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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

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. 

As a Mechanical Engineer onboard a Navy submarine, you’ll enjoy a unique and rewarding career that simply doesn’t exist in civilian life. You’ll be the marine systems expert onboard, leading a team of Navy technicians responsible for the repair and maintenance of the submarine’s structure, engines, air conditioners, propulsion and electrical distribution systems and water systems. Essentially, you'll be responsible for ensuring the submarine’s mechanical engineering plant runs smoothly across its power, propulsion and auxiliary systems. You’ll also provide command with expert technical advice that contributes to the success of Navy missions.

In this extraordinary role, you'll play a crucial part in keeping the submarine running. You'll work as part of a tight-knit team to manage propulsion, provide electricity and maintain air flow. The work you perform will ensure the crew is comfortable and the submarine is operating effectively. It’s an important role with considerable responsibility, but you’ll receive professional training and support to ensure you’re ready to lead from day one. As a member of the submarine’s command team, you’ll also contribute directly to the success of Navy exercises and missions.

You’ll also have opportunities to undertake a range of other leadership roles over the course of your career. For example, when you’re not posted as a submarine’s engineer, there are a range of shore-based opportunities you could pursue, including project management, operational planning, career management and maintenance program management roles.

Take the technical lead on a Navy submarine by managing the team responsible for keeping its electrical and mechanical systems fully operational and mission ready.

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Mechanical Engineer Submariner

Find out what it’s like

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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