"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does." —William James

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE (ADF)

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE ACADEMY (ADFA)

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) offers world-class degrees in Business, Arts, Science, Engineering, Computing and Cyber.Based in Canberra, students who join ADFA have a unique opportunity to receive advanced military and leadership training whilst studying a range of degrees from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). 

 

ADFA also offers students a salary while they study, allowing them to focus throughout their degrees and enjoy a range of sporting and extra-curricular activities without the need to get a part-time job.Upon graduation, students are guaranteed a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force and will have their degree fully funded, graduating HELP-debt free. Students who graduate from ADFA move into a range of exciting and varied jobs as leaders in engineering, logistics, aviation, administration and much more. 

 

Read more about ADFA and how to apply, call 13 19 01 or find a local ADF Careers Centre

 

ADF Careers offers over 300 roles across 10 different categories

 

These consist of a wide range of specialist military positions, support roles, traditional and technical trades and professions that range from medicine to engineering. Many of these jobs will suit students from diverse backgrounds and those who are not thought of as likely candidates for the ADF. These jobs are focused on the future, aimed at those who are looking to make the most of their Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths skills.

 

ADF Work Experience  

 

STEM Horizons – Air Mobility (October)  

  • An exciting opportunity for students to have exposure to Defence, defence industry and technical school career pathways. 
  • Location: Gippsland, Morwell VIC 
  • Placement Dates: 30 September – 03 October 2025 
  • Applications close: 11:30pm 10 August 2025 
  • Link to apply: Defence Careers - STEM Horizons – Air Mobility (October) 

 Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal Overnight (October)  

 Exercise First Look: Indigenous Youth Placement – Soldier (October)  

 Navy Familiarisation (October)  

  • A program showcasing various roles available in the Navy 
  • Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC 
  • Placement Date: 27 - 31 October 2025 (these dates may change to the first week of November)  
  • Applications close: To be confirmed 
  • Link to apply: This placement is not advertised on the website but will be shortly, please check regularly.  

 Day in the Life of a Medic/Nurse: Bandiana (October)  

  • A program focusing on the role of Medics and Nurses within the ADF 
  • Location: Bandiana, VIC 
  • Placement Date: 29 October 2025 
  • Applications close: 11:30pm 31 August 2025 
  • Link to apply: Day in the Life of a Medic/Nurse: Bandiana 

 STEM Immersion Week: Fishermans Bend (November)   

 Australian Army Band Melbourne: Simpson Barracks  

  • A program designed specifically for students with an interest in Musician roles in the Army 
  • Location: Melbourne, VIC 
  • Placement Dates: Multiple opportunities throughout 2025 - to be negotiated 
  • Applications close: 11:30pm 9 November 2025 
  • Link to apply: Australian Army Band Melbourne: Simpson Barracks 

 Army Careers Day, Puckapunyal  

  • A careers day specifically designed for students and teachers showcasing various job opportunities in the Army 
  • Location: Puckapunyal, VIC 
  • Event Date: Friday 12 September 2025  
  • Applications close: 29 July 2025 (Teachers must attend with students as this is a youth careers day, students will not be allowed to attend individually or with family) 
  • Link to register: Please send an email to vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au to register your schools interest along with number of total attendees.  

 

If you have any questions regarding the Defence Work Experience Program, please email vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au