Australia Emerges as New Hub for Sri Lankan Aircraft Maintenance Training

(BRISBANE) Australia will host a new training pathway for Sri Lankan aircraft maintenance students starting in 2025, after SriLankan Aviation College and Aviation Australia launched a transnational program that blends study in Colombo with advanced training in Brisbane.

Under the plan, students complete 6 months of foundation study in Sri Lanka, then move to Aviation Australia to enter the 11064NAT Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Mechanical TB1, aligned with EASA Part 66 Category B1.1 basic training. Officials say the model gives Sri Lankan students access to world-class hangars, live aircraft, and a direct route to globally recognized qualifications, while supporting industry needs across the region.

Program overview

• Students study 6 months of foundation material in Sri Lanka, then transfer to Brisbane for the Diploma Mechanical TB1 stream.
• The diploma is the 11064NAT Diploma of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Mechanical TB1, aligned with EASA Part 66 Category B1.1.
• The pathway launches in 2025 and is designed to deliver both theory and hands-on experience on live aircraft.

Curriculum and training focus

The Mechanical TB1 stream emphasizes aircraft structures and mechanical systems, including:

• Air-conditioning systems
• Hydraulics
• Landing gear
• Doors
• Engines

Core classroom subjects include:

• Aviation English
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Electronics

Advanced modules cover:

• Turbine Aeroplane Aerodynamics
• Gas Turbine Engines
• Propellers

Practical training is delivered in Aviation Australia’s fully owned hangars where students perform live maintenance tasks under the supervision of certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. Supervisors sign off tasks in each student’s official Journal of Experience, creating a verified record that supports employment and licensing progression.

Practical experience and verification

• Hands-on work is performed on live aircraft in Aviation Australia’s hangars.
• Certified Aircraft Maintenance Engineers supervise students and sign off tasks in the Journal of Experience.
• The Journal of Experience helps graduates demonstrate verified maintenance exposure to employers and licensing authorities.

Graduates earn a diploma recognized by airlines and Maintenance Repair Organisations (MROs) worldwide.

Licensing and further study

Graduates receive a diploma recognized internationally. To qualify for an EASA Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence (Category B1.1) after graduation, students must complete an additional two years of on-the-job training at an approved MRO.

Aviation Australia also partners with Central Queensland University (CQU) to provide a higher-education progression:

• Diploma holders can enter the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Aircraft Maintenance – Mechanical).
• The degree supports progression into supervisory, planning, reliability, and maintenance management roles.

Industry relevance and future-facing content

The partnership aims to match training with real industry demand and prepares students for emerging technologies, including:

• Drones
• Renewable energy applications
• Low-emission aircraft systems

This future-focused content helps ensure graduates can work on modern fleets and respond to evolving regulatory and technology needs.

Visa and mobility considerations

Because the program includes study in Australia, students must obtain appropriate permission to study in Brisbane, typically the Student visa (subclass 500).

For authoritative guidance on eligibility, conditions, and applying, consult the Department of Home Affairs Student visa page at the official government website.

Plan early to align with the 2025 intake and consider:

• Health cover arrangements
• Travel plans
• Housing near Aviation Australia’s Brisbane facility

Benefits, costs and student experience

Benefits:

• Start close to home for 6 months of foundational training to reduce initial living costs.
• Access to large hangars, live aircraft, and industry networks in Brisbane.
• A clear sequence: foundation study → specialized diploma → supervised practical experience → licensing pathway.

Families and students often cite affordability, safety, and clear career outcomes as key considerations. The transnational model aims to boost Sri Lanka’s aviation sector by producing internationally trained technicians who meet global standards.

Admissions and contact details

Admissions teams recommend early application because seats in hands-on programs with live aircraft can fill quickly.

How to apply:

1. Apply online through SriLankan Aviation College.
2. Or send completed forms by email to [email protected].

Program and application details are available on the partners’ sites:

• SriLankan Aviation College official website
• Aviation Australia Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program page

For visa information, see the Department of Home Affairs Student visa page at the official government website.

Strategic and sector impact

Stakeholders expect the program to scale, with larger intakes and potential expansion into other aviation disciplines as curriculum updates track new technologies and regulatory needs. Industry leaders in Sri Lanka say the collaboration will raise local training standards and widen students’ international exposure.

Australia sees the model as part of making Brisbane a regional hub for aircraft maintenance education and skills development. The partnership supports both countries by:

• Supplying technicians trained to international standards
• Strengthening employer links between training providers and MROs
• Helping airlines and MROs fill skills gaps as fleets modernize and maintenance demand increases

Key takeaways

The transnational pathway offers a structured, EASA-aligned route: start with 6 months foundation study in Sri Lanka, complete the Mechanical TB1 diploma in Brisbane, build a verified Journal of Experience, then gain two years of MRO on-the-job training toward EASA Category B1.1 licensing.

For more information or to begin the application process, visit the SriLankan Aviation College official website and the Aviation Australia Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program page. For visa guidance, consult the Department of Home Affairs Student visa page at the official government website. Admissions inquiries can be emailed to [email protected].