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Eligibility Checklist

Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic role requirements. You'll find detailed information on the <a href="?tab=ways-to-join">Ways to join</a> tab.

Earn a fully funded degree
Originating from a unique partnership between the ADF and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), ADFA offers world-class education plus cutting-edge military and leadership training at our Canberra campus. In addition to being expertly trained in the art of leadership and management, you'll undertake a degree in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Computing.
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those wanting a fully funded world-class degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). You&rsquo;ll earn a salary while you study and graduate HELP-debt-free.

Officer Entry: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

You'll be paid while you study. On completion of your degree, Initial Military Training and Initial Employment Training, you'll earn at least:

Training

Your salary while studying

Trained

Your salary once trained

In the Navy you'll be paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications.

Officer Entry: ADFA

You’ll progress through the professional development milestones aligned to the Navy Mastery stages: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Master.

Foundation to Intermediate Progression
<ul>
<li>18–24 months sea posting as an Officer of Watch (OOW) on a Frigate, Destroyer or Landing Helicopter Dock (Major Fleet Unit (MFU)).</li>
<li>Intermediate training to become a:
<ul>
<li>Patrol Boat Executive Officer (XO) </li>
<li>Patrol Boat Navigator (NAV) </li>
<li>Fighter Controller (FC) on an Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft, ashore at RAAF Williamstown or at sea on a Frigate and Destroyer.</li>
</ul></li></ul>

During your Naval career as a SWO, you’ll work various appointments. This may lead you towards being in Command of a Naval ship in the future.

Become an officer
You can choose to become an officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force via Direct Entry and have your training paid for while also getting paid. As long as you&rsquo;re a school leaver who has passed year 12, you can head straight into officer training with the ADF service of your choice.
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Year 12 graduates or qualified professionals.

You'll be paid while you train, and on completion of your Initial Military Training and Employment Training, you’ll earn at least:

Your starting salary

Officer Entry: Officer

Have your current studies sponsored
As an undergraduate studying for a role-relevant degree at an accredited university of your choice, you can join the ADF via Defence University Sponsorship (DUS). This means you&rsquo;ll have your fees paid for, earn a salary while you complete your degree, and walk straight into a great ADF role following graduation.
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those already studying a relevant degree (or in some cases, those who have accepted an offer) at an Australian university. You&rsquo;ll earn a salary while you study and have the remainder of your university fees paid in return for a commitment to an officer role.

Officer Entry: Undergraduate

You’ll progress through the professional development milestones aligned to the Navy Mastery stages: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Master.

Foundation to Intermediate Progression
<ul>
<li>18–24 months sea posting as an Officer of Watch (OOW) on a Frigate, Destroyer or Landing Helicopter Dock (Major Fleet Unit (MFU)).</li>
<li>Intermediate training to become a:
<ul>
<li>Patrol Boat Executive Officer (XO) </li>
<li>Patrol Boat Navigator (NAV) </li>
<li>Fighter Controller (FC) on an Airborne Early Warning & Control Aircraft, ashore at RAAF Williamstown or at sea on a Frigate and Destroyer.</li>
</ul></li></ul>
During your Naval career as a SWO, you’ll work various appointments. This may lead you towards being in Command of a Naval ship in the future.

Key Information

Still have questions? Check out our FAQs.

Interested? Complete an Expression of Interest and we'll be in touch.

Hear first-hand about what working in the ADF is really like. 

Explore what training in the Navy will look like.

Discover upcoming events and experiences. 

Visit UNSW and begin your application to study a relevant degree.

As a Surface Warfare Officer, you’ll take on a leadership role that will help drive the future of the Navy's surface fleet.

Working at sea or ashore, you'll command and lead in Air, Surface, Mine, Anti-Submarine, Amphibious and Navigation warfare operations across the maritime domain. You’ll be accountable for the safety of your ship and play a lead role in the meticulous planning and execution of military operations. Your expertise and understanding of your ship, as well as your ability to leverage the full spectrum of ADF capabilities, will make you a highly valued member of your crew.

Be the driving force, leader and commander shaping the future of the Navy's surface fleet in a role that will call on your precision, expertise and leadership abilities.

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Surface Warfare Officer

Benefits you won't see anywhere else

You’ll enjoy the following:

Great salary from day one, which increases with experience

Generous superannuation of 16.4% – a huge 4.9% over the Australian standard

Help to buy a home, a subsidised home loan or rent allowance

Free medical and dental for you, and subsidised healthcare for you and your family

Fully paid training

Want to apply but need more info?

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Mine Warfare and Clearance Diving Officer

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