How to apply – undergraduate

Are you ready to apply for a place as a Trainee Officer at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)? 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.

Hear what our students have to say

"Studying at UNSW Canberra as a Trainee Officer has provided me with an amazing opportunity to study with world-class lecturers. The small class sizes have helped me gain a more thorough understanding of course content, and my lecturers always make themselves available if I have any questions."

- Jade Burton, Bachelor of Arts student

Dual admission process

Students must:

1. Complete the ADF Careers 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 ADF Careers in Year 11. For further information regarding the Defence Process, please visit Defence Jobs.

2. 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.

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

**If you do not meet the minimum selection rank requirements, please contact: Student Administrative Services: 02 5114 5000

SAS.cbr@unsw.edu.au to discuss your options.

Assumed subject knowledge requirements

It is assumed that students will have achieved a level of subject knowledge that is considered desirable for successful university-level study.

If you don’t have the minimum level of assumed subject knowledge, you’re NOT prevented from applying for admission or enrolling in any courses, but you’ll be placed at a considerable disadvantage.

Please note that these assumed knowledge requirements are separate to and in addition to the Defence Force’s job specific requirements. Please check with DFR that you meet the defence requirements in addition to the University requirements.

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

For high-performing students, UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options 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.

As with the standard degree program, CDFSP has similar objectives and learning outcomes, but extends the educational principles to a higher level. Students will be exposed to research in their discipline areas and will be offered significant extensions to the ideas and analyses explored in the standard program. Students in CDFSP will conduct research projects in their later years at the appropriate level, integrating research into the standard undergraduate degree.  They can develop their full potential by working closely with academic staff on research topics of mutual interest.

Students in the CDFSP will work closely with academic staff to complete individual research projects related to their interests. This outstanding program will reward students with a unique award upon completion of their degree.

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

Admission to these programs will be via the standard degree programs above.  Students will be notified by Student Administrative Services of CDF Student Program transfer options upon acceptance of a standard program offer.

Credit for previous studies (Advanced Standing)

Credit Transfer is also known as ‘Advanced Standing’ or recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you’ve previously studied at another university and wish to apply for credit transfer, you must submit an application along with the below supporting documentation to Student Administrative Services (SAS) at the time of your acceptance of offer via email to SAS.cbr@unsw.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. It’s usually provided to active students on the institution’s learning platform).

Students who intend to submit a Credit Transfer application 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 the processing of your Credit Transfer application. Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.

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.

UNSW Canberra Key Dates

View 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  UNSW Canberra Key Dates.

UNSW Canberra offers undergraduate programs in Arts, Business, Computing and Cyber Security, Engineering, Science, and Technology to current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.

Dual Admission Process

Students must:

• be recommended and approved by the Australian Defence Force Services (Navy, Army or Airforce) to study at UNSW Canberra. have met the minimum entry requirements and assumed subject knowledge requirements (where applicable) for UNSW Canberra as outlined below.

Speak with Career Management about your desire to study at ADFA. They will be able to guide you on the Defence process to gain approval to study with us.

To have your entrance rank and assumed subject knowledge (where applicable) determined, you must complete the Preliminary Assessment Form by no later than the end of July of the year before the commencement of study.

As part of your application, you’ll be asked to submit copies of any formal academic qualifications 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. 

Chief of Defence Force students’ programs for academically gifted students

For high-performing students, UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options 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.

As with the standard degree program, CDFSP has similar objectives and learning outcomes, but extends the educational principles to a higher level. Students will be exposed to research in their discipline areas and will be offered significant extensions to the ideas and analyses explored in the standard program. Students in CDFSP will conduct research projects in their later years at the appropriate level, integrating research into the standard undergraduate degree.  They can develop their full potential by working closely with academic staff on research topics of mutual interest.

Students in the CDFSP will work closely with academic staff to complete individual research projects related to their interests.  This outstanding program will reward students with a unique award upon completion of their degree.

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

Admission to these programs will be via the standard degree programs above.  Students will be notified by Student Administrative Services of CDF Student Program transfer options upon acceptance of a standard program offer.

What’s next?

Applicants for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business are assessed on their educational qualifications for admission purposes and will receive written advice on the outcome of their assessment.

Navy and Airforce applicants for the Bachelor of Computing & Cyber Security, Engineering, Technology or Science will be assessed on both educational qualifications and a Maths Skills Check (which will be sent on receipt of this application) to determine levels of assumed subject knowledge.  Students will receive written advice on the outcome of their assessment.

Ineligible applicants will be sent information on Alternative Entry Pathways providing them with an opportunity to achieve the requirements for admission.

Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks for Current Serving Members

To be eligible for admission to UNSW Canberra, applicants must meet the lowest tertiary entrance rank to gain admission to the relevant degree program.

*If you do not meet the minimum selection rank requirements, please contact: Student Administrative Services: 02 5114 5000

SAS.cbr@unsw.edu.au to discuss your options.

Assumed subject knowledge requirements

It’s assumed that students will have achieved a level of subject knowledge that is considered desirable for successful university-level study.

If you don't have the minimum level of assumed subject knowledge, you are NOT prevented from applying for admission or enrolling in any courses, but you will face significant disadvantages and your service may require you to take bridging courses or other preparation courses such as Unilearn, Hubbard's School or any TAFE course.

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.

Academic preparation program

The UNSW Canberra Academic Language and Learning (ALL) Unit runs an Academic Preparation Course for current serving members before the commencement of the semester. By the end of this program, students will 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.

Credit for previous studies (Advanced Standing)

Credit Transfer is also known as ‘Advanced Standing’ or recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you’ve 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.cbr@unsw.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. It’s usually provided to active students on the institutions learning platform).

Students who intend to submit 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 the processing of your Credit Transfer application. Incomplete applications may require additional processing time.

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.

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  UNSW Canberra Key Dates.

Explore a world of possibilities 

If you’re keen to gain practical experience working alongside defence, government and industry, our specialist non-Defence undergraduate degrees could be for you. Our programs allow students to explore big ideas, create new knowledge, and tackle the most pressing global issues.  

As a non-Defence undergraduate student at UNSW Canberra, you’ll study alongside students from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and benefit from our custom-built facilities and the best university student-to-teacher ratio in Australia. With access to world-class academic staff and outstanding industry networks, become a future global leader at one of the country’s leading universities.

As a non-Defence student you can undertake: 

• a Bachelor of Engineering

• an honours program in Arts, Business, Computing & Cyber Security or Science. 

UNSW Canberra offers a range of full degree programs as well as single-year honours programs for non-Defence undergraduate students. Application processes vary, depending on the degree program you’re applying for. Visit How to apply for further information.

Hear what our students have to say

"The best thing about studying at UNSW Canberra is the small class sizes. Since there is a small number of students in your classes (especially in comparison to other universities), it is much easier to develop one-on-one relationships with the academic staff who are teaching you."

- Jack Lawrence, civil engineering student

Admission process

Students must:

• meet the minimum entry requirements for UNSW Canberra as outlined in entrance requirements below

• submit an application for the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) at UNSW Canberra.

Indicative Lowest Selection Ranks for Non-Defence applicants

The following scores are the indicative lowest selection ranks required for entry to UNSW Canberra programs. The requirements only apply to non-Defence applicants.

 *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 that is considered desirable for successful university level study.

If you don’t 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 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.

It is highly recommended that you also submit an application for the Faculty of Engineering Admission Scheme (FEAS) at UNSW Canberra. –

Apply Here

Chief of Defence Force students’ programs for academically gifted students

for high-performing students, UNSW Canberra offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options 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.

As with the standard degree program, CDFSP has similar objectives and learning outcomes, but extends the educational principles to a higher level. Students will be exposed to research in their discipline areas and will be offered significant extensions to the ideas and analyses explored in the standard program. Students in CDFSP will conduct research projects in their later years at the appropriate level, integrating research into the standard undergraduate degree. Students can develop their full potential by working closely with academic staff on research topics of mutual interest.

Students in the CDFSP will work closely with academic staff to complete individual research projects related to their interests. This outstanding program will reward students with a unique award upon completion of their degree.

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

Admission to these programs will be via the standard degree programs above.  Students will be notified by Student Administrative Services of CDF Student Program transfer options upon acceptance of a standard program offer.

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 UNSW Canberra Key Dates.