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Why study aviation?
Gain flight experience and industry knowledge to lead confidently in aviation operations.
Turn your passion for flying into a career with Mount Royal University’s Aviation Diploma in Calgary. Blending commercial pilot training with aviation and business theory, this hands-on program prepares you to lead — in the cockpit and beyond. Fly across Western Canada as you gain the hours and experience needed to take the Transport Canada commercial pilot licence exams. Alongside flight time, you’ll explore advanced concepts in airline and charter operations, giving you the edge to thrive in a range of exciting careers as a pilot.
Program highlights
- Build hours toward your Commercial Pilot Licence with flight experience
- Master meteorology, navigation, air law and flight planning through Transport Canada-compliant instruction
- Train in a wraparound flight simulator for realistic, in-cockpit scenarios
- Get equipped to take the Transport Canada exams with practical and theoretical training
- Graduate ready for roles in airlines, medevac, aerial firefighting, instruction and more
Career possibilities
What jobs can I get with a diploma in aviation?
Graduates are equipped for entry-level roles in commercial aviation, with opportunities to grow into senior positions as flight hours accumulate. Possible careers include:
What I like most about MRU’s aviation program is the dual experience of taking flight training while also attending University and taking aviation and general education courses. By far the coolest opportunities offered by the program are the monthly student meetings and airline hangar tours where we get to tour the planes and facilities and learn about internal and flight operations. I encourage all aviation students to take advantage of the mentorship program the aviation school offers and connect with senior students.
— Kayla Evenson
Second-year MRU aviation student
Curriculum and courses
What courses will I take in aviation?
This program delivers structured, Transport Canada-compliant instruction that integrates theoretical learning with in-flight experience.
Explore full curriculum and coursesYear 1
|Years 2-4
Curriculum snapshot - Year 1
Experiential learning
Become fully equipped for the role of a commercial pilot. Through a blend of flight operations and aviation theory, you’ll gain the experience needed to succeed in the aviation industry:
- Fly throughout Western Canada to build hours toward your Commercial Pilot Licence
- Train in a full-motion, high-resolution flight simulator with a 250-degree wraparound screen
- Prepare for Transport Canada exams through hands-on navigation, meteorology and aircraft systems courses
- Gain professionalism, safety awareness and leadership skills essential for today’s aviation careers
Admission requirements
When you apply to MRU, you’ll need to meet both general admission requirements and any additional criteria specific to your chosen program. Requirements can vary, so it’s important to review what’s needed for your area of interest.
Select your admission category:
High school
Post-secondary transfer
Mature student
Admission category: High school
High school applicants must submit five Grade 12 courses for admission. These five courses must include the required subjects for the program you’re applying to. These required subjects are part of Group A.
To complete your five courses, additional subjects may be used from Group A, B, or C.
More admissions info for high school applicantsWhat are the requirements for the Aviation Diploma?
- English Language Arts 30-1 - 60%
- Mathematics 30-1 or Mathematics 30-2 - 60%
Applying from another province or country?
If you're applying from outside Alberta, you'll need to know which of your courses match Alberta Grade 12 courses.
Check out our provincial equivalencies chart if you're from another Canadian province or the international credentials chart if you're applying from outside Canada.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to meet two separate English requirements to be admitted to Mount Royal:
- You’ll need to successfully complete an English course if it’s part of your program’s admission requirements
- Show that you meet Mount Royal’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements
Admission deadlines
Fall 2026 intake
Early admission
Oct. 1, 2025 - Feb. 1, 2026
Ongoing admission based on program space and availability
Feb. 2, 2026 - programs closed
What is early admission?
During the early admission period, all applications are treated as though they were received at the exact same time. This means all competitively qualified applicants will be accommodated. At MRU, we actually receive most of our applications and fill many of our programs from applications submitted during early admission. It is an ideal time to apply and helps expedite the process so you hear back earlier too.
Early admission deadlines
Fall Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Feb 1.
Winter Semester:
Early admission is open from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1.
Costs
We know your investment in post-secondary education is a big deal. Make sure you’re on the right financial track by reviewing the costs, scholarships and financial support available.
How much does the Aviation diploma cost?
The cost of your studies depends on a few things, like the program you choose and whether you’ll live at home or in Residence.
To get a better idea of what you might spend, try using our first-year student budget estimator. It gives a detailed breakdown of estimated costs.
You can also visit our tuition and costs page for full details on tuition and fees for a full year.
Does MRU offer scholarships or financial aid?
At Mount Royal, we want you to focus on your education, not worry about how to pay for it. There are many ways to help cover the cost of your studies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Mount Royal gives out over $5 million each year in scholarships and bursaries! These awards look at things like your grades, financial need and your involvement in school or the community.
Financial aid
There are financial aid options from the provincial and federal governments for both full-time and part-time students. These include student loans, grants and bursaries.
Other resources
You can also explore other ways to pay, like using RESPs (Registered Education Savings Plans) or CPP (Canada Pension Plan) benefits.
How do I apply for scholarships and bursaries?
To be eligible for scholarships and bursaries, you must apply for Early Admission from Oct. 1 to Feb. 1. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries from Nov. 1 to March 1.
Have questions?
Our info sessions are a great way to explore MRU programs, learn how to apply and connect with people who are here to help.
Book an info sessionConnect with the Admissions and Recruitment Office for more one-on-one support.
Contact us
Why MRU
At MRU, learning is about more than lectures and textbooks. It’s about evolving through experience. With small class sizes, supportive faculty and hands-on opportunities, students are encouraged to think critically, push boundaries and uncover what they’re capable of. MRU helps students build the skills, confidence and curiosity to shape meaningful futures in Calgary and beyond.
Discover why MRULearn about the additional supports and services we have available specifically for:
International students Indigenous studentsBissett School of Business
Visit the business siteMount Royal is pleased to offer seven Bachelor of Business Administration degrees, including majors in General Management, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, International Business, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, a Bachelor of Aviation Management and a diploma in Aviation.
Virtual information sessions
Select a session that suits you. Choose from general information, specific by program, drop in Q&A, or attend an Indigenous or international student session.
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