Particle image velocimetry (PIV) has become a sophisticated technology utilised in both research and industry to measure flow properties in a non-intrusive manner. However, the cost remains prohibitive for students to implement this method in most undergraduate aerodynamics laboratories. Furthermore, the high-powered lasers typically employed in PIV systems can pose a safety hazard in the presence of large groups of students. This paper proposes a cost-effective PIV design and analysis system that can be readily implemented in aerodynamics laboratories. The system utilises a low-power, stationary laser light source to reduce expenses and enhance laboratory safety. An open-source analysis code is employed to further reduce costs. In laboratory exercises with this system, students will grasp the PIV data collection process, apply MATLAB to analyse the data, and describe the observed flow characteristics. The paper also provides detailed information on the system, with the aim of enabling others to construct similar systems for use in their own laboratories. Example applications for pumping liquid in a mini-pool and visualisation of the jet flow of a synthetic jet actuator are applied as applications of the PIV system at the end of the study.