To become a pilot, is a high school education sufficient? Do you need a university education to become an airline pilot? Before answering that question, please note that this disucssion will be limited to civilian pilots, not military pilots.
A high school education is sufficient in the U.S. to get your pilot certificates; however, airlines -- and charter companies, corporations etc. do vary in their individual hiring requirements -- that includes minimum education, as well as minimum flight hours logged for hiring as a first officer. In the U.S., regional, smaller airlines often do not require a college degree; for legacy or major airlines a college degree is often required -- unless you have previous experience flying for another airline. Also, in the past, in times of more urgent need for pilots, airlines have relaxed educational requirements in order to hire more pilots. And throughout the world, airlines, charter companies, and corporations will differ in their general education requirements. Typically, the larger the airline and the more international in scope the airline is, the greater their requirements are. With charter companies and corporate flight departments, the educational requirements are typically less than for new first-officer hires at major airlines.
In general, many major U.S. airlines look for some college time, and having an earned degree will provide you with an advantage, even if it's not a hard-and-fast requirement. Internationally, it will vary considerably, so it is prudent to check with airlines in your country for specific information. College study is, however, typically another indicator to the airline that you will likely succeed in your airline training, because you have shown by attending college that you have experience with a challenging academic curriculum and the discipline to learn.
However, if you do not at this moment have a university education, this is not necessarily a barrier. Again, it depends on the individual airline, the typical standard of education in your country and what your preferred airlines require. Many, many students who train at Phoenix East Aviation are not university graduates and go on to successful careers with the airlines. Also, many students take advantage of Phoenix East Aviation's special partnership programs with universities and earn their university Associates Degree or Bachelors Degree at the same time they are working to achieve their pilot certificates. This means that you can conceivably achieve BOTH a university degree and also your pilot certificates at about the same time, depending on your desire and personal discipline.
Coming to Phoenix East Aviation for a year or two and earning your Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, and maybe also your instructor certificates is never inexpensive -- though Phoenix East provides better training at lower prices than many other schools -- is an important investment in your future, maybe the best investment you can make in your life. You may also choose to consider studying for a university degree at the same time you're working for your pilot certificates as an additional investment for your future. Certainly not a fixed requirement, but something to consider as you begin training to build a lifelong career. Phoenix East Aviation Admissions Officers are knowledgeable about your options and can help you decide the best path of study for you.
In summary, there is no quick answer to what general education is required. It depends on the country you come from, the airline charter company or corporation you may wish to work for -- and also your motivation and ambition. Most students at Phoenix East Aviation do not have four-year university degrees, though some do. And some students choose to work for an Associates or Bachelors degree while they are attending Phoenix East Aviation -- and some do not. A Phoenix East Admissions Officer is there to help you understand your options and make the best decision for you personally.