In your first year you will receive a starting salary of $46,316 plus generous superannuation, which increases with each year of study. You will then be paid a salary package of more than $80,000 per year after you graduate and complete your specific employment training.

At ADFA, you can choose from a degree in Arts, Business, Engineering, Science or Computing from UNSW, one of Australia’s top 5 universities.

Midshipmen and officer cadets live in accommodation blocks on base while they are attending ADFA. Everyone lives on base during the first six weeks, however, if you are married or in a recognised de facto relationship you may be entitled to rental assistance or a Service residence in a nearby suburb after completing your initial six-week induction period.

Yes, all personnel are covered under the Military Compensation Scheme (MCS).

Yes, depending on your circumstances. There are options to change or transfer to a different degree, however, this depends on the job which you have been offered, places available in the course and is subject to Service requirements.

Each application for credit is taken on an individual basis. If an applicant is currently studying or has previously studied a relevant degree with courses that are also offered at UNSW Canberra at ADFA, they are likely to be given credit for these subjects. However, this is only considered and confirmed after applicants have arrived at ADFA.

Applicants need to be aware of and consider the military training requirements of ADFA called the Academy Military Education and Training (AMET) which is a three-year program. The AMET program cannot be condensed, so academic credit will not result in an early completion at ADFA. If applicants receive academic credit and have the capacity to complete their degree early, they will be given the option to undertake a 4th year Honours program (if eligible) or commence postgraduate study. This decision is made in consultation with ADFA and the relevant UNSW School.

No, you will not be posted or deployed overseas when studying at ADFA. You may have the opportunity to conduct an exchange (approx. 12 days) to a foreign country; however this is voluntary and based on availability.

All of the skills learnt in your role are transferable to comparable civilian roles. You will gain management skills which are highly valued outside of the ADF and the skills related to your chosen career will be transferable if you do choose to leave the ADF.

ADFA graduates are required to serve for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). This is to ensure the ADF get an acceptable return for investing in their training. Essentially it is a period of time ADF members are required to serve until they can voluntarily resign. The length of IMPS varies between jobs but generally speaking, ADFA members join for between five to 14.5 years depending on your job. At ADFA, Air Force and Army officer cadets can resign at any time within the first two years and Navy midshipmen can resign at any time within the first year without having to meet an IMPS.

Applications for the Australian Defence Force Academy close once all of the positions are filled, so do not delay your application. If you have any questions, please contact your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.