If you’ve always dreamt of becoming an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force and want to use your skills for good, then a military school is the place for you.
In this post, we’ll explain what it means to be a cadet at a military school in Australia and how you can do it.
What is a Military School?
You may have heard the term “military school” and wondered what it means. A military school is a school where military training is the main focus. However, these schools are not only for those who want to join the military; they also provide a good education and help students prepare for university or college.
Most of our top 9 military schools in Australia have been preparing young men and women for their careers, with many graduates going on to become successful CEOs and business owners around the world.
What Makes a Good Military School?
The best way to determine whether or not a particular institution fits your needs is by visiting it in person (if possible).
Are there plenty of recreational areas?
Is there an adequate cafeteria?
How do other students look at lunch breaks?
Do they seem happy?
Are teachers available outside regular class hours so that students can speak with them in person if needed?
Are there enough teachers per student ratio?
And in the case of a military school, its reputation lies in the number of job-ready graduates that it produces to join the forces.
What are their values?
In addition, ask yourself whether or not this sounds like somewhere you’d be comfortable attending every day (military schools are tough and strictly run)—because after all, no one wants their child feeling miserable while trying hard at something important.
Read Also: Best Flight Schools in New Zealand
Eligibility Criteria for Enrolling in a Military School in Australia
- School Fees
- Academic Requirements
- Military Training Programs
- Physical Fitness Requirements
- Physical and Mental Health Requirements
How to Enroll in a Military School in Australia
If you’ve decided to enroll in a military school in Australia, now is the time to get the process started. Early application is usually encouraged due to the high competition involved, and the delay it takes in processing the admissions. Thus, if you are still in Year 11, it is not too early to start.
In terms of the application process, you are typically encouraged to apply through the University Admissions Office of the selected school of your choice. In UNSW’s case, it is the University Admissions Center (UAC)
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Apply online to the school for the preferred course of your study. Some schools like UNSW typically have eligibility requirements that you must have before you can proceed.
- Answer the questions honestly and completely. Don’t leave anything blank, as incomplete applications will not be considered at all.
- Make sure you have all the required documents ready before you start filling out the form! Some of these documents may include:
- Passport-sized photo (1×1) or color photo of yourself taken within 6 months preceding the application date.
- Birth certificate – must be no more than 12 months old from when it was issued.
- Proof of address – this could be a utility bill, or lease agreement showing that you live at an address for more than 3 months.
- Any means of national identification.
- You may be required to have completed prerequisite courses in English, Mathematics, and Physics. This largely depends on what you are applying to study.
List of Military Schools in Australia
If you’re interested in attending one of the best military schools in Australia, this list will help you narrow down your options.
Royal Military College, Canberra
Royal Military College of Australia (RMC) is the Australian Army’s officer training college. It was established in 1911 and is located in Duntroon, Canberra.
The RMC campus is part of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). It offers four-year bachelor’s degrees to undergraduate students who are serving or have served as officers for at least two years with the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It also offers master’s programs in various specializations, including Business Administration and Engineering.
Its programs are designed to be half military and half academic activities to enable students to have a balanced education of both worlds.
Students receive military training throughout their studies at ADFA and apply it through a number of activities such as learning how to defend themselves physically or demonstrating leadership skills. The college also has its own military band, which plays during formal events hosted by RMC.
The cost of tuition at RMC varies, but you can expect to pay over $15,000 per year.
RAAF College, Officer Training School, Victoria
RAAF College’s Officer Training School is a unique institution that provides training for Australia’s future Air Force leaders. Located in Point Cook near Melbourne, this college offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to its cadets.
Located on top of the Dandenong Ranges, this school offers great views of the city below. Students can enjoy scenic hillsides and lush forests as they train for their future careers in aviation or leadership. The campus includes an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium as well as two squash courts as well as a theatre with a seating capacity of more than 100 people.
This school caters to students who want to pursue their education while also gaining valuable practical experience by being part of an elite team within Australia’s armed forces.
Cadets are trained in combat tactics along with leadership skills so they will be ready when faced with real-world situations during their careers at home or abroad when deployed overseas on operations such as peacekeeping missions.
UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy
UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy is a military school located in Canberra. The school offers a range of courses, including Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering degrees.
UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy is one of only two military schools in Australia that can offer you both a civilian degree along with your qualification from the Royal Military College (RMC) Duntroon or the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Point Cook Base.
UNSW Canberra is one of Australia’s leading universities for military science and technology studies—and the school has been known over the years to support the academy in its development of students’ STEM skills.
Specifically, they offer classes focused on preparing students for their careers as officers in the Australian Defence force. The goal of these classes is to help students develop a stronger understanding of how computers work and how they can be used effectively in their careers.
These classes are also used by UNSW Canberra’s students who want to supplement their classroom learning with additional online resources—for example, those who want extra practice before taking an exam, or who need more time than they get at school to learn new concepts.
The cost of tuition at UNSW (ADFA) ranges from $810 – $1,055 per unit of credit.
Australian Defence College, Canberra
Australian Defence College (ADC) is a national training center for the Australian Defence Force. Its mission is to provide professional military education and training.
ADC is the Australian Defence Force’s premier institution for the provision of postgraduate military education and training, ensuring that both commissioned officers and non-commissioned personnel have access to quality education that extends their knowledge, skills, and professional development in order to prepare them for future challenges.
ADC is an accredited provider of postgraduate courses delivered by civilian universities such as RMIT University, University of Melbourne, University of South Australia, and Charles Sturt University.
Center for Defence & Strategic Studies, Canberra
The Center for Defence and Strategic Studies was established in 1966 by the Australian National University (ANU) to address a growing need for research into Australia’s defense and security needs. It is the oldest, largest, and one of the high-ranking military schools in Australia for strategic studies research and education.
The Centre holds unique expertise in military strategy, defense economics and policy, strategic studies, history, and international relations.
The center boasts a team of internationally renowned experts comprising former senior public servants, military officers, and academics who provide research services on current issues affecting Australia’s national security policies.
The center has published over 50 books through ANU Press as well as numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals.
The Royal Australian Naval College is one of the country’s most prestigious schools and has produced many high-ranking officers in the Australian Navy. The campus is located on a beautiful bay in southern New South Wales, and it has one of the best sailing programs in the country.
The college offers an undergraduate course of study in naval engineering and navigation as well as postgraduate courses in strategy and international relations.
Furthermore, there are four main elements that make up the curriculum at this school: academic studies, leadership training in terms of shipboard activities such as drills and exercises; military training; and sports programs.
There are also short courses available for those who wish to gain admittance into the college without completing an undergraduate degree. Students have access to facilities such as computer labs and libraries; they can also participate in intramural sports or other extracurricular activities.
The campus itself has a beautiful landscape consisting of both natural and man-made features such as trees, flowers, grasses, and buildings.
In addition to providing training for officer candidates and other naval personnel, the college also has an academic program that awards degrees from the University of New South Wales.
Australian Defence Force Cadets, Meadowbrook
Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cadets is a youth development organization that provides unique opportunities for young people to develop their leadership skills, build friendships and learn about the ADF.
Cadets can become involved in a range of activities, including:
- learning about defense and security issues through visits to military bases and other training establishments;
- participating in activities such as camp life, rifle shooting, navigation, and field craft;
- undertaking community service projects such as assisting with the clean-up after bushfires or floods; and
- attending social events like balls or camps where they have fun with their friends.
FAQs About Military Schools in Australia and Answers
The following are frequently asked questions about Australian military schools:
What is a Military School?
A military school, also known as a military academy or officer training school, is an educational institution where students learn how to become officers of the armed forces.
These schools prepare students for future careers in the military by teaching them leadership and management skills and preparing them mentally and physically for the challenges they will face in their careers.
What should I keep in mind when I apply to military schools in Australia?
There are several important factors that you should keep in mind if you wish to enroll at any Australian military school:
- You must be between 16-19 years of age to apply for enrollment; some schools have different age limits depending on their requirements.
- Each applicant must have excellent academic knowledge so as to be able to successfully complete his/her course without any problems whatsoever.
If your grades aren’t good enough then it would be difficult for you to get admitted into a top-ranking military school in Australia.
- Also, keep in mind that the curriculum of military schools in Australia typically contains half academic activities and half military training. This training will require you to go through strenuous physical activity. If this is not something you like or enjoy doing, then these types of schools may not be for you.
What are the benefits of military schools in Australia?
Military schools in Australia offer a number of benefits for both students and their parents. Military schools teach students discipline, responsibility, and how to work well with others.
They also provide students with a sense of community, which is something not often found in public or private schools.
On top of that, military schools offer academic assistance at all levels, so if you’re worried about your child falling behind or getting ahead, they’ll have someone on hand to help them figure out what they need to do next.
Can you attend a military school if you’re not Australian?
Yes! You can attend a military school if you’re from anywhere in the world. However, only Australian citizens (by birth or naturalization) are allowed into the navy or air force once they graduate from high school.
The military school you choose will depend on what branch of service you are in (or want to serve in). If you are in the army, you can attend an Army school.
If you are in the air force, you can attend an Air Force school. And if you are in the navy, you can attend a Navy school.
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Wrapping It Up
With about eight military schools in Australia to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. However, the important thing is that you find one that matches your needs and interests. Once you have decided on a school, contact them directly for information about enrollment processes or visit their website for more information about programs offered at their campus.
Goodluck!