Registered Training Organisation
Royal Victorian Aero Club (RVAC) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 22465 & CRICOS Code 00277D) approved by the Australian Government, via the Department of Education and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), 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.
- AVI50222 Diploma of Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence – Aeroplane) (CRICOS Code 109195A)
- AVI50519 Diploma of Aviation (Instrument Rating) (CRICOS Code 0101242)
Each individual course leads to a nationally recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and is delivered in compliance with the standards of the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). The courses align with the licencing requirements of the Australian aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
All successful graduates will qualify for Australian pilot licences, ratings and endorsements which are issued by 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 key benefits of training with RVAC is that we are a not-for-profit club. As a club, any surplus revenue is reinvested directly into improving the student experience. This includes upgrading our training facilities, maintaining, modernising and expanding our aircraft fleet, and enhancing the services we provide.
For our international students, this means you’ll be learning in a supportive environment focused on safety, quality and continuous improvement.
Located at a leading general aviation flight training airport
RVAC delivers professional flight training in a safe and supportive learning environment. We operate 362 days a year, ensuring consistent access to flight hours and instruction.
Our training base is located at Moorabbin Airport, just 25 km south of Melbourne’s CBD. As the leading general aviation training airport in Victoria, Moorabbin offers outstanding infrastructure for student pilots – including five sealed runways, and active control tower, proximity to controlled airspace (CTA), and a dedicated training area nearby.
RVAC students benefit from a well-maintained fleet of training aircraft and access to a comprehensive training facility. Each year, Moorabbin Airport is home to the training of around 800 commercial pilots, with approximately 30% of students coming from international backgrounds, making it a vibrant and multicultural learning environment for aspiring pilots from around the world.
Commitment to safety and excellence
At RVAC, safety is our highest priority. We are fully compliant with all CASA standards and regulatory requirements. Our training programs are designed with a strong safety culture at their core, and we never compromise on the quality or integrity of our flight operations.
RVAC is committed to exceeding CASA requirements and consistently delivering training to the highest standards. Our goal is to produce confident, capable and safety-focused pilots who are ready to meet the demands of the global aviation industry. This comitment to safety and excellence is fundamental to who we are and it will never change.
At RVAC, we own and operate our entire fleet of training aircraft, giving us complete oversight of their maintenance and operational history. All aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by our team of highly experienced Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. This rigorous approach to maintenance ensures our fleet is always in excellent condition, allowing you to focus on what matters most – learning to fly with confidence and peace of mind.
How to apply
Please CONTACT US to receive further detailed information to initiate the application and enrolment process.
Prospective students must:
- Be aged 18 years or older
- Provide evidence of an English Language Assessment satisfactory for both Department of Home Affairs and CASA, such as IELTS with minimum 6.0 in each field
- Provide a copy of current Passport ID page
- Provide evidence of successful completion of Year 12 (or international equivalent) or higher level qualification
- Complete a Student Application and Enrolment Pack
- Complete a Pre-enrolment Assessment
Once all required documents have been submitted to RVAC, they will be reviewed to ensure all entry requirements are met. If the applicant is assessed as a genuine prospective student, an Application Fee invoice will be issued. After the application fee has been received, RVAC will issue a Letter of Offer and a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which is required for student visa processing.
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 the Letter of Offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Travel and Accommodation
You are responsible for arranging your Overseas Student Health Cover, as well as your own travel and accommodation.
RVAC can assist by providing information and guidance on local accommodation options to help you get settled. A list of services that can assist with accommodation, student support and wellbeing can be found here.
Course Tuition Fees and Student Ancillary Expenses
Current course tuition fees and durations can be found here. Students will be provided with an estimate of their total course tuition and ancillary expenses prior to enrolment.
To protect international student tuition fees, RVAC contributes annually to the Australian Government’s Tuition Protection Service (TPS). The TPS ensures that international students are supported in the event that a provider is unable to fully deliver their course.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
All students undertaking nationally accredited training in Australia are required to hold a Unique Student Identifier or USI. International students may only apply for a USI once they are onshore in Australia. For more information on USIs and international student, please visit the USI website.
CASA Requirements
An Aviation Reference Number (ARN), Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC), Aviation Class 1 Medical are required for training.
An international student may apply for an ARN and an Aviation Class 1 Medical whilst still overseas. The ASIC can only be applied for once the international student is onshore in Australia. RVAC will assist students with these requirements prior to commencement.
Working and Student visa 500
Under current student visa conditions, international students are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods. However, your studies must remain your primary focus while in Australia.
RVAC’s courses are structured for full time, face-to-face learning, requiring attendance of a minimum 4 days per week. To ensure compliance with student visa requirements, students must maintain satisfactory attendance and academic progress throughout their course. Student visa holders who fail to attend classes or meet satisfactory course progress, may be in breach of their visa conditions. RVAC’s instructors and student administration closely monitor each students attendance and flight training progress. Failure to meet these standards may result in a breach of visa conditions and could be reported to the Department of Home Affairs.
Overseas Licence Conversion
Students holding an overseas Private Pilot Licence (PPL) may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Based on RVAC’s experience, converting a foreign PPL typically requires between 15 – 30 hours of flight training to meet the standard required for the Flight review. This process generally takes approximately 8 weeks to complete.
For detailed and up-to-date information on converting a foreign licence, please refer to the CASA website. International Students converting a foreign PPL and intending to obtain an Australian Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) must accumulate a minimum of 200 total flight hours, including at least 100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC). These totals can include eligible overseas flight hours.
Transfer from another institution
RVAC will not accept an international student seeking to transfer from another institution if they have been enrolled in their principal course for less than 6 months. Exceptions will only be made if the student provides a valid letter of release from their current education provider, or if their current provider is no longer registered or has been sanctioned in a way that prevents the overseas student from continuing their course.
Further Information
Please note that RVAC, as policy, does not use Education or Migration agents.
Please visit the following websites to learn more about studying and cost of living in Melbourne, Australia: