Our Vision

UNSW Canberra at ADFA’s Vision

UNSW Canberra at ADFA aims to deliver the overarching UNSW Vision: to improve lives globally, through innovative research, transformative education and commitment to a just society.

At UNSW Canberra we have four main objectives:  

  1. to provide high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate programs
  2. to achieve excellence through our research
  3. to support and enhance the Australian Defence Force
  4. to engage with students and research on an international level.

Our commitment to these objectives align with the wider UNSW 2025 Strategy.

High-Quality Education

Providing a high-quality education is the core business of UNSW Canberra at ADFA. We have a proud record of success for our programs and are a leader within the Group of Eight (Go8) universities.

Our strength in defence and security related teaching and research is what gives our graduates a competitive edge. We've educated those at the top of defence, government and industry careers for more than 50 years, with courses designed and taught by some of the world's brightest researchers in their field.

Research Excellence

Research excellence is the backbone of any university’s capability to provide quality learning and teaching experiences. UNSW Canberra is one of the top specialist institutions in the world, achieving a significant international research profile.

We help strengthen and secure Australia’s future through our unique partnerships with Defence and the defence industries. Our research addresses and delivers solutions to some of the world’s most complex defence and security problems.

International Leadership

As an Australian university with international standing we:

  • broaden the student experience by recruiting international students of the highest calibre
  • support researchers to collaborate with the best in their fields internationally
  • form strategic partnerships with select international universities and specialist institutions
  • tackle important global problems through our research and equip students to be leaders in their fields.

Unique Defence Focus

As the official education provider for the Australian Defence Force, UNSW Canberra at ADFA has been preparing global leaders since 1967.   

We are committed to:

  • enhancing the intellectual edge of Australia’s Defence Force
  • supporting the ADF Joint Professional Military Education program
  • developing future global leaders.