take between 15 – 30 hours of flying to bring the student up to a standard that would pass the required Flight review. Our experience also tells us that a student would need to allow at least 8 weeks for this process. Please visit the CASA website for information regarding converting a foreign licence. International Students converting a foreign PPL will be required to accumulate a minimum of 200 flying hours, including 100 Pilot in Command flying hours to apply for an Australian CPL. This includes overseas hours.

Transfer from another institution

RVAC will not accept a student transferring from another institution who has been enrolled in their current principal course for less than 6 months without evidence of a letter of release from their current provider, or unless the current provider has ceased to be registered or sanctioned preventing the overseas student from continuing their course.

Further Information

Please visit the following websites to learn more about studying and cost of living in Melbourne, Australia:

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