Are you ready to apply for a place as a Trainee Officer at the Australian Defence Force Academy? The information below outlines the steps you need to follow. Please keep in mind that this is a dual application process and you must fulfil the requirements of both the Australian Defence Force and UNSW Canberra to be made an offer to attend ADFA.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Trainee Officers
Dual Admission Process
Students must:
- Complete the Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) process to be selected 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.
- Have met the minimum entry requirements for UNSW Canberra as outlined below.
Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks for Trainee Officers
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.
UAC Code |
Program |
Program code |
Years |
Indicative Lowest Selection rank |
IB Indicative Lowest Score* |
450001 |
B Arts |
4400 |
3 |
75 |
27 |
450010 |
B Business |
4405 |
3 |
80 |
29 |
450020 |
B Science |
4410 |
3 |
75 |
27 |
450030 |
B Computing and Cyber Security |
4427 |
3 |
80 |
29 |
450040 |
B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical) |
4472 |
4 |
85 |
32 |
450050 |
B Engineering (Honours) (Civil) |
4473 |
4 |
85 |
32 |
450060 |
B Engineering (Honours) (Electrical) |
4471 |
4 |
85 |
32 |
450070 |
B Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) |
4474 |
4 |
85 |
32 |
450080 |
B Technology (Aeronautical Engineering) |
4430 |
3 |
85 |
32 |
450300 |
B Engineering (Honours) (Naval Architecture) |
4484 |
4 |
85 |
32 |
IB* = International Baccalaureate. Candidates must have met the requirements of an IB Diploma.
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.
Program |
Assumed subject knowledge |
B Arts |
English |
B Business |
English |
B Science |
Mathematics |
B Computing and Cyber Security |
Mathematics |
B Engineering (Honours) (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Naval Architecture) B Technology (Aeronautical) |
Mathematics, Physics |
UNSW Canberra Application Process
To apply to UNSW Canberra, you must lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Applications open early August and close at the end of September of the year before commencement of study. Late applications after the end of September will incur late fees. If eligible, a formal offer of admission will then be made to you through UAC in January of the year you plan to commence your studies.
Chief of Defence Force Students Programs for Academically Gifted Students
UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options for high-performing students in Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, 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.
Credit for Previous Studies (Advanced Standing)
Credit Transfer is also known as ‘advanced standing’ or recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you have previously studied at another university and wish to apply for credit transfer, you must submit an application alongside the below supporting documentation to Student Administrative Services (SAS) at the time of your acceptance of offer via email to sas@adfa.edu.au.
- Credit Transfer Application
- Official Academic Transcript (unofficial copies will not be accepted)
- Course Outline (This document must provide course synopses, including aims and objectives, contact hours, texts and references. This document is usually provided to active students on the institutions learning platform)
Students who will be submitting a Credit Transfer application due to previous study at another university will need to enrol in the standard 1st year courses until their outcome is received.
Credit Transfer applications must be finalised prior to the commencement of Semester 1, this allows time to amend your enrolment before the end of week 1 to avoid late enrolment fees ($250). Please allow 3-4 weeks for processing of your Credit Transfer Application. Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.
ADFA Trainee Officers
Credit Transfer applications must be submitted prior to your commencement of Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT) at ADFA, this allows time to amend your enrolment before the end of week 1 to avoid late enrolment fees ($250). Incomplete applications may require additional processing time and are more likely to incur late enrolment fees. Credit Transfer outcomes must be discussed with your chain of command as this may affect your time at ADFA.
International Students
Following a directive from the Department of Defence, International Policy Division, international students are NOT able to apply for credit from previous study.
Academy Visits
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
UNSW Canberra Key Dates
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.