Eligibility requirements
Requirement check
The needs vary by role, but if you can meet all of the criteria below, you’ve met the basic requirements for the Navy, Army or Air Force.
I am an Australian citizen
You need to be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF, although permanent resident non-Australian citizens may be eligible to join.
I am over 16.5 years old or 16 years for ADFA
These are the ages for application, but you need to be at least 17 when you enter the ADF. The minimum and maximum ages vary by role.
My background can be checked
To obtain the minimum-security clearance, you must have lived in Australia or have a checkable background for the past ten years.
I have passed Year 10 English and Maths
This is the minimum entry-level requirement.
I have the required licences for my role
For certain roles, you may need to hold a current licence to perform your duties, such as a trade, plant, machinery or manual driver's licence.
I am reasonably fit and healthy
Many ADF roles involve a reasonable level of fitness. You may need to pass a physical fitness test before you join, but don’t worry, we'll give you tips to help you prepare.
Requirements
Proof of Australian citizenship
If you are an Australian citizen, it's important to verify your citizenship by providing one of the following:
- A current Australian passport issued on or after 1 January 2000.
- An expired Australian passport issued after 1 January 2000, that is greater than two years between date of issue and date of expiry and expired less than three years before date of application.
- Australian Birth Certificate (and if born on or after 20 August 1986, you must also be able to prove that one of your parents was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time).
- Australian Citizenship Certificate (including an extract from the register of citizenship or extract from the register of Australian births abroad).
Options for non-Australian citizens
Non-Australian citizens may be eligible to join the ADF. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- be a New Zealand citizen, or from 01 Jan 2025, a citizen of the United Kingdom, United States of America or Canada
- be a permanent resident living in Australia or holding a 444 sub-class visa
- have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately prior to applying to join the ADF and
- have not served in a foreign military in the two years prior to applying to join the ADF
In exceptional circumstances, if a position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen the citizenship requirement may be waived, and applications may be accepted from: permanent residents who can prove they have applied for citizenship and permanent residents who are ineligible to apply for Australian citizenship as long as they are prepared to apply for citizenship within 90 days of commencing service.
Overseas applicants with relevant military experience may be eligible to start a new career in the ADF and a new life in Australia through a lateral transfer. To be eligible, you must:
- be a current serving member, or separated less than 3 years ago from a foreign military service
- have no less than 5 years’ full time military experience
- hold qualifications, skills and experience that can be recognised by and directly transferred to the ADF
- meet the minimum academic and military educational standards required by the ADF
- be less than 48 years of age at the time of visa nomination
- be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (speaking, reading, writing and listening) as defined on the International English Language Testing System website
- have your occupation listed within the Labour Agreement.
For more information on how to join the ADF via a lateral transfer, visit ‘Ways to Join’ and click on the ‘Previously Served’ tab.
Age Range
To apply for an ADF role you must be at least 16 years and 6 months of age when applying and 17 on the day you join. However, for ADFA, you only need to be 16 years of age to start your application.
The maximum age for recruitment varies by role, and you'll find details in each job description on this website. As a general rule, you can join the ADF if you are between 3 and 6 years away from the Compulsory Retiring Age for a specific role.
17-year-olds in the ADF
At this age, you are considered a 'minor' so special conditions apply. Your application must be voluntary, approved in writing by both your parents or your legal guardian(s), and accompanied by an original or certified copy of your full birth certificate.
Information for those under 17 years of age
- If you wish to receive information about the careers available in the ADF, please express your interest with ADF Careers. Get in contact
- The Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP). If you are over 15 years of age, you can gain exposure to a range of jobs available within the ADF and/or the Department of Defence through work experience. Find out more
- ADF Cadets. If you are over 12 years and 6 months of age, you can join our youth development program. In the ADF Cadets, you’ll develop leadership, team building and survival skills while having great fun. Find out more
Education levels
Most people join the ADF via General Entry with no prior experience or qualifications required. While completing Year 10 is essential for joining, it’s worthwhile checking each job page for the specific entry and education requirements.
General Non-technical roles
- Roles include administration, combat and security, logistics and more.
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths.
- Some roles also require a pass in Year 10 Science or passes in Year 11 (or equivalent) and above.
Technical and trade apprenticeships
- Roles include aviation, mechanical, electrical and construction trades, communications and more.
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) required with passes in English and Maths.
- Some trade roles also require a pass in Science, Science with a Physics component and/or one other subject.
Qualified positions
- Pursue your profession in fields such as trades, healthcare and more.
- Requires appropriate qualifications specific to each role.
Officer roles
- Leadership roles including specialist roles in engineering, business, healthcare, law and more.
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Some roles require a relevant degree specific to your chosen role.
How fit must I be to apply?
Being paid to stay fit and healthy is one of the many benefits of joining the ADF. The good news is, reaching the minimum fitness level required for entry is well within most people’s capability. During the application process you’ll be assessed through:
- completion of a questionnaire relating to your medical history
- a medical examination
- Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) if required.
Learn about the fitness requirements for the Navy, Army and Air Force
Security
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role.
To obtain a security clearance you’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information.
Example of required information
- Address history
- Employment history
- Education history
- Financial information.
Most roles require a security clearance level of Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1). Some roles require a security clearance level of Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). As your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for NV1, NV2 or PV, you’ll find out what you’ll need to submit once you have applied for the role.
For all levels, you’ll need to provide the required documents as early as possible in your application process to ensure you have the best chance of securing your preferred role. Please note, Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance. There have been recent changes for non-Australian Citizens who may be eligible to join the ADF and commence the citizenship process. A clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances. Please check the Citizen Requirements section for further information if this applies to you. If your chosen role requires a higher security clearance of NV2 or PV, this will be specified under the Additional Requirements section.
Learn more about security clearance levels on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
Proof of Australian citizenship
If you are an Australian citizen, it's important to verify your citizenship by providing one of the following:
- A current Australian passport issued on or after 1 January 2000.
- An expired Australian passport issued after 1 January 2000, that is greater than two years between date of issue and date of expiry and expired less than three years before date of application.
- Australian Birth Certificate (and if born on or after 20 August 1986, you must also be able to prove that one of your parents was an Australian citizen or permanent resident at the time).
- Australian Citizenship Certificate (including an extract from the register of citizenship or extract from the register of Australian births abroad).
Options for non-Australian citizens
Non-Australian citizens may be eligible to join the ADF. To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- be a New Zealand citizen, or from 01 Jan 2025, a citizen of the United Kingdom, United States of America or Canada
- be a permanent resident living in Australia or holding a 444 sub-class visa
- have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately prior to applying to join the ADF and
- have not served in a foreign military in the two years prior to applying to join the ADF
In exceptional circumstances, if a position cannot be filled by an Australian citizen the citizenship requirement may be waived, and applications may be accepted from: permanent residents who can prove they have applied for citizenship and permanent residents who are ineligible to apply for Australian citizenship as long as they are prepared to apply for citizenship within 90 days of commencing service.
Overseas applicants with relevant military experience may be eligible to start a new career in the ADF and a new life in Australia through a lateral transfer. To be eligible, you must:
- be a current serving member, or separated less than 3 years ago from a foreign military service
- have no less than 5 years’ full time military experience
- hold qualifications, skills and experience that can be recognised by and directly transferred to the ADF
- meet the minimum academic and military educational standards required by the ADF
- be less than 48 years of age at the time of visa nomination
- be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (speaking, reading, writing and listening) as defined on the International English Language Testing System website
- have your occupation listed within the Labour Agreement.
For more information on how to join the ADF via a lateral transfer, visit ‘Ways to Join’ and click on the ‘Previously Served’ tab.
Age Range
To apply for an ADF role you must be at least 16 years and 6 months of age when applying and 17 on the day you join. However, for ADFA, you only need to be 16 years of age to start your application.
The maximum age for recruitment varies by role, and you'll find details in each job description on this website. As a general rule, you can join the ADF if you are between 3 and 6 years away from the Compulsory Retiring Age for a specific role.
17-year-olds in the ADF
At this age, you are considered a 'minor' so special conditions apply. Your application must be voluntary, approved in writing by both your parents or your legal guardian(s), and accompanied by an original or certified copy of your full birth certificate.
Information for those under 17 years of age
- If you wish to receive information about the careers available in the ADF, please express your interest with ADF Careers. Get in contact
- The Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP). If you are over 15 years of age, you can gain exposure to a range of jobs available within the ADF and/or the Department of Defence through work experience. Find out more
- ADF Cadets. If you are over 12 years and 6 months of age, you can join our youth development program. In the ADF Cadets, you’ll develop leadership, team building and survival skills while having great fun. Find out more
Education levels
Most people join the ADF via General Entry with no prior experience or qualifications required. While completing Year 10 is essential for joining, it’s worthwhile checking each job page for the specific entry and education requirements.
General Non-technical roles
- Roles include administration, combat and security, logistics and more.
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths.
- Some roles also require a pass in Year 10 Science or passes in Year 11 (or equivalent) and above.
Technical and trade apprenticeships
- Roles include aviation, mechanical, electrical and construction trades, communications and more.
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) required with passes in English and Maths.
- Some trade roles also require a pass in Science, Science with a Physics component and/or one other subject.
Qualified positions
- Pursue your profession in fields such as trades, healthcare and more.
- Requires appropriate qualifications specific to each role.
Officer roles
- Leadership roles including specialist roles in engineering, business, healthcare, law and more.
- Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent). Some roles require a relevant degree specific to your chosen role.
How fit must I be to apply?
Being paid to stay fit and healthy is one of the many benefits of joining the ADF. The good news is, reaching the minimum fitness level required for entry is well within most people’s capability. During the application process you’ll be assessed through:
- completion of a questionnaire relating to your medical history
- a medical examination
- Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA) if required.
Learn about the fitness requirements for the Navy, Army and Air Force
Security
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role.
To obtain a security clearance you’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information.
Example of required information
- Address history
- Employment history
- Education history
- Financial information.
Most roles require a security clearance level of Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1). Some roles require a security clearance level of Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). As your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for NV1, NV2 or PV, you’ll find out what you’ll need to submit once you have applied for the role.
For all levels, you’ll need to provide the required documents as early as possible in your application process to ensure you have the best chance of securing your preferred role. Please note, Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance. There have been recent changes for non-Australian Citizens who may be eligible to join the ADF and commence the citizenship process. A clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances. Please check the Citizen Requirements section for further information if this applies to you. If your chosen role requires a higher security clearance of NV2 or PV, this will be specified under the Additional Requirements section.
Learn more about security clearance levels on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions.