Launch a high-flying career in the aviation industry
Do you dream of being a pilot? Take to the skies with the largest university-level aviation program in Canada.
You’ll earn a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from one of the country’s top-ranked geography departments — and graduate with your Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence. There’s no better way to appreciate geography than from several thousand feet above the ground. And your knowledge of geography will be an asset when you’re navigating across continents.
Between the classroom and the cockpit, you’ll gain a deep understanding of landforms, weather patterns, and the computer technology behind tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
Faculty:
Faculty of Environment
Degree:
Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Aviation and your integrated Airline Pilot Licence with a Commercial Pilot Licence
Available as a co-op program?
No
Available as a regular program?
Regular only
Available as a minor?
No
Log 200+ flight hours. Through a partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre, you'll receive at least 200 hours of in-the-air experience at one of Canada's largest flight training centres.
Build crucial skills. As well as learning to fly, you’ll obtain your multi-engine and multi-instrument ratings, giving you the skills you need to handle twin-engine aircraft in all sorts of weather.
Admission requirements
Ontario students: six Grade 12 U and/or M courses including
- English (ENG4U) (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
- One Grade 12 U Mathematics course (minimum final grade of 70% is required)
Admission average: Mid-80s
An Admission Information Form is required for admission.
Not studying in Ontario? Search our admission requirements.
Screening process
Qualified applicants will be asked to complete a screening process by the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre that includes
- a program briefing session,
- Transport Canada Category 1 Medical Certification, and
- an Aviation Language Proficiency Test (for Permanent Residents and visa students only.)
The medical certification must be completed prior to the ALPT.
Admitted students
If you receive an offer of admission, you should book a Category 1 Medical appointment with an approved Civil Aviation Medical Examiner as soon as possible. You should not accept your Offer of Admission until you have the results of your medical exam since the results could disqualify you from flight training.
How to apply
Apply directly to this program on your application.
Success starts at Waterloo
As home to Canada's largest faculty of environment, Waterloo provides countless opportunities to develop the hands-on skills needed for a successful career.
*University of Waterloo Key Performance Indicators 2024
**for social science programs, which include programs within the Faculty of Environment
Get information about programs, applying, and more!
Contact us
Questions about courses, programs, requirements, or careers?
Please contact Megan Muir, our Faculty of Environment recruitment co-ordinator who can answer any questions you have.
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