study and trades

Get a degree

Finished year 12 and looking to study at university? Kick-start your career with a fully funded world-class University of New South Wales (UNSW) degree while receiving military leadership training at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).


Or if you’re already studying or you have accepted a relevant university offer, a Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) could pay you to complete your degree at the Australian university of your choice and pay your remaining fees. Either way, you’ll earn a salary while you study and walk straight into a job after graduating.

Woman in Australian Army Uniform performs physiotherapy on a patient.

Use your degree

Whether you’re a recent graduate or in the middle of your career, you’ll join the ADF and hit the ground running with training, a fast track into a leadership role, plus opportunities for further study.

Navy Engineer performs maintenence on a complex system.

learn a trade

Learn a trade in a dynamic environment while enjoying a great salary, opportunities to travel, mateship, and job security.

Air Force electrician performs maintenence on electrical equipment.

use a trade

If you already have the qualifications, you can apply your skills to exciting new challenges in the ADF.


Pursue your passion in fields such as trades, healthcare and more to gain trade qualifications, travel, live an amazing lifestyle and work on impressive military equipment. Plus, you’ll earn a competitive salary, receive allowances and benefits, and enjoy varied and rewarding work you won’t get with other jobs.

Other ways to join

Woman smiles to camera.
Take a gap year

Experience adventure with 12 months in the ADF. Get paid for meaningful work while gaining skills and making life-long friends.

Man stands proud in front of camera.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Entry Pathways

There's a wide range of exciting programs on offer that are designed to start your career in the ADF with confidence.

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