If you’re considering the FTA private student path keep in mind it requires patience, persistence, and an ability to embrace the unexpected. Here’s how my journey unfolded.
Day 0 – Sent enquiry email to FTA
Day 6 – Received reply from FTA
Day 7 – Locked in theory test date
Day 10 – Granted access to FTA portal
Day 21 – Completed theory test
Day 26 – Received CUT-E invoice & settled it
Day 30 – Completed CUT-E test
Day 32 – Moved to interview stage
Day 35 – Completed interview
Day 36 – Booked CASA Class 1 Medical
Day 39 – Attended CASA Class 1 Medical
Day 41 – Submitted enrolment application (VET 54)
Day 55 – Submitted enrolment application (VET 55)
Day 61 – Booked IAE CLEAR test
Day 67 – CASA Class 1 Medical granted
Day 68 – Booked IELTS
Day 71 – Completed IAE CLEAR test
Day 73 – Completed IELTS
Day 74 – Received info about next intake
Day 75 – Sent IELTS results to FTA
Day 75 – Receive contract, signed it
Day 77 – Settled deposit
Day 84 – COE received
Day 85 – Submitted student visa application
Day 88 – Completed visa medical exam
Day 91 – Completed biometrics for visa
Day 95 – Received medical exam results
Day 103 – Student visa granted
Day 104 – Booked CASA AELP test
Day 113 – Completed CASA AELP test
Day 115 – CASA AELP test result released
Day 183 – Settled first instalment
Day 188 – Pre-course materials given
Day 214 – First day at FTA
From VET54 to VET55
Originally, I was targeting the October 2024 intake (VET54). However, the Australian Home Affairs website indicated that processing times for Vocational Education and Training stream visas could take up to 7 months. Based on this, FTA’s student welfare manager recommended I defer to the next intake in Feb 2025 (VET55)
The irony? My visa was granted in just 17 days. In hindsight, I could’ve made it to VET54, but this delay came with its own silver linings:
➊ Phase 1 flying for VET55 starts in late March – perfect weather conditions after ground school
➋ More quality time with friends and family before heading to Australia
➌ A slightly favourable exchange rate between AUD and HKD
However, there were downsides too. The tuition fee adjustment meant a 7.5% increase from $85,133 to $91,693 and future courses like MECIR and FIR will likely see higher fees as well. A bitter pill to swallow. Ouch
Reflection
This journey has been anything but straightforward. With limited guidance available for this path, I’ve often questioned whether I was making the right moves. The visa processing time was a major source of uncertainty while I was fortunate to receive mine in 17 days, the possibility of a 7-month wait lingered in my mind.
If that delay had become reality, I would’ve faced tough decisions: should I return to work, pursue other programs like HKIAA or the Cathay cadet program, or simply wait for the next next FTA intake? It was unsettling, especially since I had already deferred my intake by 4 months.
The struggle begins long before the course even starts, and I’m pretty sure there’ll be more challenges ahead. But maybe that’s exactly what makes it all worthwhile aye? Each step, no matter how difficult, brings me closer to the flight deck.
◃ Back