Information for Current Serving Members of the Australian Defence Force Seeking Entry to an Undergraduate Degree Program at UNSW@ADFA
UNSW@ADFA offers undergraduate programs leading to UNSW bachelor degrees in Arts, Business, Engineering, Science, and Technology.
At UNSW@ADFA all undergraduate students are members of the Australian Defence Force. Our undergraduate students commence their studies as either midshipmen or officer cadets of their respective service or as mature age current serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
Every year, approximately 25-30 current serving members of the Australian Defence Force commence their studies in a range of degree programs at UNSW@ADFA.
Most of the current serving members of the ADF who have been admitted to undergraduate degree programs at UNSW@ADFA in the past have demonstrated sound academic performance. These students (identified by the ADFA as “Advanced Students”) have no military training commitments and can dedicate the majority of their time to their academic studies.
The information on these pages is designed to provide you with advice about meeting University entrance requirements and the application and acceptance procedure.
Checklist
| 1. | Entrance Requirements | ||
| - | Entrance Ranks | ||
| - | Assumed Knowledge | ||
| - | Non-Yr 12 qualifications | ||
| 2. | Preliminary assessment process | ||
| - | Submission of Preliminary Assessment form | ||
| - | Supporting statement | ||
| - | Civilian Accreditation and Qualification information | ||
| - | Outcome and feedback | ||
| - | Eligible | ||
| - | Ineligible | ||
| - | Alternative Entry Schemes | ||
| 3. | Submission of application via UAC | ||
| 4. | Acceptance of UNSW offer | ||
| 5. | Arrival at UNSW@ADFA | ||
| - | Enrolment/Credit Application/Academic Skills Sessions | ||
| - | ADFA Induction Week | ||
| - | Academic Preparation Program | ||
| 6. | Critical Dates | ||
| 7. | Contacts | ||
1. Entrance Requirements
To be eligible for admission to UNSW@ADFA applicants must have completed Year 12 or an alternate entry option – listed below - and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry to the relevant degree program.
Entrance Ranks
ADF applicants must have an Entrance Rank in the range limit set out in the Entrance Rank Table below. In recognition of the relationship between the ADF and UNSW, consideration will be given to all ADF applicants whose Entrance Ranks fall within 6 points of the published cut-off.
In addition to achieving the required Entrance Rank applicants are expected to have Assumed Knowledge for certain programs. Specific information about Assumed Knowledge is contained in the section below.
| ENTRANCE RANK TABLE | ||
| Degree Program | Published cut-off |
Range Limit |
| Bachelor of Arts | >70 |
>65 |
| Bachelor of Science | >70 |
>65 |
| Bachelor of Business | >75 |
>70 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (all streams) | >85 |
>79 |
| Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical) | >85 |
>79 |
| Bachelor of Technology (Aviation) | >80.75 |
>75 |
Assumed Knowledge Requirements
Assumed Knowledge is the level of subject knowledge that a lecturer or a tutor of a first year UNSW @ ADFA course could reasonably expect all students enrolled in that course to know at the outset.
While all UNSW degrees require Year 12 English as Assumed Knowledge, applicants wishing to enter the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology programs (or study Mathematics or Physics as part of a Bachelor of Science degree) also require current Year 12 Mathematics and Year 12 Physics as Assumed Knowledge. This Assumed Knowledge is fundamental to the assessment of whether or not an applicant is likely to succeed and would be taken into account by the ADF (at the OSB) and by UNSW@ADFA when assessing the application.
Prospective students for these programs, who have not studied Year 12 Mathematics and Year 12 Physics in the past five years, will be required to successfully complete a bridging course equivalent to Year 12 prior to admission. UNSW@ADFA recommends applicants contact ‘www.unilearn.net.au
Prospective students for these programs, who have studied Year 12 Mathematics and Year 12 Physics at an appropriate level within the past five years, will be required to complete a Refresher Course run by the School of Physical, Environmental and Mathematical Sciences at UNSW@ADFA. These self-paced courses are run at the beginning of each year before semester one commences.
For further information about Mathematics please contact Dr Peter McIntyre (02 6268 8896), for Physics contact Dr David Low (02 6268 8739) and for Chemistry Associate Professor Grant Collins (02 6268 8077).
| Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) | Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical) | Bachelor of Technology (Aviation) | Bachelor of Science* | Bachelor of Arts* | Bachelor of Business* |
| English Mathematics Physics |
English Mathematics Physics |
English Mathematics Physics |
English | English | English |
| Chemistry (desirable but not essential) | Chemistry (desirable but not essential) | Chemistry (desirable but not essential) |
* Assumed knowledge for specific subject areas undertaken in BA, BSc or B Bus.
| Mathematics | Physics | Chemistry |
| Mathematics | Physics |
Mathematics |
Note - If students wish to study Oceanography beyond first year, they will need to take first year Mathematics at UNSW@ADFA. It is preferred that Mathematics be an assumed knowledge requirement.
Non – Year 12 qualifications
If you have attempted any post secondary and/or tertiary studies you will be considered for admission on the basis of your overall academic record, i.e. secondary and/or post secondary and/or tertiary studies. An applicants’ entrance rank will be calculated on your academic performance. If applicants hold multiple qualifications they must be submitted for assessment, as each qualification is assessed separately with the highest rank used for admission purposes.
What if I have a commenced / completed University study?
If you have undertaken at least three quarters of a standard first-year full-time study load (0.75 FTE) of degree level studies at an approved university your tertiary studies will be taken into account for the purpose of admission.
Note that the definition of what constitutes a full-time study load can vary between universities.
What if I have a completed AQF Diploma?
Ungraded AQF diplomas (e.g. graded on a Competent/Not Yet Competent basis) derive a maximum admissions rank of 79. Graded AQF diplomas can derive much higher ranks. For example, a credit average converts to approximately 85 and a distinction to 90. Eligibility for entry to the nominated program will be determined on the basis of your results.
What if I have a completed AQF Certificate IV?
For entry in 2008 and beyond:
| -- | an ungraded Certificate IV (e.g. graded on a Competent/Not Yet Competent basis) is NOT acceptable for admission to the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degrees as it only derives an entrance rank of 69. |
| -- | a graded Certificate IV, eligibility for entry to the nominated program will be determined on the basis of your results. |
Applicants who have completed a graded Certificate IV are advised that, as a general guide, the following results would be required for entry:
| -- | Bachelor of Arts or Science - a combination of passes and credits. | |
| -- | Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Technology (Aviation) - a credit average. | |
| -- | Bachelor of Engineering programs and Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical) - a distinction average. |
2. Preliminary Assessment Process
2.1 Submission
An assessment of your eligibility for entry will be undertaken and you will be advised accordingly. If you are not eligible for entry, you will be given guidance about further study which could be undertaken to make you competitive for entry.
Application form
All applicants must submit a written application on the official UNSW@ADFA Preliminary Assessment form by no later than the end of August each year for admission to the beginning of the academic year in the following year . If possible, this application should include a supporting statement from the ADF (e.g. confirming the conditional posting order – if applicable) and attaching other relevant documentation.
As part of your application you will be asked to submit certified copies of any formal academic qualifications that you may have including previous secondary, tertiary (TAFE, or University) or Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited awards.
Please note that awards received from your service are not assessable unless they have been given Civilian Accreditation. Specific information about Civilian Accreditation is provided under section 2.2 below.
Supporting Statement
Applicants must also submit a supporting statement about why they wish to undertake an undergraduate degree at UNSW@ADFA. You must outline what you have done to prepare for university study and to show how you will use the knowledge, skills, abilities and personal qualities you have gained through professional and life experience, to succeed in their chosen degree.
2.2 Civilian Accreditation and Qualification information
Please note that Australian Defence Force in-service training “Records of Attainment” are NOT academic qualifications. You must apply to your service for the civilian equivalency of these training records. The Civilian Accreditation and Qualification information can be found at ‘www.defencequals.edu.au
2.3 Outcome and feedback
Student Administrative Services will assess the applicant’s eligibility based on the entry rank derived from their previous educational background (determined via the normal admissions practice) and other information provided in the application form and the supporting statement. Where necessary, Student Administrative Services will consult with the relevant Program Authority.
Applicant is Eligible
Student Administrative Services will advise applicants of the outcome of their application and confirm whether a Mathematics and/or Physics bridging course must be undertaken prior to their enrolment in the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technology degree.
Any request to defer admission must be approved by the Manager of Student Administrative Services and the ADF.
Applicants applying for degrees which have an assumed knowledge requirement of Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry may be eligible according to their entrance rank but will not be considered if these requirements have not been met. Applicants will be informed by SAS of this requirement and they MUST provide SAS with their completion certificate from Unilearn no later than the beginning of December.
Ineligible
Ineligible applicants will be directed to the University’s Alternative Entry pathways to provide them with an opportunity to achieve the requirements for admission.
Alternative Entry
If an applicant has been deemed ineligible for admission to UNSW, the they will be requested to complete a suitable alternative entry program. Information on suitable entry programs can be found on the UNSW web site www.unsw.edu.au/futureStudents/undergrad/sad/altenrty.html
| State | Educational Provider | Information |
| NSW | UNSW | University Preparation Program (UPP) www.unsw.edu.au/futureStudents/undergrad/sad/universityprep.html |
| NSW | University of Sydney | University Preparation Course Program (UPC) www.cce.usyd.edu.au/cce/subjectcategory.do?id=000233&subject=000256 |
| NSW | University of Sydney | Foundation Program (USFP) www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/international/undergrad/apply/foundation/ |
| NSW | University of Newcastle | Open Foundation www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/elfsc/open/ |
| NSW | University of Newcastle | Open Foundation – DISTANCE MODE www.newcastle.edu.au/centre/elfsc/distance/index.html |
| NSW | TAFE NSW | Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (TPC) www.tafensw.edu.au/howex/servlet/Course?Command=GetCourse&CourseNo=6502 |
| ACT | ANU | University Preparation Scheme (UPS) www.anu.edu.au/cce/ups/aboutups.php |
| QLD | TAFE QLD | Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation www.tafe.qld.gov.au/ |
| VIC | University of Melbourne | Foundation Studies (Trinity College) www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/foundation_studies |
| VIC | Monash University | Foundation Year (Taylors College) www.monash.edu/mufy/about/ |
| SA | University of Adelaide | Foundation Studies Program (Bradford College) www.bradford.adelaide.edu.au/ |
| WA | University of Western Australia | Foundation Program http://future.international.uwa.edu.au/undergraduate/foundation |
Further information is available from the Manager or Deputy Manager in Student Administrative Services at UNSW@ADFA.
3. Submission of Application via UAC
If you are approved by your Service for a transfer to ADFA and you meet the University's entrance requirements, you must lodge an application through the Universities Admissions Centre(UAC) by the end of September in the year preceding admission. A formal offer of admission will then be made to you through UAC in January of the year you plan to commence your studies.
The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) is responsible for managing the undergraduate admissions process for all universities in NSW and the ACT. (Each state in Australia has its own tertiary admissions centre, such as QTAC in Queensland and VTAC in Victoria).
All applications for UNSW@ADFA must be lodged through UAC. You will find the hardcopy UAC Guide very useful. It is sold at most newsagents from late July or you can order it from the UAC website.
UAC applications open in early August. To avoid late fees (which increase over time), your UAC application must be lodged by the end of September.
All offers for degree programs at UNSW@ADFA are made in the preliminary round of UAC offers (i.e. January of the year in which your study program is due to commence). Your UNSW@ADFA degree must be listed as your first preference on your UAC application or you will not be made an offer.
If requested by UAC to forward any academic qualifications or transcripts, you MUST do so. Because of the Privacy Act, Student Administrative Services cannot forward your documentation to UAC on your behalf.
4. Acceptance of UNSW offer
UAC offers are released via email in the first week of January. You will normally have up to one week to accept the offer. If you meet the entrance rank and been informed by UNSW@ADFA that you are eligible for admission, but have not heard anything by the end of the first week in January, you should contact Student Administrative Services on (02) 6268 6000.
UNSW will send you an information sheet with instructions on “what to do next?” You will be given a deadline to accept your offer and this process will be done online via the UNSW web portal – myUNSW. If you have not access to the internet and cannot accept online, you must contact Student Administrative Services on (02) 6268 6000.
5. Arrival at UNSW@ADFA
Credit application / Enrolment Session / Academic Skills Sessions
Credit for previous study
If you have previously completed tertiary studies at an undergraduate level you may be eligible to gain credit towards your degree at UNSW@ADFA. You may contact UNSW@ADFA Undergraduate Coordinators prior to submitting an application to find out how much credit you are eligible to receive. A list of Undergraduate Coordinators by School is available at: http://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/governance/delegations/course.html . To help our staff accurately assess your request, you should provide in writing detailed information about the courses you have completed, including course outlines and assessment requirements.
For more information visit www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/student/credit
Enrolment Session
The UNSW@ADFA Undergraduate Enrolment activities are conducted on half a day in late January for credit applications; a full day for the enrolment session in mid February and an academic skill session in late February.
During the enrolment session students will attend a hands-on demonstration on how myUNSW works and a range of degree-specific seminars. Arts, Science and Business students will also be given information on the different discipline areas (majors, minors, specializations) available. Engineering and Technology students have a short orientation and a tour of the Engineering buildings.
Academic staff from each School will be available to provide course information and advice. Students seeking credit for previous tertiary studies will also be able to seek advice. This is your opportunity to ask questions and to finalise your choice of courses before enrolment.
ADFA Induction Week
On your arrival at ADFA you will commence a week of military induction activities.
Academic Preparation Program
The UNSW@ADFA Academic Language and Learning (ALL) Unit run an Academic Preparation Course for new advanced students before the commencement of the semester. By the end of this program, students will be in a better position to know what to expect when their official program begins and will be better prepared for the demands of their academic studies. This program aims to:
- welcome students to UNSW@ ADFA,
- prepare students for the demands of academic study at UNSW@ADFA,
- provide students with essential information about facilities and services such as the computer labs, library catalogues, subject specific databases and internet search facilities,
- give students practical experience in critical analysis, reading and note-taking, researching sources, avoiding plagiarism and writing assignments.
6. Critical Dates
| End of July | UAC Guide available for purchase | |
| Early August | UAC – Applications for Semester 1 open | |
| End of August | UNSW@ADFA - Last day to submit Preliminary Assessment Form | |
| End of September | UAC - On-time applications close | |
| Tues 6 January or Wed 21 January |
UAC - Preliminary Round Offers – e-released or UAC - Main Round Offers – e-released |
|
| Wed 14 January | Deadline to accept UNSW Preliminary Round 0ffer issued by UAC | |
| Tues 27 January | Arrival at ADFA / ADFA Induction Program | |
| Tbc | New Student - Credit applications | |
| Tues 10 February | New Student - Enrolment Session | |
| Tbc | New Student - Academic Skill Session | |
| Mon 2 March | Semester 1 commences |
7. Contact Details
Student Administrative Services
If you have questions at any stage during the application process or you are unsure of what you should do, please contact Student Administrative Services at UNSW@ADFA on (02) 6268 6000 or by email on sas@adfa.edu.au