Australian Defence Force Pathways
Use your defence experience to further your education journey.
Move smoothly from the defence to uni
We are proud to support our past and current Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and their families as they transition from defence service to academic and professional success.
We recognise the unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that members of our defence bring to our community. We are committed to providing the guidance and support you need to make the most of your studies.
Entry options
Current and past-serving Australian Defence members are provided a selection rank equivalent based on their service. With this, you can apply for direct entry into a range of our programs.
If you have completed Australian armed services general training and have at least one years' service, you will be provided a selection rank equivalency. If you have attained a higher level of rank within the ADF, you will gain a higher selection rank equivalency.
You can view our range of degrees to find out their required selection ranks.
Army
| Rank or Training | Experience | Selection Rank Equivalency |
|---|---|---|
| E02-E05 Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal | 1-2 years | 73 |
| E02-E05 Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal | 3+ years | 75 |
| E06 and above Sergeant and above, including Commissioned Officers | 1-2 years | 83 |
| E06 and above Sergeant and above, including Commissioned Officers | 3+ years | 92 |
Navy
| Rank or Training | Experience | Selection Rank Equivalency |
|---|---|---|
| E02-E05 Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman | 1-2 years | 73 |
| E02-E05 Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman | 3+ years | 75 |
| E06 and above Petty Officer and above, including Commissioned Officers | 1-2 years | 83 |
| E06 and above Petty Officer and above, Including Commissioned Officers | 3+ years | 92 |
Air Force
| Rank or Training | Experience | Selection Rank Equivalency |
|---|---|---|
| E02-E05 Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal | 1-2 years | 73 |
| E02-E05 Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal | 3+ years | 75 |
| E06 and above Sergeant and above, including Comissioned Officers | 1-2 years | 83 |
| E06 and above Sergeant and above, including Comissioned Officers | 3+ years | 92 |
Even if you don’t qualify for your desired degree, or if you’re not sure you’re ready to jump into a degree, there are still many options available.
Open Foundation and Yapug are free pathway options to university. These programs help you to upskill and prepare for further University learning. Upon completion, these programs provide you with competitive entry into all degrees, and give you access to our Guaranteed Entry Scheme, making it easier to secure your spot in a degree of your choice.
Degree Transfer
If your Selection Rank doesn’t quite meet the entry requirement for your preferred degree, you still have options. One pathway is to begin in a degree with a lower Selection Rank requirement, work hard to achieve strong grades, and then apply for an internal degree transfer after completing at least two courses.
For example, if you don’t meet the Selection Rank for Nursing (76) but you qualify for Science (62), you can start in the Bachelor of Science. While doing so, you may be able to enrol in unrestricted nursing courses or relevant electives. If these courses align with the nursing program, you could receive credit for them, meaning you won’t need to repeat them when you transfer into Nursing the following year.
Why go to uni?
Apply directly
Choose a degree that excites and motivates you, where you will gain the knowledge, industry connections and real-world experience needed to create the career you want. You can view our range of degrees or chat with our team for some guidance and support.
Download the step-by-step checklist
We'll help guide you on your path to uni
Other useful links
As a current or past serving ADF member, you’ll have access to a range of support services, including academic support, guidance and networking, and wellbeing services.
We’re committed to helping you succeed in every area of your university experience.
Get connected
Connect with other students who have been where you are. With over 100 clubs and societies at the University of Newcastle, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded peers.
Learn more
Support services
View our support services including academic support and wellbeing services. We’re committed to helping you succeed in every area of your university experience.
View services
Explore your options
Not sure on your options? Attend one of our upcoming events to meet staff and students, explore your options, and get a feel for university life.
View events
ADF Pathways to University Webinar
Learn about the many pathways to university after service.
Student stories
Discover stories and experiences from some of our students who transitioned from the defence to university.
Carly's journey from service to support 1:17
Finding purpose after service 1:26
Turning dreams into reality thanks to the Australian Defence Force 1:28
Looking for more information?
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