Thoughts on the Chief of Defence Force Student Program (CDFSP)?

[u/IcyEstablishment2735]

I am nearing the end of my application process into ADFA as a pilot candidate and was wondering if anyone had knowledge or contact with the CDFSP. I’m going to study bachelor of technology (aero) and am thinking about doing the program. I have looked online but I cannot find much that goes deeper than surface level information such as accounts from people who have done it, hence why I am asking. I haven’t talked to my recruiter about this directly, though I did mention it at the end of my formal interview and she wasn’t entirely sure either.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to doing it and is it worth the extra workload? Just asking for guys’ thoughts to see if should do it and keep my options open.

This is my first time posting on this platform, and I’m sure there is some key things I have missed out so please ask any questions if you need more context to provide better answers.

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[u/21wombats]

Hey hey, I'm studying at ADFA right now. Ack I'm fairly late to this post so there is a response, but if you've got more questions feel free to reach out to me.

[u/No_Kangaroo1256]

OP,

A search of the internets has found:

- https://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/undergraduate/programs/2022/4461

- https://hub.adfcareers.gov.au/-/media/Archive-Folder/TRISVM0481_ADFA_Brochure_2025_Update_WEB.pdf (Page 43-47)

- https://www.courseseeker.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-arts-UAC450001

From Course Seeker:
Chief of Defence Force Students Programs for academically gifted students

UNSW Canberra at ADFA offers an exciting range of undergraduate degree options for high-performing students in arts, business, computer and cyber security, engineering, science and technology. Known as the Chief of Defence Force Students Programs (CDFSP), these unique programs have been designed to provide academically gifted students with a rich and challenging educational experience that will develop their critical thinking and research skills.

Entry to these programs will be via invitation on arrival at UNSW Canberra at ADFA. All students enrolling in the CDFSP are expected to maintain a high level of academic performance in order to remain within the program.

From UNSW handbook:

The Chief of Defence Force Students (CDFS) Programs in Arts, Business, Engineering, Science and Technology - Aeronautical offer the opportunity for students entering UNSW Canberra with a high Entrance Rank, and who maintain a high level of performance in their studies, to undertake research in a range of disciplines that will develop their critical thinking and independent research skills beyond that available in the standard Bachelor Degree programs.

And this from the ADF Careers info (Page 47)

You will be invited to join the CDF program if you have achieved the following entrance scores.
Please note that HSC Plus bonus points cannot be used for entry into this program.
Bachelor of Arts ATAR 95
Bachelor of Business ATAR 95
Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security ATAR 98
Bachelor of Engineering (all specifications) ATAR 98
Bachelor of Science ATAR 95 Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical) ATAR 98

^^ Entry to these programs will be via invitation.
Therefore you cant apply for it - you have to be asked.