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Undergraduate entry to the Academy is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Cadets are selected by one of the three armed services and must also meet academic entry requirements as well as age, physical and personal requirements.

Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As it is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply in Year 11. You must complete both processes listed below to gain successful admission into ADFA. These processes should be completed concurrently.

Information for current serving members of the Australian Defence Force seeking entry to an undergraduate degree program at UNSW Canberra

UNSW Canberra offers undergraduate programs leading to UNSW bachelor degrees in Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology.

At UNSW Canberra all undergraduate students are members of the Australian Defence Force. Our undergraduate students commence their studies as either midshipmen or officer cadets of their respective service or as mature age current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

Every year, approximately 25-30 current serving members of the Australian Defence Force commence their studies in a range of degree programs at UNSW Canberra.

This website is for current serving members of the ADF who are seeking admission to undergraduate degree programs at UNSW Canberra. These students (identified by the ADFA as “Advanced Students”) have no military training commitments and can dedicate the majority of their time to their academic studies.

The information on these pages is designed to provide you with advice about meeting University entrance requirements and the application and acceptance procedure.

Checklist

1. ADF Schemes for Undergraduate Study at UNSW Canberra @ ADFA
2. Advanced Student Entry Scheme (ASES) Eligibility
3. Entrance Requirements
4. Assumed knowledge Requirements
5. Information for all applicants on academic admission standards
6. Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
7. Preliminary Assessment Process
8. Submission of application via UAC
9. Acceptance of UNSW offer
10. Arrival at UNSW Canberra
11. Critical Dates
12. Contacts

1. ADF Schemes for Undergraduate Study at UNSW Canberra @ ADFA

• RAAF - AAA
• RAN - SEA
• ARA - RAEME

2. Advanced Student Entry Scheme (ASES) Eligibility

To be considered for entry under the ASES, students must:

a) be recommended by the ADF to enter one of the three ADF Schemes identified in Point 1 above;

b) have served a minimum of five (5) years in the ADF; and

c) have met the minimum entry requirements for UNSW Canberra as outlined in Point 3 below.

3. Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for admission to UNSW Canberra applicants must have completed Year 12 or an alternate entry option listed below - and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry to the relevant degree program.

To have your entrance rank determined, please complete the Preliminary Assessment Form.

Entrance Ranks

ADF applicants must have an Entrance Rank in the range limit set out in the Entrance Rank Table below. In addition to achieving the required Entrance Rank applicants are expected to have Assumed Knowledge for certain programs. Specific information about Assumed Knowledge is contained in the section below.

In addition to achieving the required Entrance Rank applicants are expected to have Assumed Knowledge for certain programs. Specific information about Assumed Knowledge is contained in the section below.

4. Assumed Knowledge Requirements

 Assumed Subject Knowledge is the level of subject knowledge that a lecturer or a tutor of a first year UNSW Canberra at ADFA course could reasonably expect all students enrolled in that course to know at the outset.

 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, when the degree program begins, but you will be placed at a considerable disadvantage.

 If you have not achieved the recommended minimum level of Assumed Subject Knowledge, you are strongly advised that it is in your best interest to undertake a bridging program or other preparation courses, such as UniLearn: www.unilearn.net.au.

Assumed Subject Knowledge expressed by degree                          

Year 11 and 12 subject choices are important to meet UNSW Canberra Assumed Subject Knowledge requirements.

*BSc - Assumed Subject Knowledge for specific areas undertaken within this degree:

Assumed Subject Knowledge expressed by state   

The following table lists the specific Year 12 subjects that currently satisfy the UNSW Canberra at ADFA Assumed Subject Knowledge requirements. This table should be read in conjunction with the specific Assumed Subject Knowledge for each degree.

Where a specific degree lists a subject as assumed knowledge this table will enable you to determine which Year 12 subject this equates to in your state or territory. Requirements are expressed as minimum where there is more than one level. For example, to satisfy the Mathematics requirement, a NSW student would have to complete at least ‘Mathematics’, while a Queensland student would have to complete at least ‘Mathematics B’.

Whilst the Assumed Subject Knowledge is the minimum requirement, Year 12 students are recommended to undertake higher levels of these subjects.

5. Information for all applicants on academic admission standards

• If applicants have multiple qualifications, then each qualification (from university or VET study) is assessed separately and the qualification/assessable item with the highest derived entrance rank is used for admission purposes.
• Applicants applying who have commenced university study at another Australian university can have their academic performance assessed to derive a new entrance score.  Applicants must have a minimum of 75% of a full-time load within one undergraduate degree program (excluding credit from previous study). Please note that the definition of what constitutes a full-time study load can vary between universities.  For example, where an university offers 8 courses per year (4 courses per semester) for a full-time load, applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of 6 out of 8 courses in the one program of study.
• Please note that Australian Defence Force in-service training “Records of Attainment” are NOT academic qualifications. Applicants must apply to their service for the civilian equivalency of these training records. The Civilian Accreditation and Qualification information can be found at www.defencequals.edu.au
• Applicants with Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) ranks (ACT / NSW Yr 12 students before 2008) should contact the Deputy Manager, SAS sas.adfa.edu.au for advice as the conversion to the new Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) may result in a higher score than the original UAI.
• Any Engineering, Science or Technology applicant who has not studied Year-12 or equivalent maths or physics in the previous five years MUST complete an appropriate bridging course from any of the following companies: Unilearn, Hubbard's School or any TAFE. These applicants will be asked to show evidence of completion of the relevant Unilearn or Hubbard's bridging courses before approval is given for admission.
• All applicants for undergraduate study must apply online via the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) as a non-Yr 12 School-Leaver application see www.uac.edu.au   Applications open early August and close at the end of September of the year before the commencement of study. Late applications after the end of September will incur late fees.
• All successful applicants must attend the UNSW Canberra “New Undergraduate Day” held in mid February.  This information is available in instructions applicants will receive from Student Administrative Services following the release of their UNSW Canberra offer for admission.

Please see below entrance rank cut-offs for trainee officers, current serving members and civilians.

Below is a list of qualifications accepted for entry, and their relevant derived entrance ranks. If applicants have multiple qualifications, then each qualification (from university or VET study) is assessed separately and the qualification/assessable item with the highest derived entrance rank is used for admission purposes.

*For students who commenced their Diploma prior to 23rd October 2017, the entrance rank will be 81.

6. Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT)

UNSW Canberra is currently piloting acceptance of STAT for admission to the Bachelor of Arts, Business and Science degrees for Advanced Students only. If you do not hold any academic qualifications that UNSW Canberra accepts for admission to these programs, you may qualify for admission by undertaking STAT. To undertake STAT, see STAT Registration and Admission. 

7. Preliminary Assessment Process

7.1 Submission

An preliminary assessment of your eligibility for entry will be undertaken and you will be advised accordingly. If you are not eligible for entry, you will be given guidance about further study which could be undertaken to make you competitive for entry.

Application form

All applicants must submit a written application on the official UNSW Canberra Preliminary Assessment form (pdf 235 KB) by no later than the end of August each year for admission to the beginning of the academic year in the following year. If possible, this application should include a supporting statement from the ADF (e.g. confirming the conditional posting order – if applicable) and attaching other relevant documentation.

As part of your application you will be asked to submit certified copies of any formal academic qualifications that you may have including previous secondary, tertiary (TAFE, or University) or Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited awards.

Please note that awards received from your service are not assessable unless they have been given Civilian Accreditation. Specific information about Civilian Accreditation is provided under section 2.2 below.

Supporting Statement

Applicants must also submit a supporting statement about why they wish to undertake an undergraduate degree at UNSW Canberra. You must outline what you have done to prepare for university study and to show how you will use the knowledge, skills, abilities and personal qualities you have gained through professional and life experience, to succeed in your chosen degree.

7.2 Civilian Accreditation and Qualification Information

Please note that Australian Defence Force in-service training “Records of Attainment” are NOT academic qualifications. You must apply to your service for the civilian equivalency of these training records. The Civilian Accreditation and Qualification information can be found atwww.defencequals.edu.au

7.3 Outcome and Feedback

Student Administrative Services will assess the applicant’s eligibility based on the entry rank derived from their previous educational background (determined via the normal admissions practice) and other information provided in the application form and the supporting statement. Where necessary, Student Administrative Services will consult with the relevant Program Authority.

Applicant is Eligible

Student Administrative Services will advise applicants of the outcome of their application and confirm whether a Mathematics and/or Physics bridging course must be undertaken prior to their enrolment in the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degree.

Any request to defer admission must be approved by the Manager of Student Administrative Services and the ADF. 

Applicants applying for degrees which have an assumed knowledge requirement of Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry may be eligible according to their entrance rank but will not be considered if these requirements have not been met. Applicants will be informed by SAS of this requirement and they MUST provide SAS with their completion certificate from Unilearn no later than the beginning of December.

Ineligible

Ineligible applicants will be directed to the University’s Alternative Entry pathways to provide them with an opportunity to achieve the requirements for admission.

Alternative Entry

If an applicant has been deemed ineligible for admission to UNSW, the they will be requested to complete a suitable alternative entry program. Information on suitable entry programs can be found on the UNSW web sitewww.unsw.edu.au/futureStudents/undergrad/sad/altenrty.html

Further information is available from the Manager or Deputy Manager in Student Administrative Services at UNSW Canberra.

8. Submission of Application via UAC

If you are approved by your Service for a transfer to ADFA and you meet the University's entrance requirements, you must lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre(UAC) by the end of September in the year preceding admission. A formal offer of admission will then be made to you through UAC in January of the year you plan to commence your studies.

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) is responsible for managing the undergraduate admissions process for all universities in NSW and the ACT. (Each state in Australia has its own tertiary admissions centre, such as QTAC in Queensland and VTAC in Victoria).

All applications for UNSW Canberra must be lodged through UAC. You will find the hardcopy UAC Guide very useful. It is sold at most newsagents from late July or you can order it from the UAC website.

UAC applications open in early August. To avoid late fees (which increase over time), your UAC application must be lodged by the end of September. 

All offers for degree programs at UNSW Canberra are made in the early January round of UAC offers. Your UNSW Canberra degree mustbe listed as your first preference on your UAC application or you will not be made an offer.

If requested by UAC to forward any academic qualifications or transcripts, you MUST do so. Because of the Privacy Act, Student Administrative Services cannot forward your documentation to UAC on your behalf.

9. Acceptance of UNSW offer

UAC offers are released via email in the first week of January. You will normally have up to one week to accept the offer. If you meet the entrance rank and been informed by UNSW Canberra that you are eligible for admission, but have not heard anything by the end of the first week in January, you should contact Student Administrative Services on (02) 6268 6000.

UNSW will send you an information sheet with instructions on “what to do next?” You will be given a deadline to accept your offer and this process will be done online via the UNSW web portal – myUNSW.  If you have no access to the internet and cannot accept online, you must contact Student Administrative Services on (02) 6268 6000.

10. Arrival at UNSW Canberra

Credit application / Enrolment Session / Academic Skills Sessions

Credit for previous study

If you have previously completed tertiary studies at an undergraduate level you may be eligible to gain credit towards your degree at UNSW Canberra. You may contact UNSW Canberra Undergraduate Coordinators prior to submitting an application to find out how much credit you are eligible to receive.

A list of Undergraduate Coordinators by School is available at: http://sas.unsw.adfa.edu.au/contacts/schools.html. To help our staff accurately assess your request, you should provide in writing detailed information about the courses you have completed, including course outlines and assessment requirements.

For more information visit http://sas.unsw.adfa.edu.au/forms/credit.html

Enrolment Session

UNSW Canberra undergraduate enrolment activities are conducted on half a day in late January for credit applications; a full day for the enrolment session in mid February and an academic skill session in late February. 

During the enrolment session students will attend a hands-on demonstration on how myUNSW works and a range of degree-specific seminars. Arts, Science and Business students will also be given information on the different discipline areas (majors, minors, specialisations) available. Engineering and Technology students have a short orientation and a tour of the Engineering buildings.

Academic staff from each School will be available to provide course information and advice. Students seeking credit for previous tertiary studies will also be able to seek advice. This is your opportunity to ask questions and to finalise your choice of courses before enrolment.

ADFA Induction Week

On your arrival at ADFA you will commence a week of military induction activities.

Academic Preparation Program

The UNSW Canberra Academic Language and Learning (ALL) Unit run an Academic Preparation Course for new advanced students before the commencement of the semester.  By the end of this program, students will be in a better position to know what to expect when their official program begins and will be better prepared for the demands of their academic studies. This program aims to:

• welcome students to UNSW Canberra,
• prepare students for the demands of academic study at UNSW Canberra,
• provide students with essential information about facilities and services such as the computer labs, library catalogues, subject specific databases and internet search facilities,
• give students practical experience in critical analysis, reading and note-taking, researching sources, avoiding plagiarism and writing assignments.

11. Critical Dates

12. Contact Details

Student Administrative Services

If you have questions at any stage during the application process or you are unsure of what you should do, please contact Student Administrative Services at UNSW Canberra on (02) 6268 6000 or by email on sas@adfa.edu.au

UNSW Canberra at ADFA 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)

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.

There are a number of activities and events run throughout the year which aim to provide you with a first-hand experience of ADFA and its facilities. ADFA usually conducts public tours once a month, however additional tours may be scheduled. The tours run for approximately two hours and take in the main areas of the campus and a number of small presentations. Large and small groups are catered for.

To arrange a visit to the Academy, please contact the Visits Liaison Officer on 02 6268 8541