Bachelor of War Studies (Canberra)
- Commencing Terms
- Semester 1
- Duration
- 3 years
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- Program code 4418
- CRICOS code -
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ATAR/2026 lowest selection rank
- 75 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- nil
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- nil
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- nil
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- nil
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Defence students
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Pathway to postgraduate studies
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Leading academics
The Australian Defence Force Academy
Combining teaching and research with military education
UNSW Canberra specialises in high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses in all areas relating to military, strategic and defence studies. This means future leaders of the Navy, Army and Air Force can combine their military and leadership training with our world-class university programs and defence industry expertise.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees
Overview
The Bachelor of War Studies at UNSW Canberra is designed for future military leaders. It combines the study of war, strategy and military power with majors in Military Studies and Military Philosophy. You’ll develop the analytical, ethical and leadership capabilities needed to make decisions in complex operational and strategic environments. When you graduate, you’ll be equipped with the right knowledge to apply to your professional career in the military or continue your studies with a Graduate Certificate of War Studies or Master of War Studies.
Key features
Learn from the experts
You’ll learn from internationally recognised academics from UNSW Canberra’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Our academics are experienced in military history, military ethics, strategic studies and international security. They bring real-world experience and research insights to provide you with unique perspectives into the challenges shaping contemporary military operations and global security.
A degree designed for future leaders
The Bachelor of War Studies ensures the critical thinking, ethical reasoning and strategic decision-making skills required of military leaders. Through the study of war, conflict and military power, you’ll gain the foundations needed to lead effectively in complex and uncertain situations.
Understand security challenges
Study the issues shaping the modern strategic landscape, from strategic competition between major powers and emerging technologies to regional security and contemporary conflict. By combining perspectives from military studies, international relations and political science, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing Australia and its allies.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Study at a global top #1 university
You’ll study at the #1 university in Australia and a global top 20 university in research, teaching and societal impact (QS World University Rankings, 2027).
Learn from accomplished academics
UNSW Canberra and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences has educated leaders in the Australian Defence Force, industry and government for over 50 years.
Experience one-on-one guidance
You’ll benefit from small class sizes and a close-knit learning environment where teachers and classmates provide a strong support network. UNSW Canberra has one of the best teacher-to-student ratios in the country, so you’ll benefit from one-on-one guidance that sets you up for success.
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra at ADFA?
Entry requirements
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- The 2026 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026.
- The 2026 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2026 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2026 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Additional Selection Criteria
Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of 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 at ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12-18 months, it is preferable that you apply to ADF Careers in Year 11. Visit this site for more information on both application processes.
Assumed knowledge
English
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IEO index of SEIFA criteria, are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or hold an eligible humanitarian or protection visa. This pathway provides early offers and early conditional offers with a reduced ATAR entry requirement for your preferred UNSW degree.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
What will I study?
Program structure
In the Bachelor of War Studies program, you’ll study core areas in military studies and military philosophy, while gaining a strong understanding of topics related to strategy, leadership and management, military ethics and the law.
You’ll graduate with the ability to apply your knowledge to real policy challenges in contemporary settings, critically engage and analyse causes and consequences of war, engage in research, and communicate confidently and effectively.
Full program structure
The Bachelor of War Studies is a three-year full-time program. You’ll complete 144 UOC Units of Credit (UOC).
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- Military Studies
- Military Philosophy
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- Any course offered by UNSW Canberra
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- Introduction to Strategic Studies
- Strategic Leadership and Adaptive Management
- Law, Force and Legitimacy
- Introduction to Military Ethics
Future careers
Relevant industries
You’ll develop the skills expected of future leaders, including effective communication, critical analysis and evidence-based decision-making. You'll learn how to conduct thorough research, evaluate different perspectives and work successfully both independently and within teams.
Future careers in Defence
- Air Combat Officer (mission aircrew)
- Army Officer in a variety of corps
- Human Resource Manager
- Intelligence Officer
- Logistics Officer
- Maritime Warfare Officer
- Pilot
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Semester 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Semester 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. For more information about application deadlines, please visit UAC website or our how to apply for undergraduate study page.
Applying for programs at UNSW Canberra at ADFA is a dual application process. In addition to applying via UAC you will also need to apply via ADF Careers for an officer role within the Australian Defence Force. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12-18 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11.
Visit our how to apply page for more information on both application processes.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
The Australian Defence Force will cover the tuition fees of all Defence students.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
#19 Worldwide
UNSW is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings, 2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
