DASS - Overview

Defence Assisted Study Scheme 

Reserve funding for the Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) has been approved and access to DASS commenced in Semester One 2008. The aim of DASS is to improve the in-Service study opportunities for military personnel of all rank levels and to encourage individuals to consider professional training and education throughout their career.

For any Air Force related DASS Enquires Click here


As indicated, the purpose of the DASS is to encourage ADF members to consider professional training and education options throughout their career by improving in-Service study opportunities. This is accomplished primarily by providing work release for approved study and professional development programs and/or financial support. The DASS focuses on the development of skills and knowledge relevant to Defence needs, and also assists members to transition to civilian employment when they leave the ADF.

The provisions available under the DASS are detailed in DI (G) PERS 05-1.


Outline of the DASS

On this page:

• Features of the DASS 
• Advantage for ADF members 
• Benefits available 
• Who can apply? 
• What courses may be sponsored under the DASS? 
• DASS levels 
• Work release for study activities 
• Further information 
• Applications 
• Financial implications of Reportable Fringe Benefits (RFB)
• Application should be forwarded to 

Features of the DASS

• Voluntary participation
• Supports education and training
  • for current and likely future ADF employment
  • for intended employment after leaving the ADF
  • at community institution

Advantages for ADF members

• Gain new skills and qualificatons
• Improved work performance and job satisfaction
• Improved job prospects
  • in the ADF
  • after leaving the ADF

Benefits available

• Release from work for study-related activities-up to 90 hours per semester
• Compensation cover for approved study-related activities
• Reimbursement of some costs
• Exam leave

Who can apply?

• ADF members on Continuous Full-Time Service (CFTS) of 12 months or more
  • Limits and exclusions apply to some groups and in some circumstances
• Active Reservists  

What courses may be sponsored under the DASS?

• Courses leading to the award of a certificate, year 12, diploma, graduate diploma, master or doctorate
  • related to ADF employment or likely future employment, or
  • related to intended career on leaving the ADF

• DASS level 1 - ADF preferred subject areas and courses that have a clear career development focus
  • Up to $4000 per year
• DASS level 2 - courses relevant to the applicant's current or likely future employment
  • Up to $2000 per year
• DASS level 3 - Courses and short vocational courses that are relevant to the applicant's ADF vocation or desired vocation on leaving the Service
  • Up to $1000 per year

Work release for study activities

• Subject to supervisor approval
• For private study, lectures, tutorials, residential colleges, research, etc
  • Up to 90 hours per semester, plus some travel time
• Exam leave

• DASS OG
• the Unit, local or Regional Education Officer
• DI (G) PERS 05 - Defence Assisted Study Scheme

Applications

• Form AD105 (PDF Version)
• Applications for short level 3 courses must reach the Approval Delegate two weeks before the course
  • For all courses other that short level courses:
  • Applications for courses starting during 01 Jan-30 Jun must reach the Approval Delegate on or before:
    • 01 February
  • Applications for courses starting during 01 Jul - 31 Dec must reach the Approval Delegate on or before 30 Apr.

Financial implications of Reportable Fringe Benefits (RFB)

• DASS is a RFB
• RFB affect entitlements and liabilities such as
  • income-tested Government-funded benefits
  • the Medicare levy and superannuation surcharge
  • child support payment.

• Navy Reservists—Staff Officer Education, Navy Personnel and Training Centre—Canberra R8–LG–008, Department of Defence, CANBERRA ACT  2600, telephone: (02) 6265 2317 or 02) 6265 1477.
  
• Army Reservists—S7/8 Headquarters Land Warfare Centre, CANUGRA  QLD  4275, telephone: (07) 5541 6596. Advice may be gained through the Regional Education Officers network. Strategic policy advice for unit command staff should be referred to SO1 Education, Headquarters Training Command. 
  
• Air Force Reservists—Reserve Capability Management, Building L474 RAAF Williams, Laverton  VIC  3027, telephone: (03) 9256 3688 or (03) 9256 3254.