DEFENCE UNIVERSITY SPONSORSHIP
WHAT IS DEFENCE UNIVERSITY SPONSORSHIP (DUS)?
If you are studying an accredited degree at a recognised Australian university or have accepted a relevant university offer and decide to join the ADF, DUS might be for you.
If approved, you’ll have your fees paid for, earn a salary while you complete your degree, and walk straight into a great ADF role following graduation.
Once you have been approved for Defence sponsorship and joined your chosen service, most of your time will still be devoted to study. However, in return for investing in your education the ADF will typically require you to:
- Depending on if you join Navy, Army or Air Force, complete one to four weeks of training (known as a Familiarisation Course) during university holidays, and
- Once you've graduated, commit to full-time service for the number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of three years' service).
DUS Benefits
Financial
If you’re studying for a degree and or have accepted a relevant university offer, you could get:
ADF Sponsorship
a generous starting salary
assistance with your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) fees*
textbook reimbursement
free medical and dental care
subsidised accommodation.
*From the point your sponsorship is approved, the ADF will pay your HELP fees up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. Should you be accepted to continue double degree studies, only the eligible sponsored degree units will be paid for.
Career opportunities
Study without any worries about where your degree can take you.
Gain a degree with reduced HELP debt
Graduate with a guaranteed job
Learn transferrable skills and have experiences that set you up for life
Enjoy ongoing training and study.
Stories from DUS
How DUS works
DUS Degrees
Study a job-relevant degree at a recognised Australian university of your choice, while receiving cutting edge military and leadership training.
Qualifying courses
DUS training
Depending on your service, complete one to four weeks of training (known as a Familiarisation Course) during university holidays. After graduating, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your Initial Military Training.
Military experience
In the Navy and Air Force, one-week familiarisation training is conducted within the first year of the sponsored study period. Additionally, specialisation work experience during semester breaks is highly encouraged (unless you are undertaking course attachments, are involved in scheduled study activities, or are on approved annual or additional training leave).
The Army requires medical, nursing, dental and engineering students to attend compulsory elective work placements during breaks.
Opportunities are offered throughout the academic year for students to learn more about their future career through motivational placements and courses in the Navy, Army and Air Force.
Becoming an officer
Officer training takes place on completion of your degree to help you develop your leadership and military skills.
It comprises:
- Navy One block of 15 weeks at HMAS Creswell, NSW
- Army 25 Days at the Royal Military College – Duntroon, ACT conducted over two training blocks
- Air Force One block of 12 weeks at RAAF Base East Sale, VIC.
Eligibility
To ensure your DUS application is successful, you must:
- be at least 16 and 6 months when applying and 17 on entry
- be an Australian citizen or meet the eligibility criteria for non-Australian citizens – see our eligibility page.
- be accepted into a recognised Australian university degree
- have sufficient general fitness to pass a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) depending on the role you are applying for - see our Health & Fitness page.
Application process
To apply for sponsorship of the degree you are currently studying, you’ll need to go through the standard application process. Apply for a role in the Navy, Army or Air Force, making it clear you would like to apply for DUS.
For Navy and Air Force, you can apply for sponsorship at any point during your degree, as long as you have an offer of placement from a university. It's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time.
For Army, you must have completed one year of your degree prior to receiving sponsorship, so it is recommended that you apply after you have completed your first semester and have received your results.
If you are applying for the Graduate Medical Program, you need to have passed the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT). You can be sponsored after your first year. For more information, speak to your local ADF Careers Centre.
Nuclear Submarine Officer
Put your leadership abilities to the test in a unique environment, managing the teams responsible for operating and maintaining the Navy’s nuclear-powered submarines.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: GraduateOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Mechanical Engineer
Manage teams of skilled technicians that monitor, maintain and repair impressive military hardware such as tanks, artillery guns and armoured logistic vehicles.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: GraduateOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Logistics Officer
Play a key role in keeping the Air Force moving. Solve logistical challenges and manage and coordinate supplies required for Air Force exercises and operations.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: OfficerOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Intelligence Officer
Take on a leadership role in the Navy, managing teams responsible for analysing and distributing highly classified, mission-critical intelligence.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
Aviation Engineering Officer (Avionics)
Work at the forefront of rotary-wing aviation technology, supporting the design, testing and maintenance of the Army’s fleet of advanced helicopters.
Ways to enter role
Officer Entry: ADFAOfficer Entry: GraduateOfficer Entry: Undergraduate
