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Top Flying Schools & Countries for Pilot Training in 2025-26

Last updated: Oct 25, 2025

Do you know that according to Boeing’s Pilot & Technician Outlook 2024, the demand for new aviators is predicted to be around 674,000? Yes, this indicates aspiring candidates can start applying to the best flying school in the world to turn their dream into reality. But the question is how to choose the right institution for yourself. From your budget to the right country and courses to application deadlines, you should consider all the factors before deciding which academy is best for you. So, let’s find out all these details about the best pilot training institute in world in this blog. 

Discover Top Countries & Flying Schools for Pilot Training in 2025-26 with Gradding

Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Flying Schools in the World

The growing demand for proficient pilots has led to the establishment of numerous aviation schools worldwide, making it difficult to decide which country is best for pilot training. However, only a few schools stand out for their advanced programmes, extensive airline tie-ups, and international training network. Are you aware of these flying academies? If not, here is the list of the 10 best aviation colleges in world, along with their annual fees and admission deadlines.

1. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

CAE Oxford has been preparing professional pilots since 1963 and is cited as the best aviation academy. Further, this training institute is located in Hong Kong, Amsterdam, Gondia, Rae Bareli, Perth, Brussels, Melbourne and Phoenix. It has the largest aviation training network, with 50+ training sites and 250+ full-flight simulators. The table below consists of all the key details about CAE Oxford Aviation.

Country  United Kingdom
Courses offered 
  • Airline Pilot Development·Programme
  • Cadet Programmes
  • Flight Instructor Rating
  • Advanced Upset Prevention & Recovery Training
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 93.97 Lakhs
Application Deadline July 31

2. San Jose State University College of Aviation

San Jose State University College of Aviation aims to create a financially accessible, straightforward path to training aspiring pilots. The academy equips students with highly demanding skills, training them to work either in a private or a public airport.  Here are a few more details that offer key insights into the college's aviation courses, annual fees, and intakes.

Country  United States of America
Courses offered 
  • Aviation Flight Science
  • Aviation Management and Maintenance
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 17.47 lakhs
Application Deadline 20 March

3. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University College of Aviation

Founded in 1925, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is deemed the best flying school in the world. It offers well-rounded and plausible degrees to scholars, which increases their chances of securing jobs in the best aviation companies. From aerospace engineering to air traffic management and professional flight training to aviation maintenance, it offers plenty of courses. You can see the table below to learn key details about the college.

Country  USA
Courses offered 
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Business Administration
  • Global Security & Intelligence
  • Aeronautical Science and Air Traffic Control
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 21.86 lakhs
Application Deadline 
  • Fall Term – 15 January
  • Spring Term – 1 November
  • Summer Term A – 1 April
  • Summer Term B – 1 June

4. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia motivates aspiring cadets to become professional pilots by offering inclusive aviation engineering courses. This unique program enables students to build their careers in the aviation industry, which focuses on the development and evaluation of spacecraft and aircraft. Here are the vital details regarding the aviation courses offered by UBC.

Country  Canada
Courses offered 
  • UBC Mechanical Engineering Courses
  • Flight Operations
  • Aircraft Maintenance And Engineering
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 3 Lakhs
Application Deadline 
  • November 17
  • December 1

5. Purdue University – Aviation College

Purdue University is known as the best flying school in the world, which offers aviation programmes through its Purdue Polytechnic School of Aviation and Transportation Technology. Here, the curriculum focuses on training technicians, pilots, and managers through its graduate and undergraduate courses.  It is the first institution with its own airport, offering an advanced flight program to equip students with real-world knowledge. Here are a few details about the institution; you can also consult study abroad consultants for more information about the university.

Country  USA
Courses offered 
  • Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
  • Professional Flight
  • Aerospace Financial Analysis
  • Airline Management and Operations
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 23.42 Lakhs
Application Deadline Undergraduate: 
  • Fall Admission – November 1
Graduate: 
  • Summer Admission – April 15
  • Fall Admission – July 31
  • Spring Admission – November 1

6. Western Michigan University Aviation College

Renowned for offering one of the top aviation programs in the United States, Western Michigan University provides comprehensive aviation courses through its public university system. It has two campuses: Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. It currently hosts 1150+ undergraduate students, making it one of the top flying schools in the world. The academy offers several programmes listed below, along with their intakes and annual fees.

Country  USA
Courses offered 
  • BS in Aviation Management
  • Aviation Maintenance and Aviation Flight Science
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 18 Lakhs
Application Deadline 15 December

7. Pan Am International Flying Academy

Founded in 1980, Pan AM International Flying Institution offers pilot training worldwide. It offers a diverse range of courses for candidates seeking careers in the aviation sector. It includes air traffic control, flight dispatchers and flight attendants. As the best pilot school in the world, it aims to provide high-quality, customised aviation training to professionals worldwide. Here is the table showing detailed information about this flying institute.

Country  United States
Courses offered 
  • Ab-initio and cadet programmes
  • FAA License Conversion
  • Flight Dispatcher and Emergency Training
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 26.36 Lakhs
Application Deadline Continuous Enrolment

8. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is considered the top flying school in world, offering a Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Aeronautics. Its high-tech facilities and advanced curriculum include core flying concepts, meteorology, and other key subjects such as management and economics. The table below provides a glimpse into its major courses, intakes and yearly fees.

Country  United States of America (USA)
Courses offered 
  • Master of Science in Aviation
  • Airport Administration
  • PhD in Aerospace Sciences
  • Air Traffic Control and Aviation Technology Management
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 15.03 lakh
Application Deadline 31st October  

9. Ardmore Flying School

Ardmore is one of the best flight schools in the world and is highly regarded for pursuing aviation courses. It is recognised universally for its education and holds NZ CAA Part 141 and NZQA approvals, which allow the institute to conduct aviation training. Now, take a glance at the table below to learn more details about the flying academy.

Country  New Zealand
Courses offered 
  • L6 Diploma in Aeronautics – Airline Preparation
  • L5 Training Scheme in Flight: Commercial Pilot Licence with Device Rating
  • L6 Diploma in Flying: Flight Instruction
  • Modular Pilot Course
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 31 lakhs
Application Deadline Continuous Enrolment

10. University of New South Wales Aviation

Students looking for hands-on learning can enrol in the University of New South Wales. It is known for offering popular aviation courses abroad with state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, it is the only Go8 institution to offer three flagship flying degrees: aviation, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, and management. The table below includes all the key details about UNSW Aviation.

Country  Australia
Courses offered 
  • Flight operations
  • Airline economics
  • Airline marketing
  • Flight operations
Annual Tuition Fees (INR) 6.84 lakh
Application Deadline 
  • Academic Session 1 – 30th November
  • Academic Session 2 – 15th April
  • Academic Session 3 – 31st July

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Why Study Aviation?

Studying aviation offers excellent professional opportunities across diverse roles, including flight operations, aeronautical engineering, and air traffic control. Pursuing an aviation course from the best pilot schools in the world offers so much more than just exploring the ecstasy of flying, which includes:

  • Technical Skills – The curriculum of the best aviation colleges in the world emphasises equipping students with mechanical proficiency in aviation laws and aeronautics, which prepares them for an advanced career.
  • Higher Salary Prospective – Studying aviation opens a plethora of pathways in diverse sectors for scholars. In addition, graduates who have pursued aviation courses abroad command higher pay and better job roles.
  • Career Advancement – This course offers prospects for career growth through rapid promotion into high-level administration positions. It opens the door to a global career, helping individuals advance into international or leadership roles.

Average Salaries of Pilots in Different Countries

The average salaries of pilots vary widely, depending on factors, most significantly experience. Other factors that affect their salaries include role and country, making it difficult to predict pilots' precise salaries. However, based on the current trends, here are the average salaries a pilot can earn in different countries.

Countries Average Salary (per year)
Europe$93,561 to $2,92,431 (INR 82.36 Lakh – INR 2 Cr)
USA$70,000 to $350,000 (INR 61.62 Lakh – INR 3 Cr)
Australia$120,000 (INR 1.05 Cr)
Canada$ 1,05,668 (INR 93.05 Lakhs)
Middle East & Asia Pacific$70,181 and $2,92,403 (INR 61.83 Lakhs – INR 2.57 Cr)

Admission Process & Eligibility Criteria

The admission procedure at flying schools usually requires students to meet eligibility criteria, pass an online exam, and undergo a personal interview. Hence, students aspiring to apply to the best aviation schools in the world must meet the eligibility requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). These guidelines state that a candidate must be at least 17 years old to obtain a Commercial Pilot License.

Here are the further eligibility requirements you must know if you are planning to pursue an aviation course.  

  • Education – Completion of 12+ with Mathematics and Physics subjects
  • Minimum Age - 18+ for Commercial Pilot License, 17+ for Private Pilot License
  • Language Proficiencies - ICAO English Level 4, TOEFL or IELTS
  • Documents - Academic Transcripts, Visa, Valid passport, Financial statements
  • Medical Fitness - Class 1 medical certificate issued by aviation medical inspectors

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Studying aviation comes with plenty of expenses, including its hefty fees, which discourage many students from pursuing a flying course. Therefore, the best flying school in the world offers financial grants to deserving scholars. Now, let’s discuss the grants that are worth considering.

CountryScholarshipsAmount 
United States of America Marty Rosness Student Scholarship $1,250 (INR 1.09 lakh)
 Willard G. Plentl Aviation Scholarship $3,000 (INR 2.63 lakhs)
 The Ninety-Nines Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship $2,000 (INR 1.75 lakhs)
United Kingdom Air League Scholarships $15,985 (INR 14.01 lakhs)
 The Royal Aeronautical Society Scholarships $3,996 (INR 3.50 lakhs)
 The Honourable Company of Air Pilots Scholarships $3,996 (INR 3.50 lakhs)
Canada Air Cadet League of Canada $1,000 (INR 87,714)
 Northern Lights Aero Foundation Scholarships $5000 (INR 4.38 lakhs)
 Air Transport Association of Canada Scholarships $6000 (INR 5.26 lakhs)
Australia Royal Australian Air Force Pilot Training Scholarships $1500 (INR 1.31 lakhs)
 Airservices Australia Scholarships $7,700 (INR 6.75 lakhs)
 Qantas Future Pilot Program Scholarships $30,000 (INR 26.31 lakhs)

Conclusion

In a nutshell, pursuing a career as a pilot offers a profession full of responsibility, adventure, and international prospects. Hence, you must pursue the degree from the best flying school in the world. These academies are located in the top countries, offering expert guidance, cutting-edge training and plenty of job opportunities for aviators.

However, the process of getting admission into these aviation academies is competitive; with the right guidance and an organised approach, it can be as easy as a cakewalk. Connect with our study abroad experts and simplify your journey to becoming a pilot. In addition, they provide advanced tools like the course finder and college finder, which can help you find the most appropriate academy for you. Connect today!

FAQ’s: -

1. Which Country Is Best for Pilot Training in Terms of Cost and Job Opportunities?

The United States is the best country for pursuing pilot training. It offers a range of job prospects through FAA-approved courses renowned worldwide. Alternatively, you can pursue your pilot training in Canada, where top-notch courses are offered at affordable fees.

2. How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot After Joining a Flying School?

It takes around 18 to 24 months to become a commercial pilot after completing your training in a flying school. This includes ground school and completing 200 flight hours, which are essential for obtaining a commercial pilot license.

3. Do Flying Schools Guarantee Airline Placements After Completing the Course?

No, several flying schools do not guarantee placements after course completion. However, many institutes help secure placement with top aviation companies.

4. What Qualifications or Exams Are Required to Get Admission to Top Flying Schools?

You generally require a 10+2 with mathematics and physics, be above the age of 17, and qualify for a medical exam with a Class 2 medical certificate. In addition, some institutions may require specific entrance tests, such as AME CET or Pilot CET.

5. Can International Students Get Scholarships to Study at The Best Flying Schools in The World?

Yes, students from international backgrounds can secure scholarships for top-flight schools, but these grants are highly competitive.  A few of them are:

  • Marty Rosness Student Scholarship (USA)
  • Royal Australian Air Force Pilot Training Scholarships (Australia)
  • The Royal Aeronautical Society Scholarships (United Kingdom)
  • Northern Lights Aero Foundation Scholarships (Canada)
  • Air League Scholarships (United Kingdom)
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