Who We Are

Our Unique University Culture

UNSW Canberra at ADFA has been fostering a university culture within a defence environment for more than fifty years. 

It started in 1967. UNSW partnered with the Australian Defence Force to establish the Faculty of Military Studies, delivering degree programs in arts, science and engineering and approved courses. 

Then, in 1986 the Australian Defence Force Academy opened. This became the nation's single tertiary institution for the Australian Defence Force, backed by the academic integrity of UNSW. And now, UNSW Canberra at ADFA welcomes students from all walks of life, not only those in Defence. 

We focus on offering:

  • an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment and close-knit teaching environment
  • access to the best teachers and researchers from Defence and civilian backgrounds, plus high-quality facilities and resources
  • contemporary, relevant study options
  • a vibrant alumni community.

A Community Environment

The UNSW Canberra experience is unlike any other. Our faculty is set among bushland in the nation’s capital, close to the city centre. Here you can experience all the benefits of a globally connected Australian university—but in a close-knit community with the lowest teacher-to-student ratio in the country.

We aim to be an international exemplar in equity, diversity and inclusion. We want to build on the diversity and cultural richness of our communities, ensuring our students and staff achieve their full potential.

Access to Experts & Resources

We are proud to offer a caring and supportive learning environment. An environment where you can witness ground-breaking discoveries in real time. Our faculty offers access to some of the brightest researchers in the world. Many have global experience, including in defence roles. 

We value our hardworking and diverse university operations staff and committed leadership teams. The facilities and resources we provide include unique space and satellite technology, a cyber range, gas gun and supercomputers.

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Russell Boyce and his team of the UNSW Canberra Space Research
Hands reaching into the middle

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Our university aims to be an international exemplar in equity, diversity and inclusion. Achieving this means we build on the diversity and cultural richness of our communities, ensuring our students and staff achieve their full potential.

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Study Options & Schools

UNSW Canberra at ADFA offers a range of study options to cater to student needs. These include:

  • undergraduate programs for Defence personnel (and non-Defence for engineering)
  • postgraduate research and coursework programs
  • professional short courses.

We know students of today want different options and flexibility, which is why we offer online postgraduate coursework programs.

We have four academic schools across a range of disciplines including arts, businessengineering & IT and science.

The School of Business is a multi-disciplinary school committed to quality research and preparing students for employment in defence, academia and industry.

The School of Engineering and Information Technology offers programs in electrical, mechanical, aeronautical and civil engineering, as well as in aviation information technology and cyber security.

HASS at UNSW Canberra is where humanities and social sciences intersect with defence. Disciplines include English and media, history, and international and political studies.

The School of Science encompasses the disciplines of chemistry, geography, mathematics, statistics, oceanography and physics.