Gianfagna is aiming to follow in the footsteps of ex-Carlton player Jordan Bannister and former St Kilda player Leigh Fisher, both of whom made it onto the AFL's senior umpiring panel after graduating from the academy.
The highpoint of the 25-year-old's playing career came when he was rookie-listed by Melbourne for the 2006 season.
Since leaving the Demons, he has played 70 VFL games for the Northern Blues.
Gianfagna joins former Box Hill Hawks player Brent Wallace in the academy program.
"Andre approached (us) to see if he could join the umpiring pathway program after watching the progress of Jordan Bannister and Leigh Fisher," AFL umpiring director Jeff Gieschen said.
"Andre has an extensive playing background at state league level and, as a club captain, brings leadership to the program as well.
"He is an outstanding athlete and joins the program at a perfect age to give him an excellent chance of being successful."
The Player to Umpire Pathway Academy was developed to fast-track ex-players into umpiring.
Gianfagna will begin umpiring in Melbourne's amateur competition next season.
His progression from there will depend upon how quickly he grasps his new role.
Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol
