airline cadet programs australia

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Airline Cadet Pilot Programs in Australia

Australia offers Cadet Pilot Programs through major airlines and flight schools, providing structured training from zero experience to an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). Some programs are fully sponsored, while others are self-funded with financing options.

1. Qantas Group Pilot Academy

Type: Self-funded (scholarships available)
Pathway: QantasLink → Qantas Airways
Training: Qantas Group Pilot Academy (Wellcamp, Queensland)
Eligibility: Australian & international students Minimum Year 12 with Math & English Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: No direct guarantee, but strong airline placement opportunities

2. Virgin Australia Cadet Pilot Program (Paused, but may reopen)

Type: Self-funded (with financing options)
Pathway: Flight training → Virgin Australia First Officer
Training: Partner flight schools in Australia
Eligibility: Australian citizens or permanent residents Year 12 completion (Math & English required) Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, conditional on performance

3. Rex Airlines (Regional Express) Pilot Cadet Program

Type: Self-funded (scholarships available)
Pathway: Rex Flight School → Regional Express First Officer
Training: Australian Airline Pilot Academy (AAPA, Wagga Wagga)
Eligibility: Australian citizens & permanent residents Year 12 with good grades Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, upon successful completion

4. Jetstar Cadet Pilot Program (Through Swinburne University & CAE Melbourne)

Type: Self-funded (university degree included)
Pathway: Bachelor of Aviation (Swinburne) → Jetstar First Officer
Training: CAE Melbourne & Swinburne University
Eligibility: Australian citizens & international students Enrolled in Swinburne’s Bachelor of Aviation Class 1 Medical Certificate
Job Guarantee: Yes, for high-performing graduates

5. International Flight Training Schools in Australia (With Airline Pathways)

If you don’t qualify for a cadet program, you can train at Australian flight schools that have airline connections:

CAE Melbourne – Works with Qantas, Jetstar, and international airlines
Flight Training Adelaide (FTA) – Partnered with airlines like Cathay Pacific and IndiGo
Basair Aviation College – Provides CPL & ATPL training
Soar Aviation – Trains domestic & international students

General Requirements for Most Cadet Programs in Australia

Age: 18–30 years
Education: Year 12 (with Math & English)
English Proficiency: ICAO Level 4 or higher (TOEFL/IELTS for non-native speakers)
Medical: CASA Class 1 Medical Certificate
Flight Training: CPL with Multi-Engine & Instrument Rating

How to Apply