The Process
Honest about what we measure. Deliberate about who we select.
Below is exactly how the VAG Cadet Program selects its sponsored aviators. Every stage is engineered to surface the qualities of a future airline captain — composure, command instinct, technical aptitude and long-horizon commitment.
- STAGE 01
Application & Document Vetting
- Cost
- Free
- Duration
- 5–7 days
You submit your application portfolio through our secure candidate portal. Our admissions team verifies every document by hand.
What is evaluated
- High school diploma (mandatory) or bachelor's degree (preferred)
- Valid passport with at least 12 months of remaining validity
- Proof of identity, nationality and contact information
- Educational transcripts and supporting credentials
To PassDocuments verified. ICAO eligibility confirmed. You are invited to Stage 02.
- STAGE 02
Initial Assessment
- Cost
- Free
- Duration
- ≈ 25 minutes, online
An automated, timed aptitude screening completed in your candidate dashboard. No travel, no proctor, no fee.
What is evaluated
- ICAO English proficiency — comprehension and vocabulary
- Logical reasoning — pattern, sequence and spatial questions
- Mental mathematics — speed, accuracy under time pressure
To PassAchieve the published threshold and you are invited to Stage 03. The fee at Stage 03 is the only fee in the program.
- STAGE 03
Advanced Selection Battery
- Cost
- By invitation
- Duration
- ≈ 3 hours, supervised online
The industry-standard aviation aptitude battery used by major European carriers (COMPASS / ADAPT family). This is the rigorous, professional evaluation that simulates true airline pilot screening.
What is evaluated
- Multi-tasking under load (instrument scan + audio comprehension)
- Hand-eye-foot coordination on simulated controls
- Short-term and working memory under time pressure
- Spatial orientation and 3D mental rotation
To PassCandidates invited to Stage 03 receive full instructions, scheduling details and the assessment terms by email. Stage 03 results determine progression to the selection board.
- STAGE 04
Virtual Evaluation
- Cost
- Free
- Duration
- 45–60 minutes
An online interview with the VAG selection board. The technical screening is behind you — this is the human filter.
What is evaluated
- ICAO Level 4+ English speaking proficiency
- Composure and decision-making under pressure scenarios
- Command potential — the qualities of a future captain
- Motivation, integrity, and long-horizon commitment
To PassTop candidates from Stage 04 are invited to the final stage in person.
- STAGE 05
Final Selection & Re-Assessment
- Cost
- Free — travel covered for finalists
- Duration
- 1–2 days, in person
An in-person interview at our admissions office, paired with a proctored repeat of a segment of the Stage 03 test under strict supervision. This is our integrity check — and our final look at the candidate.
What is evaluated
- Verification that Stage 03 results were genuinely yours
- Final command-potential interview with senior aviators
- Medical readiness and travel-readiness for international training
To PassThe selected cadet(s) of the intake are awarded full sponsorship. Training begins at our European partner academy.