Griffith University has stepped up its support for current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families through the establishment of the Griffith Veterans College.
Launched in early May, the College builds on the success of the Griffith University Veterans Program, which has supported more than 1,400 participants since its establishment in October 2023.
These students have consistently achieved academic results above the broader student population.
Led by Director and former Air Commodore Dave Paddison, the College brings together admissions, academic success, wellbeing, and career development into a single coordinated home for veteran students and, according to the university, is a first-of-its-kind model in the Australian higher education sector.
“Veterans bring extraordinary skills, discipline and life experience to our campuses, and they deserve a higher education experience that recognises that from day one,” Paddison said.
“The opening of the Veterans College is the natural next step in Griffith’s commitment to this community.
“It gives our veterans and their families a clear front door to the University, staffed by people who understand military service, who can translate that service into academic and career pathways, and who walk with them during their studies.”
At the heart of the College is support available to the students, including Griffith’s Veteran Direct Application pathway, allowing current and former ADF members to apply fee-free whilst converting military service into an academic selection rank and credit toward their degree.
The College also expands opportunities in research and partnerships, strengthening the University’s contribution to improving outcomes for veterans and their families.
Through multidisciplinary research and collaboration with external stakeholders across government, industry, and ex-services organisations, the College helps translate evidence into practice and foster coordinated, evidence-informed support.
Students enrolled through the Veterans College have access to: Credit Pathways that recognise service by translating military training and experience into accelerated degrees; career support throughout their studies, helping them translate military experience into meaningful career pathways both within Defence and civilian opportunities afterwards; academic support tailored to individual needs, including learning assistance, writing skills development, and assessment guidance; and scholarships specifically available for veterans to ease financial barriers and support their academic journey.
They also have access to accessibility and disability support services, with customised assistance based on individual requirements; and mental health and wellbeing support to ensure a smooth transition into academic life — and back into the workforce — through ongoing care and guidance.
“What makes this model work is that it is integrated and continuous,” Paddison said.
“A veteran transitioning out of service is often navigating a career change, a health journey, a family adjustment and a return to study all at once.
“We don’t hand them off between disconnected services. The Veterans College is one team, supporting one veteran, across the whole journey.”
The opening of the Veterans College responds directly to Recommendation 83 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which calls for Defence training and experience to be translated into recognised academic and employment pathways.
Griffith University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said the veteran cohort has notably higher representation across equity groups than the general student population, yet consistently outperforms academically when given the right support.
“Around three per cent of Australians have served in the military, and they are significantly underrepresented in higher education,” Evans said.
“Behind every statistic is someone who served their country and now wants to build the next chapter of their life. The Veterans College is here to help them achieve that goal.”
The impact of Griffith’s veteran support is reflected in the experiences of those who have come through it.
Bachelor of Design student and former ADF member Tim Bresolin said the program had reshaped his trajectory after leaving the military with injuries.
“Landing upon the Griffith Veterans Program has been a life changer,” Bresolin said.
“Now I can pursue a career with linear fundamentals and world-class teachers, and network and build a portfolio.”
The former ADF Combat Engineer said the support from the program has made study so much more attractive.
“This is the biggest opportunity I’ve received since leaving the Military nine years ago.”