Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
ADFA OPEN DAY
ADFA Open Day is run each year in August. Join us online or in person to:
- Explore world-class UNSW degrees, with information sessions about Business, War Studies, Arts, Science, Engineering, Computing and Cyber Security.
- Learn about military training, studying and life on campus from current ADFA Trainee Officers.
- Watch a variety of exciting displays, take a virtual tour, and much more.
Register your interest below to stay informed about the ADFA Open Day.
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.
Financial benefits
Enjoy loads of financial benefits, including a salary from day one.
Career benefits
Study without any worries about where your degree can take you.
Education benefits
World-class degrees with military academy and leadership training.
Facilities and activities
On the UNSW ADFA campus, you’ll find everything you need.
STORIES FROM ADFA
Getting paid a salary means that we have a bit more freedom during our holidays to do fun activities like go to the snow.
Nowhere else in the country is there an institution, let alone a university, that offers this many opportunities for the ambitious.
I chose to study at ADFA for the unique lifestyle we have here. We live together and work together so it’s really fun.
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
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 (ADFA candidates must be at least 16 years of age to attend)
- 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.
