Pathway to your career

Going back to study as a veteran can be both challenging and rewarding. By understanding the unique challenges you may face, connecting with available resources, and implementing effective strategies, you can make the most of your educational journey. Remember to prioritise self-care, seek support when needed, and embrace the opportunities for growth and learning. Your experiences as a veteran bring valuable perspectives to the academic environment, and your determination and resilience will undoubtedly contribute to your success.

As you embark on this new chapter in your life, know that there is a community of individuals who understand and support you. At UNSW we’re committed to supporting your transition to academic study.

A university or ‘uni’ is an institution of higher education and research which delivers and awards undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Unis offer a wide range of academic disciplines, including Sciences, Humanities, Engineering, Social sciences, Business, Law, Medicine and the Health Sciences. 

A typical university campus will have multiple faculties or colleges, each specialising in specific academic areas. Each will have faculty members, tutors, lecturers, and professors who are experts in their respective fields to teach and conduct research.

Some large uni campuses can be like mini-cities with restaurants and cafes, libraries, laboratories, transport hubs, Halls of Residence for students, medical facilities, auditoriums, and other facilities to support academic and research activities. 

Unis have the resources to support people like you on their learning journey and have many facilities to cater for the variety of social and cultural backgrounds that make up the student cohort.

Studying at a university can be a transformative experience that equips you with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to thrive in today's increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Deciding if university is right for you

The two main reasons why people actively choose to go to university are:

• they want to study a particular subject area at a higher level; and

• they need a degree to pursue their chosen career—either in that subject, or in any subject.

For a number of careers, undergraduate study is considered an essential requirement. For many roles however, this is not necessary and positions in your area of interest may be secured with a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) level certificate or diploma. An undergraduate degree would give you a deeper understanding of the subject matter and provide you with other skills including critical thinking, analysis, and communication.

Similarly, postgraduate study is sometimes essential to get beyond a certain level in your career. However, in most fields, the situation is more nuanced. The right postgraduate study might help, for example, if it is a technical field. A postgraduate degree can also show your commitment to a new career or field.

You may also find that the right work experience can open the same doors without requiring you to take time out from work, combine work and with part-time study, and/or risk having to take on debt. It is worth researching this thoroughly beforehand and talking to people in your chosen field about your options.

Nobody can tell you whether university is right for you at any point. Only you can decide, and it will depend on circumstances.

Here are some other reasons why you might consider studying at a university:

• Education and knowledge: university provides an opportunity to build on your existing skills and learning to gain in-depth knowledge in a specific field. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject areas that interest you and the development of critical thinking skills.

• Career opportunities: many careers require a university degree as a minimum qualification. Attending university can open doors to a wider range of job opportunities and potentially higher salaries.

• Personal growth: university is often a time of personal development. It offers the chance to become more independent, develop time management and problem-solving skills, and build self-confidence.

• Networking: university provides access to a network of peers, professors, and professionals in your field. These connections can be valuable for career development, mentorship, and future opportunities.

• Specialisation: for those with specific career goals, university allows for specialisation in a particular area of interest, which can be essential for certain professions.

• Research opportunities: universities often provide the resources and environment to engage in research, which can be valuable for those interested in contributing to knowledge in their field.

• Cultural exposure: university is a diverse environment where you can meet people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, which can broaden your worldview.

• Credentialing: a university degree can serve as a credential that demonstrates your expertise and commitment to a field, which can be important for career advancement.

• Life experience: university life offers a unique experience, including extracurricular activities, social events, and opportunities to explore new interests and passions.

• Contribution to society: education is a powerful tool for contributing to society. Many university graduates go on to work in fields that have a significant positive impact on the world, such as healthcare, education, and research.

If you are returning to study after a long time away from it or didn’t finish high school, you may feel nervous, apprehensive, or anxious about this new stage of your life.

However, you have spent at least a few years in the military, during which time you have built skills and attributes that are unique and valuable.

Skills such as perseverance, resilience, organisation, problem-solving, time management, and group task focus. These underlying skills you developed are essential for working in a university environment and meeting the demands of study.

You’ll learn to read and take notes, how to write an essay for an assessment, and you’ll learn how to instill what you know into a three-minute PowerPoint for a presentation, among many other things. 

In fact, you have never stopped learning... it’s just that this time, you are learning in a university environment.

Transitioning out of the military can be difficult for many veterans, with high rates of unemployment and mental health issues.  

This next stage of your life can be an opportunity to build on your ADF experience and find a pathway into a satisfying career, broadening personal networks and creating a sense of personal satisfaction.

UNSW has a range of programs and support available to assist with your transition to university and learning the study skills to make your time with us enjoyable and successful. For more information, visit Support services.

Still not sure if university is the next step for you and would like some more information?

Do you need some information about study options before you decide that university is the right choice?

• UNSW's Future Student Advisers are available to answer any questions you may have, opens in a new window.
• Attend a UNSW Veterans Information Session for tailored information about attending university.

Do you need some information about university life before you decide that university is the right choice?  

You can chat to a Student Support Advisor about:

• University life as a mature age student
• How to enable your academic success
• Navigating university procedures 
• Accommodation and financial support options 

As a prospective student veteran, you are eligible for 1 session with a Student Support Advisor. Additional guidance is available for veterans who are enrolled at UNSW.

Short courses

UNSW Canberra offers a variety of short courses and micro-credentials that are ideal if you want to study an industry-recognised qualification quickly. These courses are designed to be flexible, often available online, and focus on industry-relevant skills such as cyber security, opens in a new window, workforce analytics, opens in a new window, and project management, opens in a new window. For veterans, these courses can provide a rapid pathway to upskilling and transitioning into civilian careers. Additionally, some micro-credentials can be credited towards larger qualifications, such as postgraduate degrees, providing a fast-tracked route to further education and career advancement.

For more information, you can explore our UNSW short course offerings, opens in a new window.

Professional certification


You may wish to explore choose a professional certification over a university degree because they allow you to quickly gain specific, job-ready skills, are often more affordable, and offer flexibility. Certifications may build directly on your military experience, whether you were in a technical, leadership, or operational role. 

For example, if during your career you worked within defence procurement, you might find that a certification like PRINCE2, opens in a new window aligns perfectly with your leadership and project management experience. This certification may allow you to leverage those skills in civilian roles with the APS by gaining industry-recognised qualifications that compliments your existing skills and experience.

VET/TAFE pathway

If you aren’t ready to commit to the rigours of university study, you may wish to consider Vocational Education & Training (VET) studies by providers such as TAFE NSW & the Ranks to Recognition program, opens in a new window. 

The VET sector provides you a practical and efficient pathway to gain new skills and qualifications, and you may be able to use your ADFTCR, opens in a new window Statement of Attainment for Recognition of Prior Learning for faster completion of your studies. Unlike some traditional university degrees, VET programs are tailored to deliver hands-on, industry-relevant education that can lead directly to employment in a shorter time frame. With flexible learning options and cost-effective courses, the VET pathway provides veterans with the tools they need to quickly and effectively integrate into the civilian workforce, making it an ideal choice for many.

Reasons to consider the VET pathway:

Flexible learning options

VET programs often offer flexible schedules, including part-time, online, and night courses, accommodating veterans who may have family, work, or rehabilitation responsibilities during their studies. This flexibility allows veterans to transition into civilian life at their own pace, without the pressure of full-time university study. It also offers the opportunity to balance study with other pursuits, making the transition smoother.

Cost-effective education

VET courses are generally more affordable than university degrees, which may be an important consideration as you transition into civilian life or look to increase your qualifications. The lower cost, combined with the availability of government funding and subsidies specifically for veterans, makes VET an attractive option. Through the VET pathway, you can gain qualifications without incurring significant debt, allowing you to start your new career on solid financial footing.

VET pathways to university

If you have your eye on university studies, VET qualifications can serve as a stepping stone into your undergraduate degree, allowing veterans to start with a practical, job-focused education and then build on it with higher-level study when you’re ready.

VET qualifications will provide you with an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) which can be used for admission to university.

Most TAFE award results are competence-based (no marks/grades are provided), which are calculated by UAC at a minimum pass equivalent. For example, a Diploma is equivalent to a 75 ATAR and Advanced Diploma is equivalent to a 76 ATAR. A TAFE Diploma qualification may be considered for admission to programs with a Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) of 80 and an Advanced Diploma may be considered to programs with a LSR of 81.

Through recognition of prior learning many universities also have established credit articulation arrangements for completed VET courses. UNSW offers recognition of prior learning (credit) into 15 undergraduate programs across the university. Learn more about our accepted qualifications, opens in a new window. 

This flexibility means you can start working quickly and pursue additional qualifications at your own pace, providing a balance between immediate employment and long-term career development. This pathway is particularly valuable if you are considering a career like Engineering, a Diploma of Engineering will ensuring your understanding of mathematics and physics is at the required level and will provide you a direct pathway into a Bachelor of Engineering qualification.

Find out more about our UNSW TAFE Pathways Program, opens in a new window.

Support for start ups

A university degree may not be what you need or the best path for you right now. 

If you have a business you are looking to grow, or you have an idea or a concept and you’re thinking of starting your own business, then it may be one of the UNSW founders programs that are the best fit for you.

UNSW Founders Program is Australia’s most comprehensive university entrepreneurship program, graduating the highest number of Australian start-up founders. 

To find out more on the programs offered, visit UNSW Founders, opens in a new window.