Veteran Tertiary Support Program

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Veteran Tertiary Support Program

About the program

At the University of Canberra, we recognise your commitment to your country and your experience serving in the Australian Defence Force (Defence). As a current or former member of Defence, you are invited to participate in our Veteran Tertiary Support Program (VTSP).

If you are a current or former member of Defence and would like to study at the UC, your participation in the Veteran Tertiary Support Program entitles you to:

  • apply through the website for direct entry
  • receive an automatic selection rank based on your Defence rank and experience
  • obtain automatic credit for some units in some courses reducing your course completion time and the cost of your course
  • apply for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) for additional credit, subject to course requirements and credit limits
  • access a range of tailored support and benefits.

Request your Defence Service Record

To apply, you will need to submit a copy of your Defence Service Record. If you don’t have it already, contact Defence via 1800 333 362 or customer.service@defence.gov.au.

Be sure you have at hand at least three identifying details in your email: full name, date of birth, PMKeys/service number, place of birth, or former name (if applicable).

Apply now start your direct entry application to study with us.

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Automatically get a selection rank based on your Defence service. 

We assess your Defence service automatically and convert it into a university selection rank, similar to an ATAR. 

Credit

Credit can shorten the time it takes you to complete your degree and make it more cost-effective. The courses you completed while serving in Defence are considered credentialled learning by us and so you are eligible for automatic credit in some courses.

Credit is usually granted in three credit point blocks – the equivalent of one unit in a course. The more credit you receive the fewer units you need to study to complete the course, reducing the time to completion and the overall cost of the course. 

Initial Employment Training (IET)

This assessment includes assessing your Initial Employment Training (IET) and promotion courses you completed in Defence. The amount of credit you can be granted will depend on:

  • IET duration
  • achieved rank during service
  • limits on the amount of credit we will grant in a course as described in the Credit Procedures.

Automatic credit for some units may be applicable to your selected course

Some of our courses have been assessed for automatic credit for current and former Defence personnel based on rank and IET.

In a course, some units are required units and some units may be elective units. The credit available for the listed courses is for elective units. Most units are worth 3 credit points.

For more information about Credit and the RPL process please review the Credit Procedures.

Want to discover more? Visit our credit assessed courses page.

Discover credit assessed courses

We recognise that the training and other activities you undertook during your Defence service may be able to be recognised and provide additional credit if that training or the other activities correspond to learning outcomes in units in your chosen course. In addition to automatic credit, you may be eligible to apply for credit through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. 

RPL is a formal process where you submit an application describing your previous study or work experience in relation to a particular unit or course.

The relevant Faculty will review your RPL application and make a decision about whether your previous study and work experience demonstrate the learning outcomes in any of the units in your course. If the prior learning aligns with the learning outcomes of one or more units in your selected/chosen course, you may be eligible for credit.

If you feel that your individual variations in your Defence service records would be eligible for RPL, then you can apply for RPL at the time of applying for your course. 

For more information about Credit and the RPL process please review the Credit Procedures.

The Veteran Tertiary Support Program provides tailored support and benefits to you as a current or former Defence member. This tailored support is designed to support your transition to study at the University of Canberra.

Support for defence members
Navy Army Air Force UC Selection rank (1-3 years time served) UC Selection rank (3 or more years time served)
Admiral of the fleet Field Marshall Marshal of the Royal Australian Air Force 83 92
Admiral General Air Chief Marshal 83 92
Vice Admiral Lieutenant General Air Marshal 83 92
Rear Admiral Major General Air Vice Marshal 83 92
Commodore Brigadier Air Commodore 83 92
Captain Colonel Group Captain 83 92
Commander Lieutenant Colonel Wing Commander 83 92
Lieutenant Commander Major Squadron Leader 83 92
Lieutenant Captain Flight Lieutenant 83 92
Sub-Lieutenant Lieutenant Flying Officer 83 92
Acting Sub-Lieutenant Second Lieutenant Pilot Officer 83 92
Midshipman Officer Cadet Officer Cadet 83 92
Chaplains All ranks   83 92
Navy Army Air Force UC Selection rank (1-3 years time served) UC Selection rank (3 or more years time served)
Warrant Officer of the Navy Regimental Sergeant Major of the Army Warrant Officer of the Air Force 83 92
Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Class 1 Warrant Officer 83 92
Chief Petty Officer Warrant Officer Class 2 Flight Sergeant 83 92
  Staff Sergeant   83 92
Petty Officer Sergeant Sergeant 83 92
Navy Army Air Force UC Selection rank (1-3 years time served) UC Selection rank (3 or more years time served)
Able Seaman Corporal Corporal 73 75
Leading Seaman Lance Corporal Leading Aircraftman/ Aircraftman 73 75
Seaman Private Aircraftman/ Aircraftman 73 75

Explore the program further

Postgraduate study

Spending a significant amount of time in Defence showcases exceptional leadership, global awareness, communication, and team management skills. This background demonstrates your ability to lead diverse teams, manage complex projects under pressure, and ensure precision and clarity in communication in a wide range of environments — qualities that are directly transferable to postgraduate courses across the university.

If you hold the equivalent rank of O-1 or above as an officer or chaplain, or E06 and above as an SNCO, you are eligible for direct entry into:

If you have been a defence member for 3 years or more at any rank, you are eligible for direct entry into the below courses. You do not need to have completed an undergraduate degree.

VTSP scholarship opportunities

We offer two scholarships that are specific to current and former defence members. Receiving payment from a scholarship or bursary can ease some of the financial pressures of going to university. It can help you to stay focused on your studies and take up opportunities that may get you where you want to be in the future.

View all UC scholarships

The hybrid learning environment makes UC a great option for defence partners who are still experiencing all of those frequent relocations, or family and work commitments.

Amanda McCue, Defence Partner

Bachelor of Laws

The hybrid learning environment makes UC a great option for defence partners who are still experiencing all of those frequent relocations, or family and work commitments.

Amanda McCue, Defence Partner

Bachelor of Laws

As an ex-Chief of Army, 15 years ago now, and a Professor at the University of Canberra, I want to say thank you for your service. We look at this as though you've had our backs, now it's time for us to have yours.

Prof Peter Francis Leahy, Lieutenant General

Faculty of Business, Government and Law

As an ex-Chief of Army, 15 years ago now, and a Professor at the University of Canberra, I want to say thank you for your service. We look at this as though you've had our backs, now it's time for us to have yours.

Prof Peter Francis Leahy, Lieutenant General

Faculty of Business, Government and Law

The flexibility afforded by the online program has allowed me to continue doing my job and balance family commitments while studying.

Damon O'Hara, Maritime Logistics Officer

Juris Doctor

The flexibility afforded by the online program has allowed me to continue doing my job and balance family commitments while studying.

Damon O'Hara, Maritime Logistics Officer

Juris Doctor

    Apply now

    Ready to take the next step in your education and career?

    The Veterans Tertiary Support Program helps veterans transition to civilian life by recognizing your military experience and converting it into university credits. This means fewer classes, a faster path to your degree, and a smoother transition for you and your family. Enjoy personal support, health services, and access to the Veterans and Families Club.

    Apply now and unlock your potential with the support you deserve.

    Apply now

    Download our guide

    Contact us

    Student Central
    Building 1, Level B, University of Canberra
    Bruce ACT 2617

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