How to Apply

1.  Dual Application Process

Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian Citizens who have been selected to join the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for UNSW Canberra 

Applying for ADFA is a dual application process.

You must apply to join the Australian Defence Force as a Trainee Officer. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. 

For further information regarding the Defence Process, please visit the Defence Jobs website. 

You must also apply to UNSW Canberra via application to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC):

You must complete both processes listed below to gain successful admission into ADFA. 

2.  Indicative lowest Selection Ranks for Trainee Officers for UNSW Canberra 

The following scores are the Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks required for entry to UNSW Canberra programs. The requirements only apply to Australian citizens who have been selected as  ADFA Trainee Officers and selected members of overseas Armed Forces.

IB* = International Baccalaureate. Candidates must have met the requirements of an IB Diploma.

3.  Assumed Subject Knowledge Requirements

It is assumed that students will have achieved a level of subject knowledge (as listed below) that is considered desirable for successful university level study.

If you do not have the minimum level of assumed subject knowledge, you are NOT prevented from applying for admission or enrolling in any courses, but you will be placed at a considerable disadvantage.

UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options for high-performing students in Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Science, and Technology, known as the Chief of Defence Force Students Programs (CDFSP). These unique programs have been designed to provide academically gifted students with a rich and challenging educational experience that will develop their critical thinking and research skills.

CDFSP have objectives and learning outcomes in common with the standard degree program but extend the educational principles embodied in the standard program to a higher level. In the programs, students will be introduced to research in their discipline areas and will be offered significant extensions to the ideas and analysis performed in the standard program. This will allow the CDF students to undertake research projects at the appropriate level in their later years, thereby more fully integrating research into the standard undergraduate degree. The individual projects undertaken in close association with academic staff on research topics of mutual interest underpin the program and give students the ability to develop their full potential.

Students in the CDFSP will undertake individual research projects working closely with academic staff on projects from their area of interest. Upon completion of their degree, students will receive a unique award that reflects their involvement in this outstanding program.

All students enrolling in the CDFSP are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance over all semesters in order to remain within the program. Students who do not maintain the required level of performance will be transferred to the standard degree program offered, with credit for all courses completed.

Admission to these programs will be via the standard degree programs above. On acceptance of offer to the standard program, eligible students will be notified by Student Administrative Services of transfer options to the equivalent CDF Student Program.

CDF Programs available include:
B Arts (CDFSP)
B Business (CDFSP)
B Information Technology (CDFSP)
B Science (CDFSP)
B Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) (CDFSP)
B Aeronautical Engineering (Honours) (CDFSP)
B Civil Engineering (Honours) (CDFSP)
B Electrical Engineering (Honours) (CDFSP)
B Mechanical Engineering (Honours) (CDFSP)

Students who have previous study from another institution or another UNSW program will be contacted by Student Administrative Services prior to their commencement to submit an Application for Credit/Advanced Standing.

 Students will be asked to complete all sections of the application and submit it via email to sas@adfa.edu.au alongside the following documents:

• Official Academic Transcripts*
• Course Descriptions of studies which provides course synopses, including aims and objectives, contact hours, texts and references*

*Please note that these documents are not required if your previous study was completed at UNSW.

Please be aware that if you provided falsified documents in support of your application, then this will result in one of a range of penalties, from failure in the course to suspension or exclusion. In some cases, the matter could also be reported to ICAC. As a student, you should be aware of your obligations and responsibilities under the Student Code.

For further information on Credit/Advanced standing please see our Policy Guidelines.

ADFA welcomes individuals and groups who are considering a career in the Australian Defence Force through the Academy to visit our facilities and speak with current cadets and staff.

Further information and to book Academy Visits

For important dates for UNSW Canberra applicants and students, including semester start and end dates, enrolment deadlines, public holiday compensation, examination and result dates, please see the UNSW Canberra Key Dates.