An RMIT student pilot has been killed after crashing on a solo training flight at Millbrook in Victoria's west.

The Cessna 172 appeared to have slammed into the ground before skidding about 100 metres in a paddock on Old Melbourne Road, near Black Hill.

The pilot, who was the only person in the plane, died at the scene, police said.

The university operates a flight training school at the Point Cook Airfield, west of Melbourne, where local and international students train to become pilots in a fleet of 13 Cessna aircraft.

In a statement, RMIT vice-chancellor Martin Bean said the university community was "devastated" by the news of the crash.

The university's operations at the Point Cook base have been suspended until further notice.

Mr Bean expressed "heartfelt condolences" to the student's family.

"As a father I can only begin to imagine the pain they are feeling at this time," he said.

"RMIT is assisting the Air Transport Safety Bureau, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and emergency services.

"The university is offering counselling and support to all aviation students and staff."