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
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Experience Matters – Veteran Entry Pathway
UNSW's Experience Matters – Veteran Entry Pathway is a veteran’s pathway into study at UNSW. If you have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) you are able to use your military experience for admission into our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
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UNSW's Veteran Entry Pathway recognises your military service as an alternative pathway into undergraduate study.
If you have currently or have previously served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for at least one year, you will be eligible to receive a selection rank based on your military service.
You do not need previous university study or an ATAR to be considered. Instead, your selection rank will be determined using your ADF rank and length of service. The selection ranks available are outlined in the table below.
Applications for UNSW undergraduate programs are submitted through the University Admissions Centre (UAC) and this assessment will be done automatically by UAC provided you indicate you have completed military service and attach your record of service.
Please note that receiving a selection rank does not guarantee admission. You must still obtain the required selection rank required for your chosen program, in addition to any other admission criteria.
Rank
Experience
Selection Rank Equivalency
Sergeant, Petty Officer and above (enlisted and officer ranks)
3+ years
92 Sergeant, Petty Officer and above (enlisted and officer ranks)
1-3 years
83
Corporal, Leading Seaman or below
3+ years
75
Corporal, Leading Seaman or below
1-3 years
73 Undergraduate application dates for 2026–2027
Wednesday 30 September 2026
Early bird processing charge deadline (Pay for and submit your application by this date to avoid the higher processing charge.)Thursday 26 November 2026
Applications close for December main round offers for Semester 1, 2027Some courses have early closing dates set by the institutions. Check the course descriptions on UAC’s website.
For more information on admission rounds, visit the UAC website: Key dates for non-school leaver applicants
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Selected UNSW postgraduate programs offer a Professional Experience Entry Pathway (Pathway 5), providing an alternative route to postgraduate study based on professional experience rather than traditional academic qualifications.
This pathway can be particularly valuable for veterans who have gained extensive leadership, technical and operational experience through military service but do not hold an undergraduate degree.
Pathway 5 is designed to support a successful transition to university study. Students begin by enrolling in a postgraduate course as a non-award student. Upon successful completion, they can progress into a Graduate Certificate and, from there, articulate into the relevant Master's degree.
To find out whether your chosen program offers Pathway 5 entry, visit the UNSW Degree Finder and review the Entry Requirements section for your postgraduate program. All UNSW Canberra postgraduate programs offer Pathway 5 entry.
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Scholarship and Internship Opportunities
UNSW offers a range of scholarships and internship opportunities that recognise the value of military experience. Designed to support your studies and strengthen your career prospects, they can help you develop your skills and expand your professional network.
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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 UNSW Cyber Security Scholarship supports former and transitioning Australian Defence Force (ADF) members studying the Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra City Campus. The scholarship recognises the skills and experience gained through military service, providing an opportunity to develop the capabilities needed to succeed as the next generation of cyber security professionals and leaders.
This merit-based scholarship provides a minimum of $5,000 per year for up to three years.
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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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Eligible veterans can access the prestigious Wandering Warriors MBA Scholarship, providing the opportunity to study at one of Australia's leading business schools and build the knowledge, networks and capabilities to succeed beyond military service.
The Wandering Warriors scholarship for the 2027 intake will open on 3 August 2026 and close on 27 September 2026.
Veterans applying to the full-time MBA scholarship will be automatically considered for other full-time MBA scholarships, if offered a place in the MBA program.
Learn more from Calvin Chan, a Wandering Warriors scholarship recipient.
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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.
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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.
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The annual Fellowship will provide financial support and public recognition for the development of advanced knowledge and expertise which will result in a step-change difference to the defence of Australia. The awarding of a Fellowship will be for innovations and research that contribute to Australia’s sovereign capabilities and that ensure Australia remains resilient.
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Join the Veteran Student Association
A new Defence and veterans student association within ARC is being proposed: the UNSW Veteran Association.
Studying can sometimes feel isolating for Defence and veteran students. The UNSW Veteran Association will provide a social and professional network where students can connect, share experiences, and participate in regular activities and events regardless of where or how they study. If you’re a UNSW student with a Defence or veteran background, this group is for you.
To complete ARC affiliation, we need students to express their interest and join now. We are also seeking Executives / Office Bearers for all committee positions within the Association.
If you’d like to get involved or find out more, please complete the form here.
Interested in joining the UNSW Veteran Association or staying up to date with veteran activities? Fill out the form below:
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Study with us
Whether you're looking to upskill, change careers or deepen your expertise, UNSW offers flexible study options designed to help you achieve your goals.
Explore our degrees, admissions pathways and credit transfer options, and discover the support available to help you thrive as a student and prepare for what's next.
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Partner with us to build Australia's future workforce
UNSW Canberra is building a connected ecosystem that brings together government, industry, higher education and the veteran community to unlock the potential of veterans and families, to create new opportunities for success.
Partner with UNSW to access a highly skilled and experienced talent pool while supporting initiatives that improve education, employment and career outcomes for veterans and their families. Together, we are helping veterans thrive while strengthening Australia’s future workforce.
To explore partnership opportunities, contact us at veterans@unsw.edu.au.
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 GAICD
Davina is Head of Innovation & Industry Partnerships at UNSW Canberra, 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 Veteran Education Ambassador, UNSW Veteran Community, and Senior Account Executive, Strider Technologies 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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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).