Australian Federal Police College in Canberra

A College that backs you

Big goals, new mates and a college that’s with you every step of the way. At the AFP College, you’ll step into your future with confidence and use your learning mindset to gain the skills and knowledge required to be a Protective Service Officer (PSO), National Police Officer (NPO) or ACT Policing Officer.

Offering nationally recognised training that blends theory with practical application, your experience will be hands on, fast paced and designed to give you the confidence to excel in your next move.

As a recruit, you’ll earn while you train and benefit from the College’s facilities, resources and ongoing support – all geared to help you succeed. Recruits will train and learn the necessary skills to become an officer at either AFP College in Canberra or Pinkenba in Brisbane. There are currently no other training facilities across Australia for AFP recruit programs.

Recruit courses run year-round, with multiple courses occurring concurrently. Intakes are scheduled in line with operational requirements.

At a glance

Training duration

PSO: 15 weeks
NPO: 26 weeks (Canberra College only)
ACT Policing Officer: 26 weeks (Canberra College only)

Salary

Generous salary plus 15.4% superannuation

Benefits

Free single-room accommodation main meals, gym, fitness classes, access to health practitioners

Equipped for what’s ahead

From day one you won’t just be studying, you’ll be stepping into an environment built to challenge, inspire and prepare you for of the realities of policing. Side by side with your fellow recruits, you’ll dive into law, police powers, protection, investigative techniques and operational safety.

You’ll learn to manage your time, stay sharp under pressure and balance study, fitness and downtime. Just as importantly you’ll build friendships and connections that will stay with you throughout your career.

At the AFP College, no two days are the same. You’ll sharpen your skills through immersive training in:

Legislation and Australia’s Judicial System
Scenario based exercises that feel like the real thing
Note taking and analytical thinking to help you respond quickly and effectively
Investigations and case management
Driver training
Firearms handling and safety training
Defensive tactics to protect yourself and others
De-escalation techniques to defuse pressure situations.

This is more than just training, it’s the start of something bigger. By graduation, you won’t just have the skills and knowledge to succeed, you’ll have the pride, resilience and confidence to step forward to protect your community.

Qualifications

As an enterprise registered training organisation, AFP College RTO (#1056) offers 8 nationally recognised qualifications:

POL60121 Advanced Diploma of Police Close Personal Protection
POL65125 Advanced Diploma of Police Investigation
POL62422 Advanced Diploma of Surveillance
POL50124 Diploma of Policing
POL58121 Diploma of Police Search and Rescue Coordination (Marine/Land)
POL50225 Diploma of Police Intelligence Practice
POL41225 Certificate IV in Protective Services
PSP40416 Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

For a snapshot of what to expect watch our life as a college recruit video

AFP College, Canberra

Nestled between the city and Lake Burley Griffen, AFP College in Barton offers an opportunity to live and train in a well-connected part of Canberra with nature and a vibrant lifestyle on your doorstep.

NPO, ACTP, and select PSO training courses are delivered in Canberra. For PSO recruits, the recruitment team will confirm whether your training will take place at AFP College in Canberra or at Pinkenba in Brisbane.

Everyday perks, just outside the College:

A short walk to Kingston for shops, restaurants and cafes
Minutes away from the city
Complete the iconic bridge to bridge walk at Lake Burley Griffin
Vibrant events calendar throughout the year
Connect with friends and family at local cafes, restaurants and bars
Mountain bike riding at Mount Stromlo
A short drive to the snow, beach or National Parks
Museums and galleries.

Whether you’re into quiet moments or a weekend adventure, you’ve got the freedom to shape your downtime in Canberra and the surrounding area.

Discover more about Canberra

You can unwind and play a friendly game of pool.

Recruits often spend their downtime relaxing in the bar.

There are communal spaces to chill out with friends and watch a movie, these spaces have a kitchenette.

The accommodation includes a private bathroom and study space.

You have access to a sunny internal courtyard.

There are training rooms on site where your classroom activities will be delivered.

The gym has all the equipment needed to increase your fitness levels while you are training.

The AFP College is located in Barton, Canberra.

Our lobby has barista coffee available for a caffeine hit before training.

The library at the college is the perfect place for group study sessions with your classmates.

The AFP Dining room provide three meals a day for recruits.

Curious about what life is like at the AFP College?

Take a tour with two of our recruits.

Pinkenba, Brisbane

Based near the airport in Brisbane, the Pinkenba Training Centre (PTC) and Pinkenba Hub (the Hub) host multiple training programs for the AFP inclusive of the AFP Protective Service Officer recruit training. The PTC is a fit for-purpose training environment for the AFP with a focus on supporting the Pacific Policing Initiative and AFP recruit classes. The Hub provides accommodation and training facilities, located a short distance (approx. 10 minutes) between sites.

Currently, only select PSO training courses are delivered at Pinkenba. All other courses are delivered at AFP College in Canberra. For PSO recruits, the recruitment team will advise where your training will take place.

Our Protective Service Officer recruits may train at Pinkenba in Brisbane.

Each recruit has their own separate accommodation.

The rooms have each contain a private bathroom and kitchenette.

Recruits can spend their down time socialising in the breakout space.

Recruits are provided three meals a day in the dining room.

Recruits can receive personalised support from The AFP’s SHEILD Physiotherapists and Registered Nurses.

Facilities

AFP College provides the essentials you need to train, learn and live during your time on site, including:

free single-room accommodation equipped with an ensuite, single bed, computer facilities and television
free breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
coffee shop*, bar* and dining hall
exercise classes and a fully equipped gym
access to health practitioners during designated times
free laundry facilities
technology-enabled training rooms and a resources centre
free off-street parking.

*Canberra College only.