01/03/2026
🎓✈️ BACHELOR OF AVIATION 2U1I
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia UPNM
In Collaboration with International Aero Training Academy IATAC Melaka
OFFICIAL PROGRAM FAQ
✈️ Q1 What is the Bachelor of Aviation 2u1i programme?
The Bachelor of Aviation 2u1i is a three year professional programme that enables students to obtain both of the following qualifications
A Bachelor of Aviation degree awarded by UPNM
A Commercial Pilot License CPL awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia CAAM
The programme integrates two years of structured academic study and one year of professional flight training. Through this strategic collaboration between the university and the aviation industry, students graduate with both a recognised academic qualification and a professional pilot licence within a single integrated pathway.
📍 Q2 Where will students undergo their studies?
The entire programme is conducted at IATAC Batu Berendam Melaka, a flight training organisation approved and regulated by CAAM.
This out campus implementation has received official approval from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia.
Students will study in a real aviation industry environment which supports the development of professional discipline, aviation culture and the appropriate mindset expected of future commercial pilots.
🏅 Q3 Is the programme accredited?
Yes.
The programme has received Full Accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency MQA under registration number MQA FA11248 approved on 28 March 2023.
It has also been endorsed by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia on 19 June 2024.
The degree awarded is an official public university qualification and is recognised internationally.
🎓 Q4 What qualifications will graduates obtain upon completion?
Graduates will complete the programme with
Bachelor of Aviation UPNM
Commercial Pilot License CPL
Instrument Rating IR
Frozen Airline Transport Pilot License Frozen ATPL
The professional licences are awarded by CAAM upon fulfilment of all regulatory and training requirements.
This combination provides both academic and professional credentials.
📈 Q5 Why is the dual qualification important?
In today’s competitive aviation industry, holding both a university degree and a professional pilot licence provides a significant advantage.
A recognised academic qualification enhances employability, supports career progression into management and aviation safety roles, and provides long term career flexibility.
This integrated approach is more comprehensive compared to a pathway focused solely on obtaining a CPL.
💰 Q6 Why is the programme fee approximately RM564000?
The fee reflects the actual cost of professional pilot training which includes 200 hours of actual flight time and 815 hours of ground training.
It also covers training aircraft utilisation, aviation fuel, aircraft maintenance and insurance, simulator training, licensed flight instructors, training facilities and accommodation.
Pilot training requires strict compliance with aviation safety standards and involves substantial operational costs consistent with industry requirements.
🛩 Q7 Does UPNM award the CPL?
UPNM does not award the CPL.
The Commercial Pilot License is awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia CAAM. UPNM awards the academic degree while the professional licence is issued by CAAM through IATAC once all requirements have been satisfied.
📚 Q8 What are the entry requirements?
Applicants must pass SPM with at least five credits minimum Grade C including Bahasa Melayu English Mathematics and one Science subject.
In addition, applicants must have STPM Foundation or Matriculation with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 or a relevant Diploma with a minimum CGPA of 2.75.
Applicants must also pass a CAAM Class 1 Medical examination, a psychomotor assessment and an interview.
🏦 Q9 Are there government sponsorships available?
This programme is not government funded.
Education financing may be applied through banking institutions such as Affin Bank subject to approval by the bank.
👨✈️ Q10 Is this a military pathway?
No.
This programme is fully designed for civilian students and graduates pursue careers in the commercial aviation sector.
📊 Q11 Is there a job guarantee?
UPNM provides education and does not guarantee employment.
However, graduates who hold both a CPL and a recognised university degree are generally more competitive in the local and international job market.
📅 Q12 When is the next intake?
The next intake is scheduled for September 2026.
Places are limited and selection is based on academic merit, medical clearance and performance during the screening process.
❓ Q13 Why does the programme not appear in the UPU system?
This is a special programme developed through a strategic collaboration between the university and the aviation industry.
Admission is conducted through direct entry because the selection process includes additional requirements such as the Class 1 Medical examination, psychomotor assessment and professional interview which are not administered through the UPU system.
⭐ Q14 Why is this programme considered special compared to the conventional route?
Under the conventional pathway, students typically obtain a CPL first and later pursue a degree separately.
This process may take up to five years or more to complete both qualifications.
The Bachelor of Aviation 2u1i integrates both qualifications within only three years through a structured and officially recognised pathway, making it more efficient and strategically planned.
❓ Q15 Should applicants still apply through UPU for other programmes?
Applicants are encouraged to submit UPU applications for other academic programmes as a backup option.
If there are unforeseen issues such as medical clearance, applicants will still have an alternative academic pathway.
At the same time, applicants may directly contact the Head of Department to begin the eligibility screening process for this programme.
📞 Q16 How can I check my eligibility or apply?
Interested applicants may contact
Assoc Prof Ir Dr Mohd Rashdan bin Saad
Head Department of Aeronautical Engineering and Aviation
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia UPNM
WhatsApp 0132881928
For early eligibility screening, please submit
SPM results
Latest STPM Foundation Matriculation or Diploma results
Documents may be sent via WhatsApp for preliminary review before proceeding to the next stage.
