Whether you know you’re interested in a job in the ADF, or you’re interested in getting a year’s experience fulfilling the ADF purpose, there are loads of options available for your post-school adventure.

Let’s take a look at some of the opportunities available:

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

The Australian Defence Force Academy is a partnership between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) that allows you to graduate with a HELP debt-free university degree and a guaranteed career as an Officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force. 

This means you’ll complete your undergraduate degree whilst receiving advanced military training, and you’ll be paid a salary to study!

You can choose a degree program across a wide range of faculties including Arts, Business, Engineering, Computing and Science. Each program is tailored to give you the knowledge and skills required to help you thrive in your chosen ADF role once you graduate.

In order to apply, you’ll actually undergo what’s called a dual application process. This means that you’ll need to apply for, and be accepted into the ADF and the University of New South Wales. You can find all the details on ADFA and how to apply here.

Once you complete your degree, you will be expected to serve in the ADF for the number of years you have been sponsored at ADFA, plus an additional year.

 

Defence University Sponsorship

If you are currently studying at an Australian university outside of ADFA, you may be eligible for a Defence University Sponsorship. If you’ve already studied at least one semester of a relevant degree or have accepted a relevant university offer, the Australian Defence Force can sponsor you to complete your degree and pay your remaining fees - with a guaranteed role upon graduation!

This can be a great option if you’re interested in studying in a field that is relevant to the ADF’s needs, but isn’t offered at ADFA. Additionally, you won’t be required to undergo service training at the same time as your studies.

Depending on if you’re interested in Navy, Army or Air Force, the application process for a DUS requires you to have accepted a relevant university offer or completed at least one semester of university studies. For the full application process, visit the DUS information page here. 

 

ADF Gap Year Program

If you’re interested in finding out what it’s really like to work in the Australian Defence Force, or you’re after a truly unique experience after you finish high school, a Gap Year with the ADF could be a great option. 

You can spend an exciting 12 months with the Navy, Army or Air Force where you’ll be paid to do meaningful work while travelling around Australia. You’ll receive benefits like free medical and dental, gain super-valuable skills for life, and make mates and memories too.

An ADF Gap Year gives you an exciting taste of life in the Navy, Army or Air Force, with just one year's commitment. Once you finish you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a full-time role in the Navy, Army or Air Force, work part-time in the Reserves, or pursue a career outside the ADF.

If you’re interested in applying, make sure you check out the ADF Gap Year website for more info, or pop in to a ADF Careers Centre in your nearest major city. Each service has slightly different requirements for enlisting, so make sure you check out each individual branch’s Gap Year pages.

 

STEM Opportunities

The ADF employs some of the world’s most advanced technology to achieve its aims. That means that they’re looking for people with an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to help operate, maintain and even design all of this amazing tech.

No matter which area of the ADF you’re interested in, there’s a relevant role that uses STEM skills. You can take a look at picking up a technical trade with an exciting twist, such as a plumber, electrician or carpenter, where you’ll gain nationally-recognised qualifications on-the-job. Or, if engineering is your passion, the ADF has an enormous range of specialisations to explore, including aeronautical, electrical, mechanical or marine engineering - just to name a few.

There are also plenty of opportunities if you’re passionate about digital technology, such as the communications, surveillance and intelligence branches of the ADF.

If you’d like to pursue a career in STEM in the Australian Defence Force, take a look at their STEM Opportunities page.