Air Traffic Control courses for international students
Air traffic control is one of the most selective careers in aviation and one of the best paid without a degree requirement. University aviation management degrees give you the knowledge; controller licences come from approved training organisations and the national air navigation service provider.
What a air traffic control degree involves
Aviation and air traffic management degrees cover airspace design, air law, meteorology, human factors, navigation systems and airport operations, often with simulator time. Controller licences are earned through separate approved training, usually funded by the employer after selection tests.
Why study air traffic control abroad
- High salaries and job security
- Structured career path with licensed progression
- Aviation management degrees open airport and airline roles too
- Simulator-based training
- Global recognition of ICAO-compliant licences
Best countries for air traffic control
| Country | Why | Typical annual tuition |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Aviation management degrees; NATS trains controllers | £16,000 to £22,000 |
| Ireland | Aviation degrees at Limerick and DCU; AirNav Ireland controller training | €12,000 to €20,000 |
| Australia | Griffith, Swinburne, UNSW aviation; Airservices Australia | A$30,000 to A$45,000 |
| Canada | Seneca, Mount Royal; NAV CANADA training | CA$18,000 to CA$30,000 |
| New Zealand | Massey aviation; Airways NZ | NZ$28,000 to NZ$40,000 |
| UAE | Emirates Aviation University | AED 50,000 to AED 90,000 |
Universities to consider
Entry requirements
| Level | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Secondary school with mathematics and English (typically 65 to 75 percent), IELTS 6.0; controller selection requires aptitude tests, medical fitness and often the right to work in the country. |
Careers
UK air traffic controllers earn roughly £40,000 to £100,000 depending on unit; aviation management graduates start at about £25,000 to £32,000.
Scholarships and funding
Oasis does not award scholarships, but partner universities discount fees for strong applicants and several government schemes cover this subject. See the scholarship guide and our loan partners.
Fees and salaries are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
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United Kingdom
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Ireland
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Australia
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Canada
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New Zealand
Study air traffic control in New Zealand
Air Traffic Control: what students ask
Can an international student become an air traffic controller in the UK?
Controller training with NATS requires the right to work in the UK, so most international students take an aviation management degree first and then pursue licensing in a country where they can work.
Is there a degree in air traffic control?
Degrees are in aviation or air transport management with air traffic modules; the controller licence is a separate professional qualification.
What are the selection tests like?
Aptitude tests for spatial awareness, multitasking and decision making, followed by interviews and a Class 3 medical.
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