2026 Updated Training Guide
Emirates pilot training at Emirates Flight Training Academy costs USD 220,500 in 2026, including 5% VAT. The full-time programme lasts approximately 104 weeks and covers training, accommodation, meals, training materials and a student visa. Applicants complete online screening and assessments in Dubai; assessment fees can total AED 5,700 if they reach every paid stage.
Important: International cadets are self-sponsored. Completing the programme does not guarantee employment with Emirates or flydubai.
Emirates Pilot Training Eligibility Criteria
You do not need previous flying experience to join Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA). However, you must meet its age, education, English proficiency and medical fitness requirements.
The academy accepts applications from international cadets and UAE residents. UAE nationals also have a separate sponsored cadet pilot route.
Eligibility for International Cadets
Requirements differ depending on whether you are applying after high school or with a diploma or degree.
Swipe the table sideways to see all requirements.
| Requirement | High School Graduates | Degree Holders (Diploma & Above) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–21 years | 21–26 years |
| Height & Fitness | Minimum 160 cm, medically fit, BMI of 29 or less | Minimum 160 cm, medically fit, BMI of 29 or less |
| Academic Qualification | At least 80% overall in high school | Minimum GPA of 3.0 in a scientific or engineering major |
| Required Subjects | Mathematics and Physics in the final year; English for non-native English speakers | Scientific or engineering-related qualification |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL PBT 510 / iBT 65 | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL PBT 510 / iBT 65 |
| Flying Experience | Not required | Not required |
Important: English test requirements must be met at the time of application. Educational certificates require Ministry of Education attestation. Non-UAE applicants must also be eligible for a UAE student visa.
These are academy entry requirements, not the experience requirements for joining Emirates as an already qualified airline pilot. For that separate career path, read our Emirates Pilot Requirements and Salary Guide.
Emirates Pilot Training Fees in 2026
According to Emirates Flight Training Academy’s official admissions information, the total training fee for its full-time pilot programme is:
The amount covers the full training period of approximately 104 weeks. Tuition is charged in US dollars.
2026 Fee Update: Older articles list USD 181,650. That figure is outdated. The academy’s current published training fee is USD 220,500, including VAT.
What Does the Training Fee Include?
The academy’s training package includes:
- Complete pilot training programme
- Training materials and study resources
- Student visa for the training period
- Accommodation at the academy
- Training uniform
- Three daily meals
- ATPL ground-course completion certificate
- Multi Crew Cooperation (MCC) course completion certificate
- GCAA-approved Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi Instrument Rating (CPL/Multi-IR)
Accommodation at the academy is mandatory during training. Medical insurance is not included in the course fee.
Note: The ATPL course completion certificate is not the same as holding a full, unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot Licence.
Additional Emirates Pilot Assessment Fees
Before admission, shortlisted applicants must complete several paid assessments. These fees are separate from the training programme fee.
| Assessment Stage | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online psychometric assessment and one-on-one interview | AED 1,000 |
| Dubai assessment — Day 1 (Maths, Physics and COMPASS) | AED 500 |
| Dubai assessment — Days 2 and 3 (Language and Medical) | AED 4,200 |
| Total if all stages are reached | AED 5,700 |
Before paying: You pay each applicable assessment fee only when invited to that stage. The Day 2–3 fee applies only after passing Day 1. Paid assessment fees are non-refundable if you are unsuccessful.
You must also arrange and pay for your own travel, accommodation and any required entry visa when attending the assessment in Dubai.
For the academy’s latest published fees, check the official EFTA admissions and fees page.
Complete Emirates Pilot Training Process in 2026
Emirates Flight Training Academy uses a multi-stage admission process covering your application, online assessments, in-person evaluations and final selection.
Complete the Online Application
Visit the official academy application portal, create your candidate profile and complete the application form.
You will need to upload:
- A passport copy valid for more than six months
- A passport-sized photograph
- High school certificates up to Grade 12 or equivalent, showing passes in English, Mathematics and Physics
You can save your application and return to it before submitting.
Start Your Online Application ↗Application Review
After submission, the academy reviews your application, normally within five working days.
The admissions team may approve your application for the next stage, request additional information or inform you by email if you are unsuccessful.
Complete the Online Assessments
Applicants who pass the initial screening are invited to complete an online selection process.
HireVue Video Interview: You first complete a short pre-recorded video interview. You can record and submit your answers through HireVue.
Psychometric Assessment: Successful applicants then complete an assessment covering personality traits, decision-making, leadership, emotional stability, work attitude, abstract reasoning and spatial reasoning.
After completing the assessment, suitable applicants are invited to an online one-on-one interview.
Online Assessment Fee: AED 1,000This fee covers the psychometric assessment and individual interview.
Attend the Dubai Assessment — Day 1
Applicants who pass the online screening are invited to Emirates Flight Training Academy in Dubai for further assessments.
You can choose from the available assessment dates published in your application portal.
Day 1 includes:
- Mathematics assessment
- Physics assessment
- Mental mathematics
- COMPASS aptitude test
The Mathematics and Physics assessments are computer-based, with the academy describing a one-hour assessment for each subject and multiple-choice theoretical and calculation questions.
The COMPASS test evaluates hand-eye coordination, hand-foot-eye coordination, spatial orientation, short-term memory and multitasking ability.
Dubai Assessment Day 1 Fee: AED 500You must pass this stage to continue to the remaining assessments.
Complete Language and Medical Assessments — Days 2 and 3
If you pass the first assessment day, you proceed to the language and medical evaluations.
English Language Assessment: Your reading, listening and speaking abilities are evaluated to ensure you meet the training requirements.
Medical Assessment: You must satisfy the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Class 1 medical requirements, including an eye examination.
The medical assessment requires approval by authorised GCAA and Emirates Clinic aviation medical examiners.
Assessment Days 2 & 3 Fee: AED 4,200This fee applies only to candidates who successfully complete the first assessment day.
Final Selection and Training Start Date
If you successfully complete the selection process, an academy selection team member will contact you about the available course start dates.
The academy accepts new cadets approximately every other month, depending on availability.
If either party experiences delays, your application file remains valid for 12 months. Accepted candidates who cannot join immediately generally have up to one year from their offer date to begin.
After joining: The approximately 104-week integrated training programme covers ATPL ground school, single-engine flying, multi-engine flying, jet orientation and Multi Crew Cooperation training.
Emirates Pilot Training for UAE Nationals
UAE nationals have a separate entry route through the Emirates National Cadet Pilot Programme.
Eligible UAE national cadets may receive fully sponsored training under an Emirates bonded sponsorship arrangement.
Eligibility Requirements for UAE Nationals
Swipe the table sideways to see all requirements.
| Requirement | High School Graduates (Scientific Stream) | Degree Holders (Diploma & Above) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–21 years | 21–26 years |
| Academic Qualification | Minimum 80% in high school | Minimum GPA of 3.0 in a scientific major |
| Subjects | Mathematics or Physics | Science-related qualification |
| English Proficiency | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL PBT 510 / iBT 65 | IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL PBT 510 / iBT 65 |
The sponsored programme is intended for eligible UAE nationals. International cadets are required to fund their own academy training, and EFTA does not offer international cadet scholarships or financing programmes.
View UAE National Application ↗Important Information Before Applying
Emirates Flight Training Academy offers a structured route to commercial pilot qualifications, but admission does not guarantee a future airline job.
On successful completion, graduates receive an ATPL ground-course completion certificate, an MCC course completion certificate and a GCAA-approved Commercial Pilot Licence with Multi Instrument Rating (CPL/Multi-IR).
Graduates interested in working for Emirates or flydubai must separately meet the airlines’ applicable recruitment requirements.
Official Information: This article uses Emirates Flight Training Academy’s published admission requirements, course fees and March 2026 frequently asked questions.
EFTA Official Admissions & Fees | Official Academy FAQs (PDF)
Information checked: October 2026. Fees, eligibility criteria and admission procedures may change. Confirm the final amounts and conditions directly with the academy before paying.
