Estonian Aviation Academy (EAVA) has been accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Estonia. The accreditation of Estonian Aviation Academy is internationally recognised within the European Higher Education Area and beyond.
EAVA underwent the most recent institutional accreditation process in 2023. The Assessment Committee of Estonian Quality Agency for Education (HAKA) decided on January, 24 2024 that Estonian Aviation Academy will be accredited for seven years. In addition, the academy was awarded the quality mark by HAKA.
As HAKA is a full member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) and is listed in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), its accreditation is internationally recognised.
EAVA is also an IATA Authorized Training Center (ATC). List of additional certificates can be seen here: https://lennuakadeemia.ee/academy/accreditation-and-ceritificates
No, there is no indication on the diploma that you studied in an online programme. The diploma will state that you graduated from the Commercial Air Transport Pilot programme and obtained a Bachelor’s degree.
Completing the course in 1-year is certainly intensive, it requires good time management and dedication. Based on the experience of previous CATP students, short-haul pilots often find a 1-year study period manageable, while long-haul pilots may benefit from spreading the course over a slightly longer period, such as two years.
The program is designed to be flexible to suit your schedule. You can choose how many credits to take each semester (up to 30 ECTS), but once you’ve selected your course load, it remains fixed for that semester. The credit load must be decided before each semester begins. If you prefer, you can extend your studies up to three years (e.g. 10 ECTS per semester for 3 years), allowing you to pace the course in a way that fits your lifestyle. The total cost of the programme will remain the same whether you study for 1, 2, or 3 years, because the total number of credits is 60 for the whole programme.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the rhythm that works best for you. Whether you complete the course in 1, 2, or 3 years, the learning experience remains rewarding.
The Commercial Aviation Transport Pilot (CATP) programme at Estonian Aviation Academy is designed to be flexible, practice-oriented and suitable for pilots at different life stages. Teaching methods vary across courses to keep learning engaging and balanced, while still allowing students to manage studies alongside work.
CATP courses are structured to provide a diverse learning experience, including:
many courses that rely primarily on independent study.
courses that focus on online lectures and discussions;
project-based or assignment-based courses;
group/pair work.
The 1-year programme studies usually start on September 1 and end by mid June with a graduation ceremony. Most courses begin with an introductory session (the timetable is published in August), where learning outcomes, structure, and assessment methods are clearly explained. This helps students plan their time effectively from the start.
Typical group size and student profile
CATP study groups are usually small (6 to 8 students), ensuring a personal learning environment and close interaction with lecturers. Some courses are taught together with students from other programmes (Aircraft Engineering, Air Traffic Services, Aviation Management), which encourages interdisciplinary cooperation.
CATP students represent a wide age range, typically from early 20s to experienced pilots in their 50s and 60s from different parts of the world. OECD (2019) - Working Better with Age report highlights that age-diverse groups benefit from a combination of experience-based knowledge and new perspectives, leading to improved problem-solving and learning outcomes.
CATP programme is conducted entirely online, therefore you can attend from anywhere in the world. While you will be studying online, you are welcome to visit Estonian Aviation Academy in Tartu, Estonia at any time. We also encourage you to attend the graduation ceremony in June to receive your diploma in person.
P.S. Finnair operates Tartu (TAY) - Helsinki (HEL) route twice a day, 6 days a week throughout the year. EAVA is located right next to Tartu Airport.CATP programme structure:
| 1st semester (Autumn) |
2nd semester (Spring) |
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Courses are designed to introduce students to the wider air transport system while developing analytical and managerial skills - focus on foundational aviation and management knowledge.
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The spring semester builds on the foundations of the first semester and places more emphasis on planning, research and applied analysis.
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Optional courses allow students to further deepen their knowledge in specialised areas such as:
GNSS for Civil Aviation
Cybersecurity in Aviation
Airline Financial Planning
The tuition fee for the course is €135 per ECTS, with the total cost for the full 60 ECTS course being €8,100, which can be divided between 1 to 3 years. This fee is all-inclusive, covering everything you need for your studies: course materials, IATA courses, and other essential resources. There are no hidden costs or extra payments required - what you pay gives you full access to all the high-quality content and professional training included in the programme.
What are the options to pay the CATP tuition fee?
The total price of the one-year Commercial Air Transport Pilot programme is €8,100. If you take 30 ECTS per semester, the fee is €4,050 per semester. You may also complete the programme at a slower pace and pay per ECTS. The price for 1 ECTS is €135. For example, if you take 15 ECTS per semester, the fee will be €2,025 (15* 135) per semester.
The first instalment (€4,050 for 30 ECTS) is due upon signing the study contract. If you decide to extend your studies to 2 or 3 years, the tuition fee will be calculated accordingly.
When do I need to decide whether I will complete the programme in 1, 2, or 3 years?
You do not need to fix the duration of your studies when starting the programme.
You choose your credit load before each semester begins. For example, you may complete 30 ECTS in the first semester and then decide to take fewer credits in the next semester(s) if the workload feels too heavy.
Please note that some courses are offered only in the autumn semester and some only in the spring semester. This means that you may need to wait until the next appropriate semester for the remaining courses, or you can work on your research project, which can be taken in both semesters.
Why should I choose the CATP programme?
This programme is built for professional pilots who want to strengthen their long-term career path with a recognised academic qualification. If you had to stop flying tomorrow, would you have a plan B? With this online BSc tailored for CPL and ATPL holders, you can convert your cockpit experience into an accredited degree that opens doors beyond the flight deck. You’ll gain business, leadership and aviation-industry knowledge that top airlines increasingly expect, while keeping a full flying schedule. Whether you aim to advance within your airline, prepare for future leadership roles, or secure opportunities outside the cockpit, this programme gives you the confidence and qualifications to fly further in your career.