Aeronautical Engineering is the study of the design, development, manufacture, maintenance and control of machines or vehicles operating in the Earth’s atmosphere or in outer space.

The design of flight vehicles is a complex process that demands knowledge of many engineering disciplines, including aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural design, avionics, and stability and control systems. Maintaining and operating a flight vehicle requires an understanding of materials, reliability and structural analysis, along with knowledge of the design process.

You will study engineering practice and design, computational problem-solving, programming, mathematics, physics, engineering materials, aircraft and systems design, cyber security, and applied thermodynamics and propulsion. You will spend at least 60 days gaining practical experience in the workplace and undertake a capstone research project in your final year.

Undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces. Trainee Officers are selected by one of the three services (Navy, Army or Airforce) in the Australian Defence Force and must also meet academic entry requirements for UNSW Canberra at ADFA. Applying for ADFA is a dual application process. As selection for the Australian Defence Force is a competitive process, which can take up to 12 months, it is preferable that you apply to Defence Force Recruiting in Year 11. Visit this site for more information on both application processes.

Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the ‘Apply’ section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January.

Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

The Australian Defence Force covers tuition fees for defence students.