How To Apply
Before you submit an application, make sure you have completed all of the following steps.
Application process for Postgraduate Coursework students
Online Applications
All applicants wishing to gain entry to a postgraduate coursework program must apply online. This online application will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. There is no application fee for UNSW Canberra programs. To apply online go to myUNSW apply online.
Closing Dates
Closing Dates
Closing dates for online applications for admission to postgraduate programs at UNSW Canberra are available from the Important Dates website at: https://student.unsw.edu.au/calendar-canberra.
Non Award Study
Non-Award Enrolments at UNSW Canberra
Non-award enrolment refers to all enrolments in courses or a sequence of courses which do not lead to or count towards a formal award (e.g. degree or diploma) of the University of New South Wales. Non-award study at UNSW Canberra is only available at the postgraduate level.
Non-award enrolments fall into two categories, voluntary and cross-institutional.
A voluntary course enrolment is where the student enrols in a postgraduate course either out of interest, or to develop professional competence in an area of specialisation.
A cross-institutional enrolment is where the student enrols in a course at UNSW for credit towards an award at another Australian tertiary institution in which the student is concurrently enrolled. Before an application for cross-institutional enrolment can be approved, the student must submit both the home institution?s written confirmation that the course applied for will be credited towards award requirements and a certified copy of the student?s complete academic transcript.
Cross-institutional enrolment from another institution into UNSW Canberra undergraduate courses is not possible. Postgraduate cross-institutional students may apply for FEE-HELP if eligible. International students are permitted to enrol on a cross-institutional basis, and are charged tuition fees for their courses.
1. Rules and Guidelines
The following principles and rules govern the acceptance and enrolment by the University of non-award students, and of students enrolled in award programs in courses which are additional to their award requirements.
Non-award enrolment in a postgraduate course, taken either voluntarily or cross institutionally, may be permitted provided that the student has appropriate educational qualifications and in each case the Head of School offering the course considers that the student will benefit from the enrolment, and that the enrolment does not prevent a place in the course being available to a student proceeding to an award.
The University may limit the number of non-award postgraduate courses in which a student may enrol, regardless of the permission to enrol that the student may have received from Heads of Schools offering the courses. In general, enrolment will not be permitted in more than four half-year courses in any one academic year.
A student who is under exclusion from any course of the University may not enrol in that course as a voluntary enrolment.
A student who is under exclusion from any program at the University may not enrol in any course which forms a compulsory component of the program from which the student is excluded.
A student who is subsequently admitted to an award program at UNSW for which the courses completed as a non-award student form a part of this award program, may apply for credit for those courses.
As a general rule the University may decline permission to enrol in a postgraduate course if the student has not completed prerequisites for that course.
2. What Fees Will Apply?
Tuition fees are charged according to the classification of the course. For further fee information go to: https://student.unsw.edu.au/fees-to-pay
Defence military and civilian personnel are eligible to apply for Defence Funding through the Defence Funded Postgraduate Study at the Australian Defence Force Academy Scheme for Non-Award study. If unsuccessful, the normal DASS or StudyBank arrangements may apply.
3. How Do I Apply?
Application to enrol as a non-award student must be made on the Non-Award Enrolment application form. Permission to enrol as a non-award student is conditional on the permission of the Head of School and authorisation from Manager, Student Administrative Services (Registrars Nominee). Applicants should follow the instructions provided with the application form.
4. What are the application closing dates?
Closing dates for applications for admission to postgraduate coursework non-award study at UNSW Canberra are:
20 January for admission in Semester 1 (March commencement); or
20 June for admission in Semester 2 (July commencement)
Applications received after these dates are not gauranteed to be processed in time for the commencement of semester. Late applications will be accepted up until two weeks before the commencement of each semester when accompanied by a late application fee of AUD$100 .The late application fee is to be paid via the Online Payment Portal. Once your payment receipt has been sent to you, please forward it to sas@adfa.edu.au.
5. What courses are available?
All postgraduate courses are available for non-award study. See the UNSW Canberra Hanbook for further information.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
All applicants for admission to The University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, either in Australia or overseas, whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the English Language Requirements.
Credit for Previous Studies (Advanced Standing)
Students who have previously completed courses at a recognised university can apply for credit. Limited credit may be granted for courses which are considered equivalent in standard, level, objectives and relevance to the program in which they are enrolling or enrolled at UNSW Canberra.
Defence Funded Postgraduate Study
Defence is committed to developing the skills of all Defence personnel. This includes the provision of Defence-funded postgraduate places at University of New South Wales Canberra (UNSW Canberra) at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). Postgraduate programs may be taken in intensive or distance education modes and study can be completed on a part time or full time basis. You do not have to have an undergraduate degree, as work experience and other educational opportunities will be taken into account when applying.
Under the agreement between the Commonwealth and UNSW Canberra at ADFA, full tuition fee funding is available for the following:
- Postgraduate Coursework Study at UNSW Canberra at ADFA
- Postgraduate Research Study at UNSW Canberra at ADFA
Please note text books are not covered by Defence.
How do I apply?
Applying for a Defence funded placement for postgraduate study at UNSW Canberra at ADFA requires two separate steps that should occur concurrently. As is the case when applying for any Defence assistance for study, you must apply for admission to the appropriate university and also apply for Defence assistance. In this situation the two steps are:
Step 1) Apply for a Defence funded place - use web form AD481 - Application for Funding for Postgraduate Study at ADFA
Applicants should ensure:
- all sections are complete
- your reason for studying is comprehensively covered
Applications for Defence funding MUST be submitted to the appropriate office by:
- 1 November for study in the following study year
Step 2) Apply for admission to UNSW Canberra at ADFA
All applicants wishing to gain entry to a postgraduate coursework or research program must apply online. This online application will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. There is no application fee for UNSW Canberra at ADFA programs.
Late applications: Students who have not lodged their application by the online deadline will need to contact Student Administrative Services directly. A late fee may apply.
T: +61 (2) 6268 6000
E: sas@adfa.edu.au
F: +61 (2) 6268 8666
Continuing Students
Continuing students are those who are currently undertaking Defence-funded postgraduate study at UNSW Canberra @ ADFA. These students need to:
- Apply for Defence funding as per the above "how to apply" by the appropriate deadline.
- Commence re-enrolment with UNSW Canberra @ ADFA at myUNSW to continue their studies.
Changes & Withdrawal
Changes to an Approved Study Program: Defence personnel who have been notified of approval for a Defence funded postgraduate place, have up to the beginning of week one of their nominated session, to notify their relevant Defence delegate of their intention not to study or to make initial changes to their program of study. Changes include such things as:
- taking leave from study;
- not taking up an offered place to study from UNSW Canberra at ADFA;
- removing a unit of study;
- changing a unit of study, especially when the approved choice becomes unavailable.
- Requests for additional courses must be approved to receive funding.
Please use web form AE148 to seek approval for changes to agreed study.
Withdrawing from a Subject or Entire Program. As with applying, there are two processes that must be followed when withdrawing from study at UNSW Canberra at ADFA. Students must inform both UNSW Canberra at ADFA Student Services and the approving funding delegate at the Defence office where they submitted their original application of their intention to withdraw from commenced study.
Withdrawal must be complete by the university Census date. These dates are:
- 31 March for Semester 1
- 31 August for Semester 2
Please Note: If students withdraw after these dates or fail to inform both Defence and UNSW Canberra at ADFA, Defence will still be financially liable for the approved unit/s of study. Failure to follow the required notification process will impact on that students future applications for a Defence funded postgraduate position at UNSW Canberra at ADFA.
It is understood that unforeseen exigencies may exist such as postings, operational deployments, significant changes in employment and illness or injury, which may prevent a member from completing an approved study program.
Defence personnel seeking to withdraw for such an exigency after the Census date has elapsed, are required to provide notification in writing to:
- Your respect Defence delegate (Using the Request for Waiver Form on the EAS website)
- UNSW Canberra at ADFA Student Administrative Services using the information found at Fee Remission
Further Information
Detailed information on the ADFA PG program is available from:
Navy Education Email: navy.education@defence.gov.au
Army Education Email: dass-adfa.army@defence.gov.au
RAAF & APS Education Email: education.assistance@defence.gov.au
- The Education Assistance website:
International Applicants
UNSW Canberra postgraduate coursework programs are available to international applicants via distance mode only. Our offerings are not open to holders of overseas student visa holders as our programs are not available on-campus and by full-time enrolment.
These unique advantages of Distance Learning explain how the learning experience can actually be far greater.
- Anywhere, anytime. Complete your postgraduate program from home, from the office or while travelling. As long as you have a broadband connection, you can study. Courses are offered during standard semester times.
- Support. UNSW Canberra's low student-to-teacher ratio, combined with communication at your fingertips, means lecturers are accessible when you need them.
- Range of programs. We offer a diverse range of postgraduate coursework programs; see the Coursework Program Summary
- Materials. Most learning materials are accessible online, while any hard-copy items are delivered to your doorstep.
- Classmates. Online forums and blogs provide interaction with your peers.
- Library Resources. You'll have access to one of the country's best libraries, with many online journals and books available 24/7.
How much does it cost?
For up to date information, click here.
Applications
All applicants wishing to gain entry to a postgraduate coursework program must apply online. This online application will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. There is no application fee for UNSW Canberra programs. To apply online go to myUNSW apply online.
English Language Requirements
All applicants, whether domestic or international, for admission to any UNSW program delivered either in Australia or overseas, who do not have an assessable qualification undertaken and assessed in English, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission. Click here to view the requirements.
