Graduate Diploma in Aviation – GDipAv

Overview
Entry requirements
Qualification structure
Courses & specialisations
Fees & scholarships
Careers & jobs

Type of qualification: Graduate diploma
Level of study: Graduate study
Graduate qualifications normally involve study in a different area to your first undergraduate qualification. Some are stepping stones to postgraduate-level study.

More about study levels

NZQF level 7

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels
Time to complete: 1 year full-time (120 credits)

Part-time available
International students International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents. Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents: Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
Key dates: Admission application due dates
Course enrolment dates for accepted students
Semester dates

Study a Graduate Diploma in Aviation – GDipAv

This 8-course qualification acknowledges and recognises that having significant aviation experience has real value.

You may have an interest in the aviation industry. Or you are already working in this area. If so, and you do not already have an aviation-related qualification, the Graduate Diploma in Aviation is the stepping stone to take you to the next level.

The qualification offers 2 options:

Aviation Studies, or
Flight Instruction (full time, by selection only)

The Aviation Studies option is available part time and/or by distance. It is therefore particularly useful for those who may be working while studying.

If you already hold an undergraduate degree this qualification enables you to study another discipline without completing a full second bachelor’s degree.

The Graduate Diploma in Aviation draws on existing courses from the Bachelor of Aviation Management, giving an insight into the full undergraduate degree.

Topics covered include:

aviation human factors
aviation security issues
airline strategic management
legal issues in aviation.

A background in these topics will expand the range of careers open to you in the aviation industry.

A GDipAv is a good fit if you:

are already working in aviation and would like a relevant tertiary qualification
have a relevant degree or professional work experience and now wish to add an aviation qualification to your portfolio.

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

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

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

To enter the Graduate Diploma in Aviation you will:

have been awarded or qualified for a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, or
have demonstrated equivalent practical, professional and/or scholarly experience
meet the prerequisite requirements for the 200-level courses.

You will need to provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you will need to supply a copy of your CV including academic and work history.

Graduate Diploma in Aviation (Flight Instruction)

For this endorsement you need to:

hold a Class One medical certificate recognised by the CAA NZ and meet appropriate pilot aptitude selection criteria
hold a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) - Aeroplane (A)
hold an Instrument Rating (IR).

You will also 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.
your NZCAA Class One Medical Certificate. You can upload an electronic copy with your enrolment.

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

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

review the Recognition of Prior Learning regulations
contact us through the Get advice button.

English language skills

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

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Graduate Diploma in Aviation

If you study full-time you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.

You will not be required to pass any 100-level prerequisite courses for the 200-level courses in the schedule. When you have been admitted into the qualification, you can enrol straight into the 200-level courses.

Courses and specialisations

120 credits

Courses 1 of the endorsements – 120 credits

Not more than 45 credits at 200 level

At least 75 credits at 300 level

Filter by

Aviation Studies

Specialisation

Location: Distance and online, Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Take your aviation career to the next level with Massey's Graduate Diploma in Aviation. Gain a university qualification while following your passion for aviation.

Flight Instruction

Specialisation

Location: Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Add a new dimension to your commercial pilot’s licence. Gain a university qualification while following your passion for aviation.

Fees and scholarships

2026 tuition fees

Domestic students: $7,415 – $9,157
International students: $38,080 – $43,440

Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.

There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

Course fees

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

Course search

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.