I have completed military service

You stood for your country, now we stand for you.

We’re here to help support your studies. If you are a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force, you are eligible for ACU’s Veteran Entry Program (VEP) and Student Veteran Support Program (SVSP).

Register for the Veteran Entry Program

Empowering veteran success

Higher education helps veterans access a range of new career opportunities. At ACU, we evaluate each applicant individually. Once admitted to a university course, our Student Veteran Support Program makes the transition to academic life smoother for both current and former members of the Australian Defence Force.

Am I eligible for the VEP?

If you want to study at ACU, and you have served in the Australian Defence Force, you can apply to the VEP online. We’ll assess your military service and convert this to a selection rank, similar to an ATAR. We then match that rank to the requirements of the undergraduate or postgraduate course you wish to study and make you an offer based on the outcome.

As a guide, completion of employment or trade training in the Australian Defence Force with two years’ experience (regardless of military rank held) will result in a selection rank of 82, which would provide entry into most ACU bachelor degrees. We will provide individualised assessment of experience and qualifications to determine the highest selection rank available to you.

If you’re applying to ACU via the relevant TAC (UAC, VTAC or QTAC), you are also eligible to receive a rank based on your service in the ADF, and this will be done automatically.

To start your application, you’ll need to share your name and contact details, as well as your ADF service statement and educational history. Our liaison staff can assist with your application if you have any questions. Applications through the Veteran Entry Program will be automatically registered to the Student Veteran Support Program.

To get a copy of your service record contact the Customer Service Network (CSN) at 1800DEFENCE (1800 333 362) or yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au When contacting via email, you will need to provide a minimum of three of the following identifying details: full name, date of birth, PMKeyS/Service number, place of birth or former name (if applicable).

Register for the Veteran’s Entry Program

ACU important dates

Gain credit for one unit

In recognition of your service to country and community, ACU will grant you credit for the Core Curriculum unit, UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World. This credit is available for most undergraduate degrees. 

Leadership experience counts

Becoming an officer or senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO) in the ADF shows leadership and management capability. We recognise the life and work skills required to achieve this rank, so we’re offering unconditional entry to two of our postgraduate courses.

If you have attained the equivalent rank of O-1 or above as an officer or chaplain, or E06 and above as a SNCO, you are eligible for direct entry into the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration or Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management.

Graduate Certificate in Occupational Health Safety and Environmental Management-Online

Graduate Certificate in Business Administration-Online

Are you a partner, spouse, or child of a Veteran? You may be eligible

For ADF family members there can be significant barriers when pursuing educational/employment goals due to service commitments such as posting cycles, deployments and/or locality. This pathway recognises these challenges and sacrifices by offering a range of study options to dependants and partners.

This entry pathway is available to any partner, spouse, or child from year 12 and older of current/previous serving ADF personnel. Applications are handled on a case-by-case basis though generally two years of service is required. If you are unsure of your eligibility, we encourage you to contact our Student Veteran Services team to discuss further.

Applications can be made directly to ACU through the Veteran Entry Program web form. Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their partner, spouses or parents ADF Service Record. Following application, you will be contacted to schedule an interview date and asked for supporting documentation including a written ‘motivation to study’ form.