Flight Instruction – Graduate Diploma in Aviation

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 32,280 / year

Next Intake May-2026

Flight Instruction – Graduate Diploma in Aviation

About

Specialise in Flight Instruction for your Graduate Diploma in Aviation at Massey

This 120-credit qualification acknowledges and recognises that having significant aviation experience has real value.

You may have an interest in working as a flight instructor. Or you are already working as a commercial pilot but want to share your experience with a new generation of budding pilots. If so, and you wish to gain your ‘C’ Category Flight instructor rating within a University framework, the Graduate Diploma in Aviation (Flight Instruction) is for you.

Share your passion for flying with the next generation.

Massey University is the only place in New Zealand where you can train to become a flight instructor and gain a University diploma at the same time.

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation (Flight Instruction) draws on existing courses from the Bachelor of Aviation and the Bachelor of Aviation Management giving an insight into the full undergraduate degree.

Topics covered include:

Flight Instruction Foundation Fundamentals
Introduction to Aerobatic Principles
Flight Instruction Human Factors
Flight Instruction Fundamentals 1
Two courses from the Schedule of the Bachelor of Aviation Management

Further study

After completing this qualification, you will have not only your ‘C’ Category Flight instructor rating but you could progress to complete the full Bachelor of Aviation Management degree.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Graduate Diploma in Aviation (Flight Instruction) you will:

have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, or
have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience
hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) - Aeroplane (A)
hold an Instrument Rating (IR)
hold a Class One medical certificate recognised by the CAA NZ
meet appropriate pilot aptitude selection criteria.

You will provide a copy of:

your CV including academic and work history
your Commercial Pilot's Licence and instrument rating. You can upload electronic copies of these documents, but please also supply a verified hard copy to the University
a copy of your NZCAA Class One Medical Certificate. You can upload an electronic copy with your enrolment.

If you have a bachelor degree or other tertiary qualification, you will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

You will need to attend an interview.

Application closing dates

Applications close in November each year for a Semester One start; and May for a Semester Two start. Please contact the School for further details: aviation@massey.ac.nz

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

This qualification is classified as NZQF Level 7 and requires the same English language standard as most undergraduate bachelor degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Massey University English language requirements

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.5 overall and minimum 6.0 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 90, minimum 20 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 58 overall and minimum 50 in each communicative skills

Career

You could go on to become a flight instructor.

The graduate diploma is also a bridging tool to gain the equivalent of an undergraduate major in a specific area so you can go on to further study in aviation.