Many of the officer employment specialisations in the Navy are available to people without a degree qualification. Although the occupations listed under Officer (Non-Graduate or Graduate) - Navy do not require a degree, we find that a significant number of applicants are degree qualified.

Officer (Non-Graduate or Graduate) entrants typically join the Navy direct from Year 12 at school, university or civil employment and proceed directly to the Royal Australian Naval College at HMAS CRESWELL (Jervis Bay, NSW) to undertake the New Entry Officer Course. Officers graduate from the course with the rank of Midshipman. Degree qualified entrants will normally be granted seniority as a Midshipman.

Following graduation from initial officer training, officers undertake specialist training before moving on to full employment in their chosen specialisation in the Navy.

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) was established to provide young Officer Cadets from the Army and Air Force and Navy Midshipmen 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. 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 Officer Cadets and Midshipmen 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 Royal Australian Navy 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 Academy offers degrees in Engineering, Science, Arts, Business and Technology as follows:

Bachelor of Science.
Science degree rules allow students to include a flexible mix of both Arts and Science subjects. The following are considered science subjects: Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Information Systems, Mathematics, Oceanography, Operations Research and Statistics and Physics. (3 years)

Bachelor of Arts.
Arts degree rules allow students to include a flexible mix of both Arts and Science subjects. The following are considered arts subjects: Economics, English, Geography, History, Indonesian, Information Systems, Management and Politics. (3 years)

Science and Arts students will generally graduate with their degree after three years although some may continue for a fourth (honours) year. Application to undertake an Honours year is subject to being selected by the University College and approval by the Navy. It is not a right. 

Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace, Civil, Electrical or Mechanical).
Four BE degrees are offered, and they are fully accredited by the Institution of Engineers Australia. Aerospace Engineering, for example, can be considered to be a specialised field of Mechanical Engineering and involves the study of many engineering disciplines such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural design, materials, avionics, stability and control. (4 years -structured)

Engineering students will undertake a four-year degree. Officers other than Engineering Officers may also undertake Engineering degrees. 

Naval Architecture is sometimes offered as an option according to Navy needs. A cadet selected for Naval Architecture will complete two years of a Mechanical Engineering Degree at the Academy, followed by two years of Naval Architecture at the University of NSW. 

Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical).
The degree involves three years of study in conjunction with the Aeronautical Engineering degree with common core subjects. The degree does not qualify the officer as an Aeronautical Engineer; however, 18 months of additional study will lead to an award of this qualification.

Bachelor of Technology (Aviation).
This program is designed for potential pilots entering the ADF. It covers both the technical and organisational aspects, with a concentration on the saftey of aviation as a whole. The course comprises a first year at ADFA which is similar to the first year of the BE (Aero) degree, a second year at ADFA studying a range of specialist aviation subjects and a third year including a project and the flying component of the degree presented at Tamworth and Pearce. Year three forms part of the pilot training continuum and requires acceptance as a pilot prior to participation. (approx 3.5 years - structured)

Aircrew are provided with full specialisation training on their Pilot's Course or Observer's Course, therefore there is no compulsory degree structure or subjects for aircrew.

Bachelor of Business.
This degree has been introduced to enhance business acumen amoung future leaders and managers in thre Australian Defence Organisation and to provide them with the capacity to interact effectively with external busines providers. Example subjects include Economics, Accounting and Finance, Project Management, Human resource Management and Business Law. (3 years)

The academic year essentially consists of the following components:

1 week Orientation;

4 weeks Academy Military Education and Training (AMET) and or Single Service Training (SST);

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;

2 weeks mid-year leave;

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

2 weeks study and end of year examinations;

3 weeks AMET and or SST;

1 week - Graduation; and

5 weeks end of year leave.

The Navy sponsors suitable applicants to undertake tertiary studies at a civilian university in an Australian State or Territory. Undergraduates must have completed at least one year of their degree and have no more than three years to complete (medical undergraduates may be sponsored for up to four years).

In general, successful applicants are appointed to the rank of Midshipman and paid at that rank while studying full-time. The granting of a higher rank will be dependent upon the degree course studied and the year of study on entry.  The Navy will provide financial assistance for the purchase of all essential books and equipment and, in some cases, will assist with accommodation and other expenses such as rental costs, food and electricity.

The Navy will also pay tertiary institution fees and Student Contribution Charges for as long as the student remains in the Service.  An agreement to serve in the Navy for a period of one year for each year of sponsorship, plus one additional year, is required before sponsorship is approved.  This means that a three-year degree sponsorship will attract a four-year return of service obligation on completion of degree studies.

Note: The Navy will accept applications from Full-fee paying students for undergraduate sponsorship. Full-fee paying university students will be reimbursed the equivalent amount of HECs for their degree stream and are eligible for all other entitlements under the Navy Undergraduate Scheme.

Officer entry to the Naval Reserve is open to suitably qualified civilians with or without previous service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Those with previous service in a component of the ADF or the Defence Force of another country, will be processed in a similar manner to civilian applicants but may be offered a rank and seniority consistent with the last rank held.

Attendance Requirement

Following your Initial Training and as a trained member of the Active Naval Reserve, you are required to serve a minimum of 20 days per year to remain effective and you may work up to 200 days per financial year in approved positions.

Unlike the Army and Air Force that set aside specific days for meeting minimum attendance requirement, in the Navy you will primarily be employed within your Category (specialisation) in a Funded Reserve Commitment (FRC) position. There are additional employment opportunities available in FRC positions outside your specialisation, in project work or Permanent Navy vacancies although this is not to be expected or guaranteed.  This means that you will contribute to Navy capability rather than just 'doing a job.' You will be assisted to find work by either your category sponsor or through advertising material provided to Reserves on a weekly basis.

Reserve personnel may volunteer for a period of full-time service with the Permanent Navy in vacant permanent Navy positions, provided the member's skill sets and services are required.

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

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