Studying in Australia can open new doors after service. It can help you build confidence, learn new skills and explore a new career path. 

Study can also create structure, support wellbeing and help you move toward new work or personal goals. 

Get started 

Use this checklist to help you get started. 

• Think about your goals, interests and the kind of work or study you want to move into.
• Check whether your Defence skills and experience can be recognised through credit transfer or prior learning. The Australian Defence College can offer advice through their engagement with universities and TAFE’s around RPL and credit pathways
• Check what support you may be eligible for, such as Career Transition Training, study loans or other training supports.
• Compare courses, providers, costs, study modes and entry requirements.
• Ask providers what support they offer for veterans and students with health, disability or accessibility needs.
• Make a simple plan for applications, documents, important dates and any financial support you may need.

Compare providers before you apply 

Use this checklist when comparing providers. 

• Is this course a good fit for my goals, experience and preferred study style? 
• What are the entry requirements, and are there alternative entry pathways? 
• Can my Defence training, military experience or previous study count toward credit or recognition of prior learning? 
• What study options are available, such as online, part-time, intensive or blended learning? 
• What support do you offer for veterans and students with disability, health or accessibility needs? 
• What are the full costs, and are there any subsidies, payment plans or fee-free places available? 
• What student support services are available if I need help with study skills, wellbeing, career advice or settling in? 

Gather your documents 

Use this checklist to gather documents before you apply. 

• Proof of identity, such as a driver licence, passport or other photo ID 
• Previous study records, such as transcripts, certificates or statements of attainment 
• Evidence of Defence service, training or experience if you want to ask about credit or recognition of prior learning 
• A resume or summary of your work and volunteer experience, if relevant 
• Any application forms or supporting documents needed for scholarships, subsidies or education support programs 
• Medical, disability or accessibility information if you want to ask for adjustments or support 

Balance study with the rest of life 

Use this checklist to make study more manageable. 

• Choose a study load and timetable that fits your current responsibilities, even if that means starting small. 
• Look for flexible options such as online, part-time, evening or blended study, especially if you are managing work, health needs, appointments or other responsibilities. 
• Use a calendar or weekly planner to keep track of classes, work shifts, appointments and assessment dates. 
• Talk with your family, employer or support network early about what help you may need, especially during transition or periods of extra stress. 
• Ask your provider about extensions, accessibility supports, counselling, study skills support or other student services if things become difficult. 
• Build in time for rest, appointments and recovery, especially during busy periods or times of change. 

Ask for support early 

Use this checklist to decide if it is time to ask for extra support. 

• You are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or unsure how to keep up. 
• You are missing classes, falling behind with study, or struggling to meet deadlines. 
• Your health, mental health, disability or accessibility needs are making study harder. 
• Work, health needs, caring responsibilities, or the impacts of transition out of service are affecting your study plans. 
• You are not sure which course, provider or support option is right for you. 
• You need help with applications, fees, technology, study skills or settling in. 

Find support 

Use this checklist to identify where to get support. 

• Check student support services 
  Many providers offer help with study skills, counselling, wellbeing, disability or accessibility supports, and settling into study. 
• Speak with course advisers and admissions teams 
  They can explain entry pathways, recognition of prior learning, flexible study options, and application requirements. 
• Check DVA and veteran support services 
  DVA may be able to help eligible veterans, and eligible children and young people of veterans, through education supports and related programs. 
• Check Defence transition supports 
  If you are leaving the ADF, transition services may help you explore training, career planning and approved education options. These supports are generally most relevant to serving members moving into civilian life. 
• Use health and wellbeing supports 
  If study is affecting your wellbeing, it may help to speak with your GP, counsellor, mental health professional, or another trusted support person. 

Compare study options 

Use this checklist to compare study options. 

• Vocational Education and Training (VET)
  Practical, skills-based courses delivered through TAFE and registered training organisations. Industry based training to meet job roles and licencing if required
• Micro-credentials and short courses
  Targeted learning options that focus on specific skills or knowledge areas. Vocational Micro-credentials are national and are available through TAFEs and ADC – these accredit specified skills against job tasks
• Tertiary education
  University degrees, diplomas and postgraduate study. Vocational, qualifications and micro-credentials can be used as credit not relevant university programs
• Online and flexible learning
  Options that allow you to balance study with work, family responsibilities or health needs.

The right option depends on your goals, experience and current circumstances. 

Use your Defence skills for study credit 

Your military experience may already count toward civilian qualifications or study. 

The Defence Military Skills Recognition program helps current and former ADF members translate Defence training and experience into recognised civilian qualifications or study credit. 

Find out more about recognising Defence skills here. 

Use transition support 

If you are transitioning out of the ADF, you may be able to access education, training and career support. 

The Career Transition Training Program helps fund approved education, training and professional development. Eligible members may be able to apply while still serving or for up to 24 months after leaving the ADF. 

Learn more about the Career Transition Training Program here. 

Explore veteran-specific education options 

Some providers offer tailored pathways, direct entry, recognition of prior learning or extra study support for veterans and serving members. 

For example, TAFE Queensland offers support for ex-Defence personnel, including the Defence to Civilian Success Training Program. You can find more details here. 

Some universities also offer veteran-focused entry pathways or support programs. For example, the University of Canberra offers direct entry, credit recognition and tailored support for current and former ADF members. The Veterans’ Employment Program also highlights study and training options. 

Check funding and pathway options 

Use this short list to check for extra funding or pathway options. 

• Veteran-friendly university pathways 
  Some universities offer direct entry, selection rank adjustments, credit recognition or dedicated veteran support programs. These options may give you a more supported pathway into higher education. 
• Government study loans and payments 
  Depending on your course and circumstances, you may be eligible for HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP or a VET Student Loan. You may also qualify for other income or study-related support depending on your situation. 

Useful links 

Use these links to find more information about study, training and transition support. 

Transition and Defence support

• Defence Military Skills Recognition 
  Explains how Defence training and service experience may count toward civilian qualifications or study credit. 
• Career Transition Training and employment assistance 
  Information about transition support, including approved training, education and employment assistance for eligible ADF members leaving service. 
• Partner Employment Assistance Program (PEAP)
  Financial support to help ADF partners with employment-related costs. Eligible partners in Australia can access up to $1,500 per financial year.

Course search tools

• Your Career 
  National course and provider search tool for VET options across Australia. 
   
• Course Seeker 
  Search and compare VET and tertiary courses from education providers across Australia. 
   
• Study Australia 
  General information about studying in Australia, including education pathways and planning your studies. 

Veteran-specific study options  

• TAFE Queensland – ex-Defence personnel 
  Support for ex-Defence personnel, including pathway guidance and Defence-related training support. 
   
• Veterans’ Employment Program – building your skills 
  Information about study, training and skill-building options for veterans.