Higher National Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering

Program overview

Higher National Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering is a diploma program in engineering and architecture at Cardiff and Vale College - International Centre for Aerospace Training, a public institution in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, United Kingdom, founded in 2011.

First-year tuition is listed at 12,000 GBP and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 22,224 GBP for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. UKVI sets a monthly maintenance amount that differs for London and the rest of the UK, plus the tuition fee for the first year, up to a cap. You must also pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Amounts are updated by the UK government, so read the money section of the official guidance before you apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in the United Kingdom

Our directory lists 21 diploma programs in engineering and architecture at 8 schools in the United Kingdom. Their median first-year tuition is 12,000 GBP, and the middle half cost between 12,000 GBP and 17,000 GBP.

At 12,000 GBP, Higher National Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering costs about the same as the median, in the most affordable quarter.

• All engineering and architecture courses in the United Kingdom

Lower-cost diploma options in engineering and architecture

If budget matters, these diploma programs in engineering and architecture have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United Kingdom.

Plan for the Sept 2027 intake

Working back from a Sept 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. September or October is the main intake for most courses, with a January or February intake for some. Visa applications can be made within a set window before the course start date.

Entry requirements and documents

Cardiff and Vale College - International Centre for Aerospace Training sets the exact entry requirements for Higher National Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering. For a diploma, applicants usually need the following.

Universities accept a range of tests and some accept alternative evidence. For the visa itself you may need an approved English test result or confirmation from the sponsor. Check what your sponsor will accept before booking a test.

• Your most recent academic transcripts and certificates.
• A statement of purpose.
• References, and a CV where work experience is relevant.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: Student visa (Student route)

Students from India need a Student visa (Student route) to study in the United Kingdom. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) decides the application.

The UK Student visa is sponsored by a licensed university or college through a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The route is points based and document heavy: funds, English language and sponsor details must all match the rules in force on the day you apply.

• Apply to a licensed student sponsor. Undergraduate applications go through UCAS; most postgraduate applications go directly to the university.
• Accept an offer, meet any conditions and pay any deposit requested. Ask for the CAS once you are eligible for it.
• Prepare proof of funds held for the required period, your passport, the CAS details, English evidence and a tuberculosis test certificate where required for your country.
• Check whether your subject needs ATAS clearance, then apply online and pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

• Study in United Kingdom: full visa guide
• GOV.UK: Student visa
• GOV.UK: Student visa money needed

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Graduate route, which allows time in the UK to work or look for work. The length of stay and conditions have been under review, so use the current GOV.UK page and not older figures.

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Higher National Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Higher National Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering?

First-year tuition is listed at 12,000 GBP. Living costs are extra; Cardiff and Vale College - International Centre for Aerospace Training estimates 10,224 GBP a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

This program lists no application fee.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Sept 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Higher National Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering a degree?

It is listed as a diploma. Check with the school what qualification it awards and whether it leads to further study or work rights.

Which visa do I need to study in the United Kingdom?

You need a Student visa (Student route), decided by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to Cardiff and Vale College - International Centre for Aerospace Training, then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at Cardiff and Vale College - International Centre for Aerospace Training

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Aircraft Engineering, 15,400 GBP first year
• Diploma - Aeronautical Engineering, 12,000 GBP first year