You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).

You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.

With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Navy will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.

You can apply for DUS if you’re in the final year of a 4-year degree in Psychology (so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for a Master of Psychology), however, the Navy will only sponsor the study from your date of appointment into the Navy.

You can progress to the Officer Selection Board prior to the beginning of your master’s program.

Master's degrees that may be sponsored for this role are in accordance with the Australia Psychology Accreditation Council. You can read the guidelines at https://apac.au/

To join the Navy, a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) is no longer a requirement for Navy roles, unless you want to be a Diver or Physical Training Instructor. However, regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.

Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.

During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.

The Navy swim test

During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:

• safety jump off a 3m tower 
• 10m underwater swim 
• 50m swim using survival strokes 
• treading water or floating for 15 minutes. 

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.

You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of 3 years' service). Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.

You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

While you’re studying your postgraduate degree, you’ll need to hold provisional registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Course: New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC)  
Duration: 18 weeks  
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW

You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.

NEOC course

• Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
• Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
• Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
• Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
• Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
• Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.

On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training. 

Course: Navy Psychology Officer IET
Duration: 4-6 weeks -– residential, virtual and on-the-job training modules
Location: HMAS Penguin, Sydney, NSW

Course description: Once you have completed your initial entry training as a Naval Officer, you will build on your existing qualifications and experience through online training, face-to-face training (residential) and on-the job training. This training will prepare you for employment as a Navy Psychologist and enable you to successfully conduct your role at sea.

For Reserve Psychologists, this course can be completed in modules.

Topics covered include:

• Operational Mental Health Screening
• Critical Incident Mental Health Support
• Brief interventions to support deployed Navy members
• Psychology Assessment
• Providing Advice to command

During your career, further training and development opportunities will be available to increase your professional skills and prepare you for specialised psychology roles.