The sponsorship

The Defence University Sponsorship provides undergraduates and graduates with a more manageable university experience as well as the opportunity to kick-start a career in a challenging and unique environment. Whether you choose to join the Navy, Army or Air Force, you'll assume a leadership role upon graduation, work alongside great mentors and have the opportunity to undertake further training or specialisations. You'll also earn a competitive salary and have the opportunity to travel within Australia and overseas.

Earn a salary while you study

Instead of trying to fit your class schedule around a part-time job, we'll pay you a salary. If you're an undergraduate, you'll receive up to $43,266 per year or if you're a postgraduate student pursuing the graduate medical or dental program, you'll receive up to $64,437 per year. On top of that, you receive a generous 18% superannuation contribution. For further details, refer to the pay and allowances section under the relevant job pages. Note: Health specialities and allowances will also be paid during their internship and residency years.

Tuition fees paid

From the moment you become a sponsored student until you complete your degree, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will pay your remaining Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) contributions. Meaning you start your professional life without worrying about repayments.

Study at your university

The Defence University Sponsorship is applicable to students studying an accredited degree at any recognised Australian university. Once sponsored, you'll continue to study at your university until the end of your degree.

Other benefits

As a sponsored student, you automatically become a member of the ADF. This enables you to enjoy great benefits such as free health care (medical and dental), subsidised accommodation, student fees paid as well as a textbook allowance.

Your commitment

As Defence is investing in your education, you will be required to commit to a certain number of years in the Services. This will commence after you graduate from university. Your commitment to the ADF is the number of years you're sponsored, plus one year. For example, if you're sponsored for three years of study, you'll need to give back four years to the Navy, Army or Air Force. Note: there is a minimum requirement of three years. You may have some exposure to military training during your time at university, but it will be minimal, as we want you to focus on your studies.

A rewarding career

Upon graduation, you will be guaranteed a job and practice in the profession you're qualified in. Alongside this, you'll receive fantastic training to become an officer in the Service of your choice. All of the training you receive in the Navy, Army or Air Force makes you highly employable both in the ADF and the civilian world. This truly is an amazing opportunity to join an organisation that makes a genuine difference to people's lives, in a position that offers endless leadership opportunities and a lifestyle unlike any other. And you will be well rewarded for your efforts too, with a starting salary package after graduation ranging from approximately $78,000 to $106,000 per year. Please note salary packages may vary according to each job.

If you have further questions about the sponsorship or about life as an officer in the ADF, get in touch with a member from the Specialist Engineering or Health team via email: engineers@dfr.com.au | healthjobs@dfr.com.au

Applicants must be Australian citizens, however, the ADF may grant waivers of citizenship if permanent residency is held.