To become an Army officer you usually have to gain your NTCET with passes in English and three other tertiary entry units, preferably including mathematics and a science unit.

To join the Army you will need to successfully complete a series of aptitude tests, medical assessments and selection interviews.

If you are successful there are four different pathways to become an Army officer. You may apply to join the Army as a non-degree direct entry officer cadet, complete a degree through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), apply as a sponsored undergraduate through the Defence University Sponsorship, or you may apply after completing one of a selected range of specialist degrees. Entry as a non-degree officer cadet requires the completion of 18 months training at the Royal Military College Duntroon, ACT. This is followed by specialist training with the Army.

Entry to ADFA usually requires you to gain your NTCET with an appropriate score in prerequisite subjects relevant to your chosen area of study. All ADFA students are required to complete a 3- or 4-year course of academic study at ADFA, followed by a year of military training.

The Defence University Sponsorship is available to students pursuing an Engineering or Health discipline at a recognised tertiary institution. Sponsorship is available to undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates must have completed one or two years of their degree before sponsorship can commence. Graduate students must have already obtained a relevant undergraduate degree before being eligible to be sponsored for the graduate medical or dental program.

Following completion of their specialised degree, they are appointed as Graduate (Specialist Service) Officers. They then must complete a 4-week Junior Officer Training Course for Officers at the Royal Military College Duntroon, and an 8-week Regimental Officer basic course before becoming officers in their specialised field.

People already with specialised degrees may apply for direct entry into the Army as Graduate (Specialist Service) Officers. These applicants are required to complete the 4-week Junior Officer Training Course for Officers at the Royal Military College and the 8-week Regimental Officer basic course before becoming fully operational in their specialised field. Different specialised occupations have different entry requirements. For full details on this option, contact your nearest Defence Force Recruiting Centre or visit www.defencejob.gov.au/education/graduate/.

Additional Information:

To enter ADFA, you must satisfy entry requirements for a relevant degree at the University of New South Wales or equivalent. Applications usually close in September of the year prior to entry.

Year 11 students who apply to ADFA may be eligible for an ADFA Education Award. The Education Award is presented annually to Year 12 students in recognition of outstanding achievement shown during the ADFA entry recruiting process.