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Military connected student friendly support

Navigating life after the military can be challenging. Whether for current serving or ex-serving members or for their partners, higher education can help facilitate a successful transition from military to civilian life, by expanding personal networks and skills and opening doors to gainful employment opportunities. At UniSQ, we’ve created a series of specialised services to support active and former serving Australian military personnel and their partners, through our Military Connected Student Friendly Campus Program.

If you are a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), or a partner of a current or former member of the ADF, you might be eligible for the following supports:

  • UniSQ’s Military Transition program, to help you transition into higher education study.
  • Military Connected Student Friendly Support (MCSFS) program to help you throughout your chosen course.
  • Course Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in recognition of the skills you have acquired during your service.
  • Direct Entry | ATAR Equivalency
  • Unique Scholarship Opportunities

If you are a de-facto partner of a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force, you are eligible for our (MCSFS) program.

Military Transition Program

The Military Transition Program is a specially adapted 6-week UniReady that will get you ready for your transition from the military to study in higher education.

This course is aimed for current serving or ex-serving military members who:

  • don’t have the relevant entry requirements for their chosen degree.
  • have not completed year 12
  • have been away from study for some time; or
  • need some extra academic support before they head into tertiary study.

The course offers the skills required of a student in the higher education sector and will help you along the pathway to success in the next phase of your career. This free program is open to current serving and ex-serving members of the ADF.

As part of your application, you’ll need to share your name and contact details, as well as your ADF service statement and educational history. Applications through the Military Transition Program will be automatically registered to the Military Connected Student Friendly Support (MCSFS) program.

How to apply

  1. Click the 'Find out more' link
  2. Review the details of UniReady, which the Military Transition Program is based on.
  3. Select Apply on the UniReady program page when you are ready to start your journey.
  4. During your enrolment process let us know about your military connection.
  5. UniReady will include specialised supports and training for our military connected students.

Open to all current UniSQ students, our Military Connected Student Friendly Support (MCSFS) program has been set up to assist current and ex-serving members of the ADF and their partners during their studies at UniSQ.

As part of the program, UniSQ provides support services designed for students who deal with competing demands of military service and study, helping you achieve your full academic potential. 

What you'll get

By registering to be part of the MCSFS program, you'll have access to a range of support and academic services, including access to dedicated military support services to help you through study including:

  • Support with academic progression,
  • Support with submitting assessment extensions.
  • Assistance in accessing student support services, including careers, wellbeing and learning support.

UniSQ recognises that military service provides a range of training and valuable work experiences. At UniSQ we want to recognise you for that knowledge and service through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

What is RPL?

With recognition of prior learning, you could be given credit for prior studies and work experience which will reduce the duration of your program – allowing you to graduate sooner!

How much RPL can I receive?

We recognise that everyone’s service is unique, and training can differ between each member. Similarly every course at university has different learning outcomes and objectives and as such no one RPL application is the same, as it is unique to you and your service.

Find out more about the process of recognition and use the guide below for an overview of common cases of recognition in our Bachelor of Business. The ranks also include the RAAF and RAN equivalency.

A process is currently underway to review recognition in the Associate Degree of Surveying, Bachelor of Surveying Technology and Bachelor of Surveying (Honours). If you are seeking recognition into any of these Degree Programs prior to this process being finalised, you are encouraged to complete the RPL process.

Units provided below belong to our Bachelor of Business (Emergent Leadership Major) and Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management Major). Please note that the below is only a guide for the Bachelor of Business, you may be eligible for recognition in other programs at the University, we encourage you to complete the RPL process as part of your consideration for study. 

Rank Recognition
Private

IET 4 Months – 1 unspecified elective credit
IET 6 Months – 3 unspecified elective credit
IET 12 Months – 4-credit UniSQ minor plus 1 unspecified elective credit (5 total credits)
IET 18 Months – 4-credit UniSQ minor plus 4 unspecified elective credits (8 total credits)

Lance Corporal Equivalent Private credits based on your IET training, plus:
MGT2002 - The Balanced Manager
Corporal Equivalent Private credits based on your IET training, plus:
MGT2002 - The Balanced Manager
MGT3011 - Leading for a Brighter Tomorrow
Sergeant and Warrant Officers Equivalent Private credits based on your IET training, plus:
MGT2002 - The Balanced Manager
MGT3011 - Leading for a Brighter Tomorrow
MGT2301 - Keeping People Safe and Well*
MGT3001 - Global Management**

* For members who have served in a Human Resources-focussed role.
** For members where they have undertaken an international exercise/deployment.

IET - Initial Employment Training

 

RPL for Officers

Officers are encouraged to apply through the RPL process for selected courses of study, UniSQ assesses the Initial Employment Training (IET) courses and promotion courses delivered by the ADF when assessing the application for recognition. 

Officers who have served a minimum of a 6 year return of service to the ADF can also use this experience as an entry pathway into the Graduate Certificate of Business Administration (GCBA) or Graduate Certificate of Business (GCBU). Entry into other postgraduate qualifications may also be available.

Credit Recognition 

UniSQ has proudly partnered with the Department of Defence with a formal articulation agreement, streamlining the pathway for students to receive credit for their formalised military qualifications. This collaboration allows individuals who have earned Certificate IV or Diploma level qualifications from the Department of Defence to seamlessly transfer their credits to many UniSQ programs. For detailed information on the specific credits available, please refer to the full Articulation Arrangement.

Students can access the UniSQ Credit Calculator to understand what credits may be available for their program and take the next steps to apply.

Current and ex-serving Australian Military members are able to apply for direct entry into a range of courses and are provided an ATAR equivalent ranking based on their service.

If you have completed Australian armed services general training and have at least two years' service, you will be awarded an ATAR equivalent selection rank that can make you eligible for a range of UniSQ programs. If you have attained a higher level of rank within the ADF, you will attain a higher level of equivalent selection rank. 

Rank or Training

Selection Rank Equivalency*

 Completion of armed services general training and two years’ experience  82
 Sergeant (Army) or equivalent   84
 Lieutenant (Army), Sub-Lieutenant (Navy), or Flying Officer (RAAF)  85
 Captain (Army), Lieutenant (Navy), or Flight Lieutenant (AAF)  86
 Major (Army), or Lieutenant Commander (Navy), or Squadron Leader (RAAF)  87
 Lieutenant – Colonel or higher rank (or equivalent)  88
 *Selection Ranks listed above are based off of equivalencies used for admission in 2024.

Not sure if you are ready to study?

Check out UniSQ's Military Transition Program above. UniReady is a specially adapted 6-week program that will get you ready for your transition from the military to study in higher education. Find out more about our degrees.

UniSQ offers and supports a range of scholarships to support ex-serving and current Australian Military Members.

Scholarships available but are not limited too:

For general information about all UniSQ Scholarships please visit the UniSQ Scholarships page.

For any assistance as part of the Military Connected Student Friendly Campus, please contact us.

Email: UniSQ Support