Aviation Courses after Graduation for Indian Students

‘When in doubt, hold your altitude; nobody ever collided with the sky.”
The aviation industry has undergone a significant transformation with globalization and rapid technological advancements. While traditional courses like Commercial Pilot Training continue to attract students, there is now a growing demand for Aviation Management programs in areas such as Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Strategy.

Undergraduate aviation courses provide a solid foundation, but if you aim to advance your career and step into managerial or leadership roles, pursuing a postgraduate (PG) program becomes essential. In this blog, we highlight some of the most popular and career-focused aviation courses after graduation that can help you take off towards a successful future in the global aviation sector.

Aviation Courses After Graduation: Brief Overview

The duration of aviation courses at the postgraduate level generally ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the country and university. In India, most programs last around 2 years, while in countries like the UK and Ireland, the duration is typically 1 year. In the USA, France, and Germany, these programs usually run for 2 years. To help you choose the right path, here is an overview of some of the most sought-after aviation courses after graduation for Indian students.

Aviation Technician / Aircraft Maintenance

This diploma or certificate course focuses on the maintenance and inspection of aircraft. It provides hands-on training under real conditions and covers all aspects of repair and maintenance work. In addition to a diploma, you can also pursue a BSc in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

Professional Pilot Training

This diploma or certificate program is designed to train you to fly commercial flights and develop the skills required to handle the challenges of this high-pressure profession. It also includes training in the additional responsibilities of a commercial pilot.

MA in Aviation Management

This two-year postgraduate program helps you combine managerial skills with your passion for aviation. It provides industry-specific training and knowledge in areas such as operations management, aviation economics, environmental factors, and accounting.

MBA in Aviation Management

For those seeking advanced expertise in the field, an MBA in Aviation Management is an excellent option. This two-year program covers subjects such as aviation laws, airline operations, airport management, and data analysis.

Aviation Security

Offered as an MSc or MA, this program typically lasts around 1.5 years. It prepares you to address the security challenges of the aviation industry. Like other postgraduate aviation courses, Aviation Security comes with specific admission requirements and offers unique career prospects.

MEng in Aerospace Engineering

If you prefer an engineering pathway, the MEng in Aerospace Engineering is an ideal choice. Spanning 2–4 years, it emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of engineering, with subjects including composites and polymers, heat transfer, aircraft performance and stability, and aircraft design.

LLM in International Air, Space, and Telecommunications Law

This specialized law program focuses on the rules and regulations governing the aviation industry. It equips you with the knowledge and skills to lead within the sector and provide guidance on legal and regulatory matters.

Why Pursue Aviation Courses after Graduation?

The aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Thanks to rapid globalisation, rising air traffic, and technological advancements, there is a rapid increase in the demand for skilled professionals who cannot only maintain air operations but also manage ground-level responsibilities required to sustain the airports and aeronautical zones. Some of the areas in the aviation industry that are booming include airline operations, airport management, aviation law, safety management, and aircraft maintenance.

Postgraduate aviation courses provide advanced technical knowledge and develop strong managerial and analytical skills, in compliance with the rules and regulations of the global aviation authorities. These courses enhance your leadership, offer lucrative career opportunities, and ultimately increase earning potential. Examples of aviation courses at the postgraduate level are MBA in Aviation Management, MEng Aerospace Engineering, or Aviation Security courses 

Indian students can seek the path to countries abroad, such as the USA, UK, Germany, and the Middle East countries, after completing their UG programs in India. In these countries, the aviation sector is constantly growing. 

Also Read: Colleges for Aerospace Engineering in India

Best Aviation Institutes in India for Indian Students

In India, you can pursue a postgraduate course in the aviation sector by enrolling in one of these best institutes. These institutes are best because of their specialized aviation-focused curriculum, industry partnerships, internship opportunities, government recognition (RGNAU), and strategic locations near aviation hubs. The average cost of study is around INR 1 Lakh-10 Lakh per year, depending on the university.

Institute	Location	PG Aviation Courses Available
SAGE University	Indore	MBA in Aviation Management
Dr. D Y Patil University	Navi Mumbai	MBA in Aviation Management
UPES (University of Petroleum & Energy Studies)	Dehradun	MBA in Aviation Management, MBA in Aviation Management – Airline Service Operations
Jain University	Bengaluru	MBA in Aviation and Aerospace Management MBA in Aviation Business Management (2 years)
Galgotias University	Greater Noida	MBA in Aviation Management
Rajiv Gandhi National Aviation University (RGNAU)	Amethi	PG Diploma in Airport Operations MBA in Aviation Management

Best Aviation Institutes in the World for Indian Students

Some of the best aviation institutes in the world for Indian students are MIT (USA), Purdue University (USA), University of North Dakota (USA), University of Manchester (UK), University College Dublin (Ireland), McGill University (Canada), Griffith University (Australia), etc. These institutes offer world-class aviation education training, networking opportunities with industry experts and recruiters, and a dynamic socio-cultural environment that is required for students to thrive in this competitive market. The average cost of study varies depending on the country, university, and exact course, but it lies in the range of INR 20 Lakh-50 Lakh per year.

University/Institute	Country	Popular Aviation/Aerospace Courses Offered
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	USA	Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Research, Aeronautics & Astronautics
Purdue University	USA	Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Professional Flight
University of North Dakota (UND)	USA	Commercial Aviation, Aviation Management, Air Traffic Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	USA	Aviation Business Administration, Aerospace Engineering, Air Traffic Management
University of Manchester	UK	Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)	USA	Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Systems Design
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University	Hong Kong	Aviation Services Management, Air Transport Engineering
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology	USA	Aviation Technology, Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Electronics
Arizona State University	USA	Aviation Management & Human Factors, Air Transportation Management
University College Dublin (UCD)	Ireland	Aviation Finance, Aviation Management
McGill University	Canada	Aviation Management, Aerospace Engineering
University of Surrey	UK	Air Transport Management, Aerospace Engineering
Griffith University	Australia	Aviation Management, Flight Training, Aviation Technology
Leiden University	Netherlands	Air & Space Law (LLM), Aerospace Policy and Management
University of Pretoria	South Africa	Aerospace Engineering, Aviation Management
Beijing Institute of Technology	China	Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Technology
Singapore Aviation Academy (SAA)	Singapore	Aviation Management, Aviation Safety, Airport Operations

Eligibility Criteria for Pursuing Aviation Courses after UG (India vs Abroad)

The eligibility criteria for pursuing aviation courses after completing a UG degree program are highly dependent on the country, exact course (management, engineering, etc), and university. However, we have tabulated below the general eligibility criteria in India and abroad.

Criteria	India	Abroad
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university (minimum 50–60% aggregate, varies by college).	Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized/accredited university (usually with a good GPA, ~2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent).
Work Experience	Fresh graduates are eligible in many universities. Some institutes (like executive MBAs) may prefer 1–2 years of experience.	2–3 years of professional work experience required (especially for reputed universities/Executive MBAs). Some universities accept freshers for MSc/Master’s in Aviation Management.
Entrance Exams	National/University-specific tests such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, or institution-specific entrance exams. Some accept direct admission based on graduation marks.	GMAT or GRE scores are commonly required for MBA programs. Some universities waive these with strong academic/work profiles.
English Proficiency	Not mandatory for Indian students (instruction is in English).	Mandatory: IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE with minimum score requirement (e.g., IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 80+, PTE 58+).
Age Limit	No upper age limit (except some executive courses may require a minimum age/experience).	No strict age limit, but the average MBA cohort age is 25–35 years.
Other Requirements	Personal Interview / Group Discussion in many institutes.	Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), Resume, and sometimes interviews.

Also Read: Make a Surefire Career in Aviation in 2024

Career Prospects in the Aviation Industry after Postgraduation

Aviation postgraduates are expected to work across different domains of the aerospace industry with attractive salary packages. From joining leading national and international airlines such as British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, to contributing to regulatory bodies, this program provides access to diverse career paths. Some of the well-known roles in the aviation sector include:

• Aviation Operations Specialist/Manager: Responsible for ensuring the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft at an airport, acting as a link between Air Traffic Control (ATC) and ground support staff.
• Human Resource Manager: Handles employee-related issues in the aviation sector, requiring the ability to manage challenges specific to this field.
• Cargo Supervisor: Oversees the ground crew during the loading, unloading, and securing of aircraft cargo and baggage.
• Professor/Faculty: Graduates can also become aviation instructors, teaching at flight schools and passing on their expertise to aspiring professionals.
• Systems Operations Manager: Mainly accountable for dispatching and scheduling aircraft operations.
• Security Supervisor: Conducts passenger screening procedures to maintain safety standards.
• Air Traffic Controller: Plays a key role in managing flight schedules, coordinating arrivals and departures, and making official announcements.
• Airport Manager: Supervises all operational processes within the airport, ensuring smooth execution of projects and services.
• Aircraft Maintenance Manager: Focuses on aircraft servicing, repairs, and overall maintenance to guarantee airworthiness and compliance with aviation safety regulations.

Other Job Profiles/Roles are as follows:

• Consultant
• Market Research Analyst
• Supply and Logistics Manager
• Resource Manager
• Operations Analyst
• Flight dispatcher
• Flight planner
• Purchasing manager
• Emergency planner
• Airline ground operations
• Aviation safety authorities

Top Recruiters in Aviation in India

Let us learn about the top recruiters in Aviation in India:

• Indigo
• SpiceJet
• Air India
• Jet Airways
• Air Asia
• GoAir
• Vistara
• Emirates
• Deccan Aviation
• Yatra
• MakeMyTrip
• Paramount Airways

Also Read: Best Self-Introduction for Cabin Crew Interview

Salary after an MBA in Aviation Management 

In India, aviation professionals earn an average salary of around INR 10–12 lakhs annually, which may vary based on the employer and level of experience. The program equips students for multiple well-paying roles in the aviation sector, offering strong earning potential. Entry-level salaries generally fall between INR 3–6 LPA, while senior-level positions can command INR 18–25 LPA or more. Earning the degree abroad and gaining international work experience can further enhance salary prospects.

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If you want to pursue these courses abroad but are not sure about how to get started with them, then the experts at Leverage Edu will guide you in taking the first step of your journey by not only helping you in selecting the right program but also assist in completing admission related formalities.