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AD Australian Defence Force Academy logo

Australian Defence Force Academy

ยท Public University

Admissions open
Type
Public University
Founded
โ€”
Students
โ€”
International
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Australian Defence Force Academy: the applicant's brief

6 findings
  1. The short answer

    The Australian Defence Force Academy is a public military academy in Australia that combines military and academic education. It suits junior officers and, for undergraduate study, civilian students who want a defence-linked environment; international trainee officers are also part of its intake.

  2. What you can study

    ADFA provides military and academic education for junior officers of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, and it also accepts international trainee officers from a variety of countries. It began accepting civilian students in its undergraduate courses in 2016. The programme catalogue is not published in the information available here, so confirm the current subjects and degrees on the official website.

  3. Getting in

    International applicants should check whether they are applying as civilian undergraduates or as trainee officers, because ADFA serves both groups. The exact entry requirements, document list, and selection process should be confirmed on the official website or with the admissions office.

  4. What it costs

    ADFA publishes its fees in AUD, but a specific tuition fee or fee range is not given here, so confirm the current cost with the admissions office. Living costs in Canberra should be budgeted separately, along with any defence-related expenses if they apply to your place at the academy.

  5. Coming from abroad

    The academy takes international trainee officers from a variety of countries, and it also accepts civilian students in undergraduate courses. The language of instruction is not stated here, so confirm that, plus visa requirements, eligibility, and whether your intended study route is civilian or military, before applying.

  6. How it compares

    Australia has 59 universities, and ADFA stands apart from the usual university route because it is a public tri-service military academy rather than a standard campus university. If you want academic study tied to defence training, it is a different option from most Australian institutions; if you want a conventional civilian university experience, compare it carefully with regular universities.

Written from this university's catalogue entry and its cited encyclopedia summary. Figures are only shown where the institution or a cited source publishes them โ€” always confirm fees and entry requirements with the university itself before applying.

Questions about Australian Defence Force Academy

What type of institution is the Australian Defence Force Academy?

It is a public tri-service military academy in Australia.

Who studies at ADFA?

Junior officers of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force, plus international trainee officers from a variety of countries; it also accepts civilian students in undergraduate courses.

Does ADFA accept civilian students?

Yes. It began accepting civilian students in its undergraduate courses in 2016.

What country is ADFA in?

Australia.

Overview

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is a tri-service military academy that provides military and academic education for junior officers of the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) as well as international trainee officers from a variety of countries. In 2016, the academy began accepting civilian students in its undergraduate courses.

Tuition fees & costs

Indicative annual tuition

On request

Indicative living cost

โ€”

Fees vary by programme and are indicative. Confirm exact fees with the university before applying.

Admission requirements

How to apply

  1. 1Check the entry requirements and intake dates for your chosen programme on the official university website.
  2. 2Confirm you meet the academic requirements (high-school certificate, bachelorโ€™s degree or equivalent) for the programme.
  3. 3Apply directly through the university admission portal, or via its official application platform.
  4. 4Submit your transcripts and English-proficiency scores (IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo English Test) and pay the application fee.
  5. 5On receiving your offer letter, accept it and begin your student-visa process for Australia.

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Last updated 29 Aug 2026. Information is provided for guidance โ€” verify with official sources before applying.

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