The Principals Federation thinks a military "gap year" could offer school leavers some breathing space to decide on a future career.
Under the proposal, students could spend a year in the Army, Navy or Air Force before going on to university and earn a salary or credit off their student loan.
The Australian Defence Force already has a gap year programme where students earn around $A50,000 per year, with no further involvement required.
The similar proposal here has been welcomed by Principal's Federation president Ernie Buutveld who says students now take more time to think about what they want from a career.
He says many want to avoid a situation where they have a student loan and qualifications with few job prospects.
