Empowering veterans at UNSW

We recognise the importance of supporting veterans to access and succeed at higher education. From industry engagement to events and research initiatives, we're here to help you take that first step towards university study or to further your educational journey.
Through our guiding motto, Scientia Corde Manu et Mente – Knowledge by Heart, Hand and Mind, we welcome our continued connection with the veteran community, to embrace diversity of thought, integrity, and innovation, and celebrate the value, skills and lived experience you bring to UNSW.
As a veteran, we know you've developed a wide range of skills and knowledge – let us help you capitalise on what you’ve done and what you know. Why not join us for an event, see what scholarships are on offer or learn more about studying with us.
"UNSW is committed to our veteran community, to the students, industry partners and research collaborators whose unique experience, skills and insights provide a valuable, distinct contribution to our University’s mission of progress for all."
Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor & President, UNSW
Experience Matters – Veteran Entry Pathway
UNSW's Experience Matters – Veteran Entry Pathway is a passage into undergraduate study at UNSW for veterans and serving military personnel. If you have previously or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you will be eligible to receive a selection rank based on your service in the ADF.
Even if you haven't studied before or don’t have an ATAR, you are still eligible. Your rank and length of service in the ADF will be used to work out a selection rank.
All applications for UNSW undergraduate programs are via UAC, and this assessment will be done automatically by UAC.
Obtaining a selection rank does not guarantee admission to your chosen undergraduate program; you will still need to obtain the selection rank required for admission into the program, in addition to any other criteria such as interview or test.
For additional UAC admission rounds and their closing dates please visit UAC.

Alex Chan
Alex Chan served in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for 12 years, starting as an Aircraft Technician and advancing to a maintenance manager and team lead for the C-17A Globemaster. His military education included various certifications in training, WHS, and aeroskills, which supported his technical leadership roles. After transitioning to civilian life, he furthered his education with certifications in organisational complexity, Lean Six Sigma, and project management, among others. His pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Project Management from UNSW was driven by a desire to enhance his skills and open new career opportunities, which he successfully balanced with his military duties.
Transitioning to a civilian career, Alex joined Raytheon Australia as a Project Manager, leveraging his UNSW degree and military experience. He found Defence contracting to be a smooth transition, allowing him to work in a familiar environment. His leadership and management skills, honed in the ADF, helped him quickly prove his worth in the civilian sector. Alex’s journey highlights the importance of formal education and the value of military experience in achieving career success. He advises future student veterans to keep an open mind, connect with other veterans, and not underestimate the value they bring to civilian employers.

Davina Mansfield
Davina is the Chief Operating Officer at Viden, a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and an MBA Candidate at UNSW Sydney’s AGSM. As a Soldier On Service Ambassador, Davina brings a wealth of military experience from her six years in the Royal Australian Army Dental Corps. Her educational journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, has seen her navigate the challenges of being a member of The Australian Defence Force, a military spouse, and a solo parent during deployments.

Matthew Hand
Matthew is a Business Development Associate at UNSW Canberra with a robust educational background, including a Certificate 3 in Mechanical Engineering, Certificate 4 in Government, multiple diplomas, and a Master of Business (expected Dec 2024). He served in the Australian Army for over a decade as a Parachute Rigger, reaching the rank of Corporal, and participated in significant operations, including humanitarian aid drops in the Middle East.
After leaving the military, Matthew pursued tertiary education to enhance his career prospects, leveraging Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to expedite his studies. His transition to civilian life was challenging, but his family members and a veteran-friendly work environment supported him. He emphasises the importance of education for vets to broaden career opportunities beyond traditional roles.

Penelope Twemlow
Penelope, a UNSW alumna and former Royal Australian Navy officer, is a Senior Director at Ashurst Risk Advisory and Co-Founder of Women in Power. She advocates for veterans, mental health, and women’s empowerment and holds multiple board positions and accolades. Penelope began her military career in 2001, transitioning from a maritime warfare officer to a naval police coxswain officer and later serving as a naval reservist. She holds numerous qualifications, including two Master’s degrees, and emphasises the importance of education and preparation for civilian careers.

Scott Reynolds
Scott’s journey is a testament to resilience and leadership, transforming personal struggles into a mission to support fellow veterans through Saltwater Veterans. After a distinguished naval career, including deployments to Iraq and roles as a Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer, Scott faced significant mental and physical health challenges, leading to his medical discharge in 2016.
Discovering sailing as a therapeutic outlet, he co-founded Saltwater Veterans in 2018, creating a community where veterans and their families use sailing to stay active and connected. Scott emphasises the importance of social connections and peer support in recovery, urging veterans to seek help and highlighting the crucial role of his wife, Jen, in his journey and the success of their initiative.

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Would you like to book a complimentary 30 minute career coaching session?
Veterans considering higher education studies as part of your transition have access to one coaching session.
The session will be responsive to your needs which could include:
- Preparing for career transitions with confidence.
- Understanding the impact of values, motivations, and interests on career decisions.
- Conducting a skills audit to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Leveraging transferable skills for career transitions.
- Exploration of current labour market considerations.
- Researching industry trends and in-demand skills.
Study with us
Discover your path to success with our clear and simple steps. At UNSW, we offer a wide range of programs and degrees to explore, along with guidance on applications and credit transfers. You'll also have access to comprehensive current student support services, online resources, and everything you need to prepare for an enriching student life as a student veteran at a leading Australian university.
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The Scholarship has been established to support former and transitioning ADF Personnel or their dependents, who are experiencing disadvantage to commence studies in any UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree program.
For undergraduate recipients, the Scholarship will have a value of $5,000 per annum and will be payable for the minimum duration of a single or double degree program. For postgraduate recipients, the Scholarship will have a total value of up to $20,000.
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The AGSM Leadership Excellence Scholarship offers outstanding military leaders the opportunity to pursue a world-class MBA. This scholarship is available to veterans who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional success. Candidates who receive an offer of admission to the AGSM Full-Time MBA program are automatically considered for the scholarship.
This merit-based scholarship covers between 25% and 100% of total tuition fees. It is awarded as either tuition fee waivers or equivalent fortnightly stipends.
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The Wandering Warriors scholarship is now closed for 2024 and will reopen in 2025 for 2026 intake.
Additionally, veterans interested in applying to the full-time MBA program for 2025 will be automatically considered for other full-time MBA scholarships, if offered a place.
Learn more from Calvin Chan, a Wandering Warriors scholarship recipient.
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The Defence Industry Internship Program (DIIP) provides Engineering and Technology university students with direct connections to the Defence Industry by facilitating a 12-week (450 hour) paid internship in small to medium defence industry businesses across Australia.
Full-Time MBA Scholarships
AGSM Full-Time MBA Scholarships provide support for exceptional students from diverse backgrounds to gain a world-class MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at the University of New South Wales Business School, in Sydney Australia.
Industry engagement
UNSW is renowned for its strong alumni networks and industry partnerships, particularly with Defence and Government, and its growing Canberra Launch community, which fosters innovation and capability in defence and security. Through UNSW, you can connect with people, communities, and businesses that will benefit from your work, with opportunities for mentoring, internships, work-integrated learning, and career accelerator programs.
Contact us
If you have any questions or general queries about our veterans program, please get in touch: veterans@unsw.edu.au.
Definition of a veteran
The term veteran means a person who has served, or is serving, as a member of the permanent or reserve elements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).