How to Apply

To start the ADF application process, use our degree and job match tool to explore the courses through ADFA, and the careers they can lead to. You can choose from a range of UNSW degrees, each of which leads directly to an officer role in the Navy, Army or Air Force. You will also need to ensure you are eligible.

You may also like to attend ADFA Open Day where you can experience ADFA, meet staff and students, take a tour and view military displays.

To arrange a tour of ADFA at another time, , please contact the Visits Liaison Officer via adfa.visitsrequests@defence.gov.au.

At the same time, you should familiarise yourself with the UNSW application process and decide which field of study you’d like to pursue. 

Once you have an idea of the degree you would like to study and the role in ADF you would like to apply for, you can attend an ADFA Information Session at your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre (DFRC) or call 13 19 01. An Information Session will give you the opportunity to learn about ADFA, talk to serving personnel, and ask any questions you have. 

Once you have attended an Information Session, you can book a Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) Session at your local DFRC. A YOU Session is where you’ll complete a basic aptitude test and discuss your medical history, and have the opportunity to chat further about ADFA with a Careers Coach. Towards the end of the Careers Coach session you'll be given a Job Opportunity Report listing all the roles you may be eligible to apply for (subject to satisfying eligibility requirements), based on your aptitude test results. 

For further information on YOU Sessions and helpful tips, refer to Step 2 of the recruitment process.  

If you are eligible for a job in the ADF that matches with the UNSW degree that you would like to study, you can progress your application with the ADF. Once you have submitted your application documents, you will need to attend an Assessment Session for a medical assessment, a psychological interview and an ADF interview.

For further information on Assessment Sessions and helpful tips, refer to Step 3 of the recruitment process.

Meanwhile you should commence the UNSW application process. To start, apply for ‘UNSW, Canberra at ADFA’ through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Your application to UAC is separate to your ADF application. All inquiries should be directed to UNSW Student Administrative Services at sas@adfa.edu.au or +61 2 6268 6000.

After you have completed your Assessment Session with the ADF, you will have your leadership, teamwork and other areas of potential assessed at an Officer Selection Board day. 

For further information about Officer Selection and helpful tips, refer to Step 4 of the recruitment process.

If you are successful in your application to ADFA through Defence Force Recruiting, you will be issued a Letter of Offer.

If you choose to accept your offer, you will need to undertake a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA). You'll need to take and pass the PFA in the four weeks leading up to your scheduled appointment to the ADF. 

For further information and helpful tips, refer to Step 5 of the recruitment process.

You should keep an eye out for your UAC offer to UNSW. You will need to be offered placements with the ADF and UNSW to successfully appoint to ADFA.