Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
What is ADFA?
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.
Financial benefits
Enjoy loads of financial benefits, including a salary from day one.
Earn a salary while you study with 16.4% superannuation
Free medical and dental care
Subsidised food and accommodation
Fully paid HELP debt.
Career benefits
Study without any worries about where your degree can take you.
Gain sought-after qualifications with no HELP debt
World-class leadership training
Graduate with a guaranteed job as an ADF Officer
Learn transferrable skills and have experiences that set you up for life.
Education benefits
World-class degrees with military academy and leadership training.
One of the world's top 50 universities
Australia's best student-to-teacher ratios
Member of the Group of Eight leading research-intensive universities
Join a diverse group of students
Recognised as a university with strong links between higher education and industry.
Facilities and activities
On the UNSW ADFA campus, you’ll find everything you need.
Comfortable and private accommodation
Enjoy Canberra's vibrant city and scenery, with snow and beaches within reach
State-of-the-art indoor sports centre (pool, gym, weights, and squash) and more
Everything on campus including a bank, dry cleaner and hairdresser
Endless activities such as CrossFit, debating and performance arts
Ample public transport and parking.
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.
ADF training
While studying, you’ll undertake two types of military training – Joint Military Education and Training and Single Service Training. This will teach you the fundamental knowledge and skills required to become a leader in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Eligibility
To ensure your ADFA application is successful, you must:
- be at least 16 years of age when applying and 17 on the day of entry
- be an Australian citizen or meet the eligibility criteria for non-Australian citizens – see our eligibility page.
- have completed Year 12 with passes that meet the requirements of your chosen ADF role and UNSW degree
- have sufficient general fitness to pass a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) - see our Health & Fitness page.
Gain additional assistance
UNSW offers a number of bonus point schemes which can help you gain admission. If you are eligible, these bonus points – combined with your ATAR/OP – may help you meet the UNSW Canberra entry requirements.
- HSC Plus This program awards bonus points to Year 12 students who perform well in subjects relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. Learn more.
- Elite Athlete This program awards bonus points to Year 12 students who have excelled in areas of sport, academia, performance, and leadership. Learn more.
- ACCESS Scheme Part of UNSW Australia’s commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action, this program provides students with access to higher education. Learn more.
Application process
Applying for ADFA requires two applications. You will be applying for an officer role in the Navy, Army or Air Force as well as a UNSW degree program, so you will need to submit separate applications that meet the entry requirements of both. As the process takes up to 12 months, it's preferable you start the application process in Year 11, but you can still apply in Year 12.
ADFA Application process
Even though applicants should apply in Year 11, they must then go on to successfully complete Year 12 (or the education equivalent to Australian Year 12).
- Choose and apply for your role, call a recruiter, or visit your local ADF Careers Centre
- Attend a Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) session (preferably in Year 11 or early Year 12)
- Attend online assessments: a psychological interview, medical assessment and ADF interview
- Attend an online Officer Selection Board (OSB)
- Receive a Letter of Offer from the ADF
- Accept ADF offer (subject to passing Pre-entry Fitness Assessment and final medical).
UNSW Application process
- View the UNSW Canberra degree options and application process
- Decide which degree to apply for based on your career choice
- Apply for UNSW Canberra-ADFA through the University Admission Centre (UAC). This opens in August in the year prior to entry
- Accept Universities Admission Centre Offer.
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.
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
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
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
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