Fully Paid University Fees and a Paid Salary to Study - Defence University Sponsorship (DUS)
Study. Lead. Serve. Graduate Debt-Reduced and Job-Ready.
Are you currently studying at university, or have you received an offer to study a degree that is relevant to a Defence Officer career?
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) pathway could provide an outstanding opportunity to have eligible university fees covered, receive a salary while you study, gain military leadership training, and transition into an Officer role upon graduation.
Inquire now for a referral to the application process.
Why Consider Defence University Sponsorship?
The DUS pathway allows eligible students to complete their degree at a recognised Australian university while receiving support from the ADF.
Potential benefits include:
- Eligible university fees paid from the point sponsorship is approved.
- A salary while completing your studies.
- Assistance with eligible HELP fees.
- Textbook reimbursement.
- Free medical and dental care while serving.
- Subsidised accommodation options.
- World-class leadership and professional development.
- A structured career pathway upon successful graduation and completion of training.
- Generous superannuation.
- Access to unique experiences, travel opportunities and professional networks.
- Meaningful work serving Australia.
This pathway is particularly attractive for students seeking a profession that combines leadership, responsibility, technical expertise and public service.
Salary While You Study
Defence University Sponsorship provides a paid salary while you complete your degree. Indicative annual salary examples include:
Undergraduate Entry Scheme – Degree Greater Than Three Years
- 6 years to graduation: $34,220 per year
- 5 years to graduation: $34,220 per year
- 4 years to graduation: $41,619 per year
- 3 years to graduation: $49,018 per year
- 2 years to graduation: $56,416 per year
- Final year: $63,815 per year
Undergraduate Entry Scheme – Three-Year Degree
- 3 years to graduation: $41,619 per year
- 2 years to graduation: $49,018 per year
- Final year: $56,416 per year
Officer Tertiary Recruitment Scheme
- 5 or 6 years to graduation: $34,220 per year
- 4 years to graduation: $41,619 per year
- 3 years to graduation: $49,018 per year
- 2 years to graduation: $56,416 per year
- Final year: $63,815 per year
Salary figures are indicative only and may change in accordance with Defence remuneration arrangements, role type, Service requirements and individual circumstances.
Officer Career Pathways
DUS sponsorship may lead to Officer careers across Navy, Army or Air Force in fields including:
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Software Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Chemical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Computer Systems Engineering
Healthcare and Science
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Dentistry
- Radiography or Medical Imaging
- Laboratory Science
- Environmental Health
- Applied Science fields relevant to Defence roles
Business, Education and Professional Services
- Logistics
- Intelligence
- Business
- Commerce
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Law
- Secondary Education
- Economics
- Management
- Mathematics
- Technology
- Training and Development
Depending on your chosen Service, degree and profession, sponsorship may lead to roles such as:
- Engineering Officer
- Logistics Officer
- Intelligence Officer
- Healthcare Officer
- Aviation Engineering Officer
- Nursing Officer
- Medical Officer
- Dental Officer
- Legal Officer
- Education Officer
- Nuclear Submarine Officer
- Other specialist leadership appointments across Navy, Army and Air Force.
What Does Defence Expect in Return?
Defence invests significantly in sponsored students and expects a professional commitment in return.
Typically, successful applicants will:
- Continue their university studies as their primary focus.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Complete familiarisation or military training during university breaks.
- Participate in relevant work experience or professional placements where required.
- Successfully graduate from their nominated degree.
- Complete Officer training after graduation.
- Undertake a Return of Service Obligation, generally based on the period of sponsorship received plus an additional period of service, subject to current Defence policy and individual appointment conditions.
DUS is an outstanding opportunity, but it is not simply financial assistance for university. It is a pathway into military service as an ADF Officer.
Important Eligibility Requirements
This opportunity is intended for motivated and capable candidates. Not everyone will meet the eligibility requirements.
Before expressing interest, applicants should carefully consider whether they are likely to meet the following criteria.
Citizenship
Applicants should generally be:
- Australian citizens; or
- Individuals who meet current ADF eligibility requirements for non-citizens or permanent residents.
Citizenship and security requirements are assessed by ADF Careers.
Age
Applicants must generally:
- Be at least 16 years and 6 months when applying.
- Be at least 17 years old upon entry.
Minimum and maximum age requirements may vary by role and Service.
Education
Officer pathways generally require:
- Completion of Year 12 or equivalent.
- Acceptance into, or current enrolment in, a recognised Australian university degree relevant to the sponsored profession.
- The academic ability to continue progressing through the degree.
Medical Standards
All applicants must satisfy ADF medical standards.
This includes:
- A comprehensive medical assessment.
- Review of medical history.
- Assessment of any conditions that may impact military service.
Certain medical conditions, injuries, medications, surgeries or ongoing treatment requirements may affect eligibility. Medical suitability is determined by ADF Careers and Defence medical staff.
Fitness Standards
Applicants must be capable of meeting ADF fitness requirements and may be required to complete a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment.
Military service requires:
- A reasonable level of physical fitness.
- The ability to train and operate in demanding environments.
- Commitment to maintaining fitness throughout service.
- Willingness to participate in military training and physical activities.
Security Clearance
All Officer roles require a security clearance.
Applicants must typically demonstrate:
- A checkable background.
- Suitable employment and education history.
- Satisfactory character and integrity standards.
- Ability to provide required identity, citizenship and background documentation.
- Ability to obtain the required security clearance for their role.
Some roles may require higher levels of security vetting.
Who We Are Looking For
We encourage expressions of interest from individuals who demonstrate:
- Leadership potential.
- Academic capability.
- Professional conduct.
- Integrity and resilience.
- Sound judgement.
- A willingness to serve Australia.
- Commitment to meeting Defence standards.
- Interest in a career that combines responsibility, challenge and purpose.
If your primary motivation is simply having university paid for, this may not be the right pathway. Defence is seeking future Officers who are prepared to embrace military service, leadership responsibilities and the obligations that accompany them.
This Opportunity May Be Suitable If You
- Are currently studying, or intending to study, a relevant university degree.
- Have received, or expect to receive, an offer from a recognised Australian university.
- Are interested in becoming an Officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
- Are willing to undertake military training.
- Are prepared to meet ADF fitness, medical, citizenship and security requirements.
- Understand that sponsorship involves a service obligation after graduation.
- Want to build a career with purpose, leadership and long-term development.
This Opportunity May Not Be Suitable If You
- Are only interested in university funding.
- Do not have a genuine interest in military service.
- Are unwilling to undertake Officer training.
- Are unwilling to meet Defence fitness standards.
- Are unlikely to satisfy medical, citizenship or security requirements.
- Are not prepared to accept the responsibilities of becoming an ADF Officer.
- Are not willing to serve full-time after graduation if selected.
DUS is an excellent pathway for the right applicant, but it is not the right pathway for everyone.
Apply now for referral to the application process.
Interested?
If you are studying, or intending to study, a relevant university degree, have leadership aspirations, and believe you can meet ADF citizenship, medical, fitness and security requirements, we encourage you to express your interest for referral to the Defence University Sponsorship pathway.
Invest in your education. Develop as a leader. Build a career with purpose.
Pay: $41,619.00 – $63,815.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Gym membership
- Health insurance
- Housing allowance
- Life insurance
- Maternity leave
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Relocation assistance
- Travel reimbursement
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Adelaide SA
