ADF recruits to train in PNG first as new pathway opens 16 Nov 2026

Students at Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Papua New Guinea will be among those targeted for a new Australian Defence Force recruitment pilot opening on 16 November 2026. PAU is one of only three universities selected for the first phase, alongside the University of Papua New Guinea and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology.

Key facts

• Recruitment pilot opens 16 November 2026
• Three universities selected: Pacific Adventist University, University of Papua New Guinea, Papua New Guinea University of Technology
• Pilot begins with about 50 recruits in 2027 and another 50 in 2028
• Successful applicants complete 16 weeks of training in Papua New Guinea
• Recruits will eventually be required to obtain Australian citizenship while retaining PNG citizenship

What is happening?

The pilot will begin with about 50 recruits in 2027 and another 50 in 2028. Successful applicants will complete 16 weeks of training in Papua New Guinea before entering the Australian Defence Force if they meet education, health, fitness and other entry requirements.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the small first intake is designed to test the system before Australia expands recruitment, potentially to thousands of Papua New Guineans over the next decade.

Who is affected?

Students at the three selected Papua New Guinean universities are targeted for the first phase. Recruits will eventually be required to obtain Australian citizenship while retaining their PNG citizenship.

Why is this happening?

The program is part of the new Papua New Guinea–Australia alliance under the Pukpuk Treaty, which entered into force in July and is Papua New Guinea's first formal defence alliance.

What this means for travellers

Students at the three selected universities who are interested in the pathway should note the pilot opens on 16 November 2026, with the first recruits starting in 2027. Applicants must meet education, health, fitness and other entry requirements.

No further details on application procedures or deadlines have been announced in the information available.