Applications have opened for the 2018 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year program.

Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan said the program offered young Australians an exciting opportunity to earn a good wage, gain valuable skills and receive subsidised accommodation and meals as well as full medical and dental cover.

There are 570 positions available across Army, Navy and Air Force for 17-24 year olds with a year 12 education.

Last year Defence had 3,519 applications for 495 positions and 35 per cent of participants were women.

“The Gap Year program is a wonderful opportunity for young Australians to get a taste of the rewarding careers available in the defence force,” Mr Tehan said.

“Participants gain leadership skills, work in teams and grow professionally which will be valuable for the rest of their lives and there is no obligation to continue their service beyond the year.”