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Australian Defence Force Academy

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is designed to provide young Officer Cadets from all three Services (Navy, Army, Air Force) with the finest tertiary education in Australia.

ADFA is a College of the University of New South Wales and officers graduate with a University of New South Wales degree. ADFA offers degrees in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Aeronautical), Science, Arts, Business and Technology.

Engineering students will undertake a four-year degree.

But academic pursuits are just a part of being a student at ADFA. There's also the military studies, fitness training, leadership and management skills you'll develop.

It is the Academy's philosophy to provide cadets with every possible resource and opportunity to help them do their best, which in turn helps the Academy and its graduates live up to the maxim "To lead. To Excel".

You are paid to study at ADFA and receive a textbook allowance, free medical and dental treatment, free uniforms and Higher Education Contribution Scheme payments are met by the ADF. In addition, you are guaranteed a job as an Officer in the Australian Army when you graduate. While you are studying, you will enjoy one of the best student/teacher ratios in the country and have access to state-of-the-art technology and facilities on campus dedicated to giving you the best academic and military qualifications possible.

The first academic year essentially consists of the following components:

1 week Orientation;

4 weeks Academy Military Education and Training (AMET);

1 week Chief of the Defence Force Parade;

16 weeks Session 1 academic studies (This period includes a 2 week recess of career development and field trips which can be either academic or military in nature);

2 weeks mid-year examinations, followed by two weeks Single Service Training (SST) at Royal Military College, Duntroon (RMC);

14 weeks Session 2 academic studies (This period includes a 1 week study recess);

2 weeks study and end of year examinations;

3 weeks SST at respective Single Service Colleges;

1 week - Graduation; and

5 weeks end of year leave.

Breaks during the year provide scope for academic field trips, military tours, excursions and adventurous training. Military training is also provided in Defence Studies, which include Current Affairs, Military History, Physical and Recreational Training. You will also take your place in Drill and Ceremonial Parades throughout the year.

During 2nd and 3rd year, Single Service Training normally takes place at the beginning and end of each academic year and includes, for example, Ground Defence Training, Management and Operations theory and practice, Navigation and Single Service Drill and Ceremonial. It may also include Specialist Courses, visits to Military Units and opportunities for Service Attachments or Engineering Work Experience.

As an Engineering Undergraduate, you will initially spend three years at the Academy completing academic and military requirements. On graduation you will attend RMC and complete 12 months military training.

Towards the conclusion of your training at RMC, you will be allocated a Corps in the Regular Army. Individual Corps personnel requirements and the cadet's personal preference are considered when allocating a cadet to a particular Corps. Additionally cadets are in competition with their graduating peers for each position.

You will graduate from RMC as a Lieutenant and return to the Defence Academy to complete your final year of Engineering.

Graduate

If you are already a degree qualified professional, and looking for a job that offers satisfaction, excitement and a challenge, and the opportunity to utilise and further develop your management and leadership skills, then you may wish to consider a career as an Officer (Graduate) in the Australian Regular Army.

Candidates seeking appointment in the ARA as a Graduate Civil Engineer will be required to complete the 18 month initial General Service Officer course at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Canberra.

Graduate (Reserve)

If you are already a degree qualified professional, and looking for a job that offers satisfaction, excitement and a challenge, then you may wish to consider a career as a Specialist Service Officer (Graduate Only) in the Australian Army Reserve. The Army Reserve will also provide you with the opportunity to utilise and further develop your management and leadership skills.

Specialist Service Officers are enlisted direct to their unit and are required to complete the Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC) which is described in the 'Military Training' section.

Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves Support Council website.

The Council promotes the benefits of Reserve service by establishing partnerships with the community and employers.