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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

Further specialist courses will provide you with specific knowledge on the functions of your specialisation and are normally completed as required to meet the specific requirements of different employment positions.

Become an officer with your existing degree
If you have a recognised degree in a field such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Business or IT, you can apply for an officer role through Graduate Entry. Whether you're a recent graduate or in a career, you&rsquo;ll receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities in the ADF.
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those who already have a recognised degree and want to receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities. You&rsquo;ll pursue your profession as an officer and add an exciting new dimension to your work.

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

Officer Entry: Graduate

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

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 Mechanical Engineer, you&rsquo;ll be a trusted member of the ship&rsquo;s command team. You&rsquo;ll be the onboard technical expert on marine systems, leading a team of Navy technicians responsible for the repair and maintenance of the ship's structure, systems and equipment. This includes such equipment as the ships&rsquo; engines, generators, and electrical distribution equipment, as well as the systems that make the ship habitable, such as fresh water and air conditioning. Essentially, you'll be responsible for ensuring the ship's mechanical engineering plant runs smoothly across its power, propulsion and auxiliary systems. You&rsquo;ll also provide command with expert technical advice that contributes to the success of Navy missions and be responsible for the welfare and training of your personnel.

You&rsquo;ll step into a leadership role as soon as you&rsquo;ve finished your training as a Navy Officer. Not only will you have responsibilities as an engineer onboard a Navy vessel, you&rsquo;ll also manage a team of highly trained technicians. Day-to-day, you could find yourself managing the ship&rsquo;s mechanical and electrical systems, mentoring members of your team or contributing technical advice to the ship&rsquo;s command team. When serving ashore, you could find yourself taking on a variety of roles, such as project management, operational planning, undertaking test and trials for new capabilities, or contributing to the sustainment and acquisition of Navy capabilities.

Play a lead role in keeping Navy ships operational and mission-ready by managing a team of technicians that maintain and repair critical mechanical and electrical systems.

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Mechanical Engineer

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

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