How to Apply

Are you ready to apply for a place as a Trainee Officer at the Australian Defence Force Academy? The information below outlines the steps you need to follow. Please keep in mind that this is a dual application process and you must fulfil the requirements of both the Australian Defence Force and UNSW Canberra to be made an offer to attend ADFA.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Trainee Officers

Dual Admission Process

Students must:

1. Complete the Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) process to be selected to join the Australian Defence Force as a Trainee Officer. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. For further information regarding the Defence Process, please visit the Defence Jobs website. 
2. Have met the minimum entry requirements for UNSW Canberra as outlined below.

 

Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks for Trainee Officers

The following scores are the Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks required for entry to UNSW Canberra programs. The requirements only apply to Australian citizens who have been selected as  ADFA Trainee Officers and selected members of overseas Armed Forces.

UAC Code	Program	Program code	Years	Indicative Lowest Selection rank	IB Indicative Lowest Score*
450001	B Arts	4400	3	75	27
450010	B Business	4405	3	80	29
450020	B Science	4410	3	75	27
450030	B Computing and Cyber Security	4427	3	80	29
450040	B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical)	4472	4	85	32
450050	B Engineering (Honours) (Civil)	4473	4	85	32
450060	B Engineering (Honours) (Electrical)	4471	4	85	32
450070	B Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)	4474	4	85	32
450080	B Technology (Aeronautical Engineering)	4430	3	85	32
450300	B Engineering (Honours) (Naval Architecture)	4484	4	85	32

IB* = International Baccalaureate. Candidates must have met the requirements of an IB Diploma.

 

Assumed Subject Knowledge Requirements

It is assumed that students will have achieved a level of subject knowledge (as listed below) that is considered desirable for successful university level study.

If you do not have the minimum level of assumed subject knowledge, you are NOT prevented from applying for admission or enrolling in any courses, but you will be placed at a considerable disadvantage.

Program	Assumed subject knowledge
B Arts	English
B Business	English
B Science	Mathematics
B Computing and Cyber Security	Mathematics
B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Naval Architecture)   B Technology (Aeronautical)	Mathematics, Physics

 

UNSW Canberra Application Process

To apply to UNSW Canberra, you must lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Applications open early August and close at the end of September of the year before commencement of study. Late applications after the end of September will incur late fees. If eligible, a formal offer of admission will then be made to you through UAC in January of the year you plan to commence your studies.

 

Chief of Defence Force Students Programs for Academically Gifted Students

UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options for high-performing students in Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Science, and Technology, known as the Chief of Defence Force Students Programs (CDFSP). These unique programs have been designed to provide academically gifted students with a rich and challenging educational experience that will develop their critical thinking and research skills.

CDFSP have objectives and learning outcomes in common with the standard degree program but extend the educational principles embodied in the standard program to a higher level. In the programs, students will be introduced to research in their discipline areas and will be offered significant extensions to the ideas and analysis performed in the standard program. This will allow the CDF students to undertake research projects at the appropriate level in their later years, thereby more fully integrating research into the standard undergraduate degree. The individual projects undertaken in close association with academic staff on research topics of mutual interest underpin the program and give students the ability to develop their full potential.

Students in the CDFSP will undertake individual research projects working closely with academic staff on projects from their area of interest. Upon completion of their degree, students will receive a unique award that reflects their involvement in this outstanding program.

All students enrolling in the CDFSP are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance over all semesters in order to remain within the program. Students who do not maintain the required level of performance will be transferred to the standard degree program offered, with credit for all courses completed.

Admission to these programs will be via the standard degree programs above. On acceptance of offer to the standard program, eligible students will be notified by Student Administrative Services of transfer options to the equivalent CDF Student Program.

 

Credit for Previous Studies (Advanced Standing)

Credit Transfer is also known as ‘advanced standing’ or recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you have previously studied at another university and wish to apply for credit transfer, you must submit an application alongside the below supporting documentation to Student Administrative Services (SAS) at the time of your acceptance of offer via email to sas@adfa.edu.au.

• Credit Transfer Application
• Official Academic Transcript (unofficial copies will not be accepted)
• Course Outline (This document must provide course synopses, including aims and objectives, contact hours, texts and references. This document is usually provided to active students on the institutions learning platform)

Students who will be submitting a Credit Transfer application due to previous study at another university will need to enrol in the standard 1^st year courses until their outcome is received.

Credit Transfer applications must be finalised prior to the commencement of Semester 1, this allows time to amend your enrolment before the end of week 1 to avoid late enrolment fees ($250). Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing of your Credit Transfer Application. Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.

ADFA Trainee Officers

Credit Transfer applications must be submitted prior to your commencement of Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT) at ADFA, this allows time to amend your enrolment before the end of week 1 to avoid late enrolment fees ($250). Incomplete applications may require additional processing time and are more likely to incur late enrolment fees. Credit Transfer outcomes must be discussed with your chain of command as this may affect your time at ADFA.

International Students

Following a directive from the Department of Defence, International Policy Division, international students are NOT able to apply for credit from previous study.

 

Academy Visits

ADFA welcomes individuals and groups who are considering a career in the Australian Defence Force through the Academy to visit our facilities and speak with current cadets and staff.

Further information and to book Academy Visits

 

UNSW Canberra Key Dates

For important dates for UNSW Canberra applicants and students, including semester start and end dates, enrolment deadlines, public holiday compensation, examination and result dates, please see the UNSW Canberra Key Dates.

UNSW Canberra offers undergraduate programs in Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Science, and Technology to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

ADF Current Serving Members

Dual Admission Process

Students must:

1. Be recommended and approved by the Australian Defence Force Services (Navy, Army or Airforce) to study at UNSW Canberra
2. Have met the minimum entry requirements and assumed subject knowledge requirements (where applicable) for UNSW Canberra as outlined below.

To have your entrance rank and assumed subject knowledge (where applicable) determined, you must complete the Preliminary Assessment Form by no later than the end of July of the year before the commencement of study.

As part of your application you will be asked to submit copies of any formal academic qualifications that you may have including previous secondary, tertiary (TAFE, or University) or Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited awards.

Please note that awards received from your service are not assessable unless they have been given Civilian Accreditation. 

What is next?

Applicants for the Bachelor of Arts and Business will be assessed on education qualifications for admission purposes and will receive written advice on the outcome of your assessment.

Navy and Airforce applicants for a Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Technology or Science will be assessed on both educational qualifications and required to complete a Maths Skills Check (which will be sent on receipt of this application) to determine levels of assumed subject knowledge.  Upon completion of the Maths Skills Check students will then receive written advice on the outcome of your assessment.

Ineligible applicants will be be sent information on Alternative Entry Pathways to provide them with an opportunity to achieve the requirements for admission.

Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks for Current Serving Members

To be eligible for admission to UNSW Canberra applicants must meet the lowest tertiary entrance rank to gain admission to the relevant degree program.

UAC Code	Program	Program code	Years	ATAR/Indicative Lowest Selection rank
450001	B Arts	4400	3	67
450010	B Business	4405	3	72
450020	B Science	4410	3	67
450030	B Computing and Cyber Security	4427	3	72
450040	B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical)	4472	4	79
450050	B Engineering (Honours) (Civil)	4473	4	79
450060	B Engineering (Honours) (Electrical)	4471	4	79
450070	B Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)	4474	4	79
450080	B Technology (Aeronautical Engineering)	4430	3	79
450300	B Engineering (Honours) (Naval Architecture)	4484	4	79

 

Assumed Subject Knowledge Requirements

It is assumed that students will have achieved a level of subject knowledge (as listed below) that is considered desirable for successful university level study.

If you do not have the minimum level of assumed subject knowledge, you are NOT prevented from applying for admission or enrolling in any courses, but you will be placed at a considerable disadvantage and your service may require you to undertake a bridging program or other preparation courses such as Unilearn, Hubbard's School or any TAFE.

Program	Assumed Subject Knowledge
B Arts	English
B Business	English
B Science	Mathematics
B Computing and Cyber Security	Mathematics
B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Naval Architecture)   B Technology (Aeronautical)	Mathematics, Physics

 

UNSW Canberra Application Process

To apply to UNSW Canberra, you must lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Applications open early August and close at the end of September of the year before commencement of study. Late applications after the end of September will incur late fees. If eligible, a formal offer of admission will then be made to you through UAC in January of the year you plan to commence your studies.

Academic Preparation Program

The UNSW Canberra Academic Language and Learning (ALL) Unit run an Academic Preparation Course for current serving members before the commencement of the semester.  By the end of this program, students will be in a better position to know what to expect when their official program begins and will be better prepared for the demands of their academic studies. This program aims to:

• Welcome students to UNSW Canberra;
• Prepare students for the demands of academic study at UNSW Canberra;
• Provide students with essential information about facilities and services such as the computer labs, library catalogues, subject specific databases and internet search facilities;
• Give students practical experience in critical analysis, reading and note-taking, researching sources, avoiding plagiarism and writing assignments.

 

Credit for Previous Studies (Advanced Standing)

Credit Transfer is also known as ‘advanced standing’ or recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you have previously studied at another university and wish to apply for credit transfer, you must submit an application alongside the below supporting documentation to Student Administrative Services (SAS) at the time of your acceptance of offer via email to sas@adfa.edu.au.

• Credit Transfer Application
• Official Academic Transcript (unofficial copies will not be accepted)
• Course Outline (This document must provide course synopses, including aims and objectives, contact hours, texts and references. This document is usually provided to active students on the institutions learning platform)

Students who will be submitting a Credit Transfer application due to previous study at another university will need to enrol in the standard 1^st year courses until their outcome is received.

Credit Transfer applications must be finalised prior to the commencement of Semester 1, this allows time to amend your enrolment before the end of week 1 to avoid late enrolment fees ($250). Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing of your Credit Transfer Application. Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.

ADFA Trainee Officers

Credit Transfer applications must be submitted prior to your commencement of Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT) at ADFA, this allows time to amend your enrolment before the end of week 1 to avoid late enrolment fees ($250). Incomplete applications may require additional processing time and are more likely to incur late enrolment fees. Credit Transfer outcomes must be discussed with your chain of command as this may affect your time at ADFA.

 

UNSW Canberra Key Dates

For important dates for UNSW Canberra applicants and students, including semester start and end dates, enrolment deadlines, public holiday compensation, examination and result dates, please see the UNSW Canberra Key Dates.

Are you ready to apply for a place as a Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship (DCUS) student at UNSW Canberra? The information below outlines the steps you need to follow. Please keep in mind that this is a dual application process and you must fulfil the requirements of both the Australian Department of Defence and UNSW Canberra to be made an offer. 

For information about the Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship please visit their website.

Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsored Applicants

Dual Admission Process

Students must:

1. Be recommended and approved by the Department of Defence by successful completion of an application process.
2. Have met the minimum entry requirements for UNSW Canberra as outlined in entrance requirements below.

 

Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks for Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship (DCUS) Applicants

The following scores are the indicative lowest selection ranks required for entry to UNSW Canberra programs. The requirements only apply to Defence Civilian Undergraduate Sponsorship (DCUS) Applicants.

UAC Code	Program	Program Code	Years	Indicative Lowest Selection Rank	IB* Indicative score
450030	B Computing and Cyber Security	4427	3	80	28
450040	B  Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical)	4472	4	85	32
450050	B Engineering (Honours) (Civil)	4473	4	85	32
450060	B Engineering (Honours) (Electrical)	4471	4	85	32
450070	B Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)	4474	4	85	32
450300	B Engineering (Honours) (Naval Architecture)	4484	4	85	32

 

*IB = International Baccalaureate. Candidates must have met the requirements of an IB Diploma.

 

Assumed Subject Knowledge Requirements

It is assumed that students will have achieved a level of subject knowledge (as listed below) that is considered desirable for successful university level study.

If you do not have the minimum level of assumed subject knowledge, you are NOT prevented from applying for admission or enrolling in any courses, but you will be placed at a considerable disadvantage.

Program	Assumed subject knowledge
B Computing and Cyber Security	Mathematics
B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Naval Architecture)	Mathematics, Physics

 

UNSW Canberra Application Process

To apply to UNSW Canberra, you must lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Applications open early August and close at the end of September of the year before commencement of study. Late applications after the end of September will incur late fees. If eligible, a formal offer of admission will then be made to you through UAC in January of the year you plan to commence your studies.

 

Chief of Defence Force Students Programs for Academically Gifted Students

UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options for high-performing students in Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Science, and Technology, known as the Chief of Defence Force Students Programs (CDFSP). These unique programs have been designed to provide academically gifted students with a rich and challenging educational experience that will develop their critical thinking and research skills.

CDFSP have objectives and learning outcomes in common with the standard degree program but extend the educational principles embodied in the standard program to a higher level. In the programs, students will be introduced to research in their discipline areas and will be offered significant extensions to the ideas and analysis performed in the standard program. This will allow the CDF students to undertake research projects at the appropriate level in their later years, thereby more fully integrating research into the standard undergraduate degree. The individual projects undertaken in close association with academic staff on research topics of mutual interest underpin the program and give students the ability to develop their full potential.

Students in the CDFSP will undertake individual research projects working closely with academic staff on projects from their area of interest. Upon completion of their degree, students will receive a unique award that reflects their involvement in this outstanding program.

All students enrolling in the CDFSP are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance over all semesters in order to remain within the program. Students who do not maintain the required level of performance will be transferred to the standard degree program offered, with credit for all courses completed.

Admission to these programs will be via the standard degree programs above. On acceptance of offer to the standard program, eligible students will be notified by Student Administrative Services of transfer options to the equivalent CDF Student Program.

 

Academy Visits

ADFA welcomes individuals and groups who are considering a career in the Australian Defence Force through the Academy to visit our facilities and speak with current cadets and staff.

Further information and to book Academy Visits

 

UNSW Canberra Key Dates

For important dates for UNSW Canberra applicants and students, including semester start and end dates, enrolment deadlines, public holiday compensation, examination and result dates, please see the UNSW Canberra Key Dates.

Are you ready to apply for a place as a Non-Defence student at UNSW Canberra? The information below outlines the steps you need to follow.

UNSW Canberra offers a range of full degree programs as well as single-year Honours programs for non-Defence undergraduate students. Application processes vary depending on the degree program you are applying for (see further information below).

Non-Defence Applicants

Admission Process

Students must:

1. Have met the minimum entry requirements for UNSW Canberra as outlined in entrance requirements below.
2. Submit an application for the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) at UNSW Canberra

 

Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks for Non-Defence Applicants

The following scores are the indicative lowest selection ranks required for entry to UNSW Canberra programs. The requirements only apply to Non-Defence Applicants

UAC Code	Program	Program Code	Years	Indicative Lowest Selection Rank	IB* Indicative score	Fee Type
451040	B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical)	4472	4	91	34	CSP
451050	B Engineering (Honours) (Civil)	4473	4	91	34	CSP
451060	B Engineering (Honours) (Electrical)	4471	4	91	34	CSP
451070	B Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)	4474	4	91	34	CSP
451300	B Engineering (Honours) (Naval Architecture)	4484	4	91	34	CSP

 

Assumed Subject Knowledge Requirements

It is assumed that students will have achieved a level of subject knowledge (as listed below) that is considered desirable for successful university level study.

If you do not have the minimum level of assumed subject knowledge, you are NOT prevented from applying for admission or enrolling in any courses, but you will be placed at a considerable disadvantage.

Program	Assumed subject knowledge
B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Naval Architecture)	Mathematics, Physics

 

UNSW Canberra Application Process

To apply to UNSW Canberra, you must lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Applications open early August and close at the end of September of the year before commencement of study. Late applications after the end of September will incur late fees. If eligible, a formal offer of admission will then be made to you through UAC in January of the year you plan to commence your studies.

It is highly recommended that you also submit an application for the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) at UNSW Canberra - Apply Here

 

Chief of Defence Force Students Programs for Academically Gifted Students

UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options for high-performing students in Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Science, and Technology, known as the Chief of Defence Force Students Programs (CDFSP). These unique programs have been designed to provide academically gifted students with a rich and challenging educational experience that will develop their critical thinking and research skills.

CDFSP have objectives and learning outcomes in common with the standard degree program but extend the educational principles embodied in the standard program to a higher level. In the programs, students will be introduced to research in their discipline areas and will be offered significant extensions to the ideas and analysis performed in the standard program. This will allow the CDF students to undertake research projects at the appropriate level in their later years, thereby more fully integrating research into the standard undergraduate degree. The individual projects undertaken in close association with academic staff on research topics of mutual interest underpin the program and give students the ability to develop their full potential.

Students in the CDFSP will undertake individual research projects working closely with academic staff on projects from their area of interest. Upon completion of their degree, students will receive a unique award that reflects their involvement in this outstanding program.

All students enrolling in the CDFSP are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance over all semesters in order to remain within the program. Students who do not maintain the required level of performance will be transferred to the standard degree program offered, with credit for all courses completed.

Admission to these programs will be via the standard degree programs above. On acceptance of offer to the standard program, eligible students will be notified by Student Administrative Services of transfer options to the equivalent CDF Student Program.

 

UNSW Canberra Key Dates

For important dates for UNSW Canberra applicants and students, including semester start and end dates, enrolment deadlines, public holiday compensation, examination and result dates, please see the UNSW Canberra Key Dates.

UNSW Canberra offers one-year Honours programs to Defence and non-defence students who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree in the fields of Arts (Humanities and Social Science), Business, Computing and Cyber Security, as well as Science.  Visit How to apply for further information.