Army

Officer selection criteria

Army may recruit an officer deemed suitable for service in the Australian Army, providing that the following key criteria are met:

• The individual possesses a recognised tertiary qualification requiring at least three years full-time study in an appropriate discipline;
• The individual possesses experience and/or training assessed as being equivalent to an Australian tertiary qualification requiring a minimum of three years full-time study;
• The individual possesses experience and/or training that can be readily assessed by Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to be equivalent to an Australian tertiary qualification requiring at least three years full-time study. In military terms, the individual must have completed the following minimum equivalent full-time study;
• Successful completion of a level of education equivalent to an Australian Higher School Certificate;
• Successful completion of a level of military commissioning training equivalent to the Royal Military College Duntroon;
• Successful completion of a level of military education equivalent to a Regular Officer Basic Course;
• Successful completion of a level of military education equivalent to the Intermediate Staff Course.
• Successful completion of specialised training and experience so that the officer is fully qualified for employment in the appointment that the officer is to be allocated to;
• If from a non-English speaking background, the individual has a minimum vocational proficiency in English (as defined by DIAC); and
• The officer possesses a rank of at least Captain.

Non-commissioned officer selection criteria

Army may recruit a soldier deemed suitable for service in the Australian Army, providing that the following key criteria are met:

• As a minimum, have successfully completed a level of education equivalent to an Australian Secondary School certificate (year 10) and have completed relevant specialist Defence Force training courses and experience equivalent to at least 3 years full-time study, so that the nominee is fully qualified for employment in the occupation in which they have been nominated within Army (see below under the heading 'Education').
• Possess a minimum of three years relevant post-qualification experience.
• If from a non-English speaking background, the individual has a minimum vocational proficiency in English (as defined by DIAC).
• The soldier possesses a rank of at least Sergeant.

All overseas qualifications submitted must be accompanied by an assessment of Australian equivalencies. This is to be undertaken at the applicant's cost.

Qualifications recognition

Australian Education International (AEI), through the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR), provides official information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with Australian qualifications. This aims to help overseas qualified people work and study in Australia.

AEI is part of the Australian Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). AEI uniquely integrates the development of international government relations with support for the commercial activities of Australia's education community. To do this, AEI liases with all sectors of the education and training industry and all levels of government.

AEI-NOOSR does not assess secondary school qualifications (these are normally assessed by State/Territory education authorities) or trade qualifications (which can be assessed by Trades Recognition Australia).

For further information about AEI services, as well as links to other assessing agencies, please refer to the AEI website.

Contact Details

Further information can be obtained from: