Entry
Australian Defence Force Academy
The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) was established to provide young Officer Cadets from the Navy, Army and 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. 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 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, and a Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical) or (Aviation).
As a Weapons Electrical Engineer Officer you will undertake a four year Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Electrical Engineering. Honours may be available during the final year of study depending on academic performance in previous years. Officers other than Engineer Officers may also undertake Engineering degrees.
The academic year essentially consists of the following components:
1 week Orientation;
4 weeks Common Military Training (CMT) 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 CMT and or SST;
1 week - Graduation; and
5 weeks end of year leave.
Graduate
The Navy has a steady demand for officers with degree qualifications in professional and specialist technical vocations.
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 in the Royal Australian Navy.
On appointment as an officer, you will complete your initial officer training at the Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS CRESWELL at Jervis Bay on the NSW south coast.
Undergraduate
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 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.
