Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

Have your fees paid for and earn a salary while you complete a University of New South Wales (UNSW) degree and military training.

What is ADFA?

ADFA develops and educates the future leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force.
students in a lecture theatre.
Students wearing military uniform reading.

Forged from a unique partnership between the ADF and the University of New South Wales, ADFA in Canberra offers world-class education plus cutting-edge military and leadership training. It’s where you can undertake military training while being paid to study for a world-class undergraduate degree.

As an ADFA student, you’ll receive a great salary plus full medical and dental cover and have all your tuition fees and student expenses covered by the ADF. You’ll graduate Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)-debt free and walk straight into a rewarding career in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

ADFA Benefits

Lifestyle benefits

There’s plenty of time for sport, leisure, and socialising with friends.

Studies balanced with plenty of spare time

Stay connected to family and friends with opportunities to visit them throughout the year

A supportive team environment

Free fitness and leisure facilities

Enjoy Canberra’s city and scenery, with snow and beaches all within reach.

STORIES FROM ADFA

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How ADFA Works

ADFA degrees

Choose a globally recognised university degree from UNSW and study while receiving cutting-edge military and leadership training.

Bachelor's degrees
  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Naval Architectural Engineering
  • Computer and Cyber security
  • Technology (Aeronautical Engineering)
  • Arts
  • Business
  • Science.

Visit the UNSW website to see what’s possible.

ADFA Open Day 2024

ADFA open day

ADFA Open Day is run each year in August. Join us in Canberra or online to:

  • learn about world-class UNSW degrees in Business, Arts, Science, Engineering, Computing and Cyber
  • meet and hear from current Training Officers to learn about life on campus and
  • see a variety of military and educational displays such as Air Force aircraft flyovers, Army parachute displays, Navy divers, abseiling, military vehicle displays, the ADFA Marching band and much more.

Register your interest below to stay informed and make sure you’re ready for ADFA Open Day 2025.

See what careers ADFA can lead you to

Army Officer
Army
PRIORITY ROLE
OFFICER ENTRY
FULL TIME
Army Officer

With world-class training, unlock your leadership potential to become a strong manager and decision-maker, commanding soldiers in one of many military specialisations.

Ways to enter role

Officer Entry: RMC - DuntroonOfficer Entry: ADFA

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Electronics Engineer
Navy
OFFICER ENTRY
FULL TIME
Electronics Engineer

Tackle highly varied engineering challenges on base and at sea, maintaining radar, sonar, communication and navigation systems, combat management systems and more.

Ways to enter role

Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: GraduateOfficer Entry: Undergraduate

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Artillery Officer
Army
OFFICER ENTRY
FULL TIME
Artillery Officer

Take command of artillery delivery and surveillance platforms, as part of the Combined Arms Combat team, using skills gained through world-class leadership training.

Ways to enter role

Officer Entry: RMC - DuntroonOfficer Entry: ADFA

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Electronics Engineer - Cyber Systems
Air Force
PRIORITY ROLE
OFFICER ENTRY
FULL TIME
Electronics Engineer - Cyber Systems

Lead a highly skilled team in maintaining and protecting advanced Air Force and Defence networks in the sky, in space and on the ground.

Ways to enter role

Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: GraduateOfficer Entry: Undergraduate

View Role

Attend an event to see what the ADF could mean for you

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