Empowering veterans at UNSW
We recognise the importance of supporting veterans to access and succeed at higher education. From industry engagement to events and research initiatives, we're here to help you take that first step towards university study or to further your educational journey.
Through our guiding motto, Scientia Corde Manu et Mente – Knowledge by Heart, Hand and Mind, we welcome our continued connection with the veteran community, to embrace diversity of thought, integrity, and innovation, and celebrate the value, skills and lived experience you bring to UNSW.
As a veteran, we know you've developed a wide range of skills and knowledge – let us help you capitalise on what you’ve done and what you know. Why not join us for an event, see what scholarships are on offer or learn more about studying with us.
"UNSW is committed to our veteran community, to the students, industry partners and research collaborators whose unique experience, skills and insights provide a valuable, distinct contribution to our University’s mission of progress for all."
Professor Attila Brungs
Vice-Chancellor & President, UNSW
Experience Matters – Veteran Entry Program
UNSW's Experience Matters – Veteran Entry Program is a pathway into undergraduate study at UNSW for veterans and serving military personnel. If you have previously or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), you will be eligible to receive a selection rank based on your service in the ADF.
Even if you haven't studied before or don’t have an ATAR, you are still eligible. Your rank and length of service in the ADF will be used to work out a selection rank.
All applications for UNSW undergraduate programs are via UAC, opens in a new window, and this assessment will be done automatically by UAC.
Obtaining a selection rank does not guarantee admission to your chosen undergraduate program; you will still need to obtain the selection rank required for admission into the program, in addition to any other criteria such as interview or test.
There is still time to apply for admission in 2025. UAC application closing dates:
January Round 2 – Thursday 2 January 2025
February Round 1 – Thursday 23 January 2025
For additional UAC admission rounds and their closing dates please visit UAC, opens in a new window.
Would you like to book a complimentary 30 minute career coaching session?
Veterans considering higher education studies as part of your transition have access to one coaching session.
The session will be responsive to your needs which could include:
- Preparing for career transitions with confidence.
- Understanding the impact of values, motivations, and interests on career decisions.
- Conducting a skills audit to identify strengths and areas for development.
- Leveraging transferable skills for career transitions.
- Exploration of current labour market considerations.
- Researching industry trends and in-demand skills.
Study with us
Discover your path to success with our clear and simple steps. At UNSW, we offer a wide range of programs and degrees to explore, along with guidance on applications and credit transfers. You'll also have access to comprehensive current student support services, online resources, and everything you need to prepare for an enriching student life as a student veteran at a leading Australian university.
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The Scholarship has been established to support former and transitioning ADF Personnel or their dependents, who are experiencing disadvantage to commence studies in any UNSW undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree program.
For undergraduate recipients, the Scholarship will have a value of $5,000 per annum and will be payable for the minimum duration of a single or double degree program. For postgraduate recipients, the Scholarship will have a total value of up to $20,000.
Closing date is December 10, 2024.
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The AGSM Leadership Excellence Scholarship offers outstanding military leaders the opportunity to pursue a world-class MBA. This scholarship is available to veterans who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional success. Candidates who receive an offer of admission to the AGSM Full-Time MBA program are automatically considered for the scholarship.
This merit-based scholarship covers between 25% and 100% of total tuition fees. It is awarded as either tuition fee waivers or equivalent fortnightly stipends.
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The Wandering Warriors scholarship is now closed for 2024 and will reopen in 2025 for 2026 intake.
Additionally, veterans interested in applying to the full-time MBA program for 2025 will be automatically considered for other full-time MBA scholarships, if offered a place.
Learn more from Calvin Chan, a Wandering Warriors scholarship recipient.
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The Defence Industry Internship Program (DIIP) provides Engineering and Technology university students with direct connections to the Defence Industry by facilitating a 12-week (450 hour) paid internship in small to medium defence industry businesses across Australia.
Industry engagement
UNSW is renowned for its strong alumni networks and industry partnerships, particularly with Defence and Government, and its growing Canberra Launch community, which fosters innovation and capability in defence and security. Through UNSW, you can connect with people, communities, and businesses that will benefit from your work, with opportunities for mentoring, internships, work-integrated learning, and career accelerator programs.
Contact us
If you have any questions or general queries about our veterans program, please get in touch: veterans@unsw.edu.au.
Definition of a veteran
The term veteran means a person who has served, or is serving, as a member of the permanent or reserve elements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).