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Cyber Academy

Protect Australia's future. Secure your own.

The Cyber Academy is home to Australia’s most unique, innovative educational program, and we’re throwing the doors open for the first time in 2023.

We’re looking for people to join the Cyber Academy for an exciting, inclusive, and supportive earn-as-you-learn diploma and degree courses that will take you on your unique journey to discover your place in Australia’s cyber industry

About the program

The Cyber Academy is an exciting, inclusive, one-of-a-kind program co-designed by industry, education, and government to fast-track students into a career in the cyber industry and boost Australia’s sovereign cyber capabilities.

We’ve partnered with exceptional education providers to deliver a personalised, fully immersive, and supportive educational experience with University of Wollongong, and TAFE NSW in NSW and Swinburne University of Technology in Victoria.

In NSW students will co-enrol in the TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) and University of Wollongong Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security).

In VIC, students will receive a packaged offer of the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology Advanced Networking and Cyber Security specialisation, with a guaranteed place in year two and year three of BA-CYB Bachelor of Cyber Security upon completion of their Diploma.
 The Cyber Academy offers eligible candidates three years’ paid work within the cyber industry and extensive cyber security education and training. Students will receive coaching, mentoring, soft skills, ethics, and leadership training, providing critical skills and experience for a rewarding career in the cyber security sector.

We want you to be your best you, so we’ll tailor the experience to your unique needs and strengths. We do this in a safe, supportive, fun environment, and you’ll graduate with a bag full of tech, life, cognitive, social and emotional skills, so you’re ready to take on work and the world in your own uniquely awesome way. We’ll teach you all the technology skills (scripting, coding, cryptography, cloud, programming, security architecture) and life skills (communication, teamwork, integrity, problem-solving, planning and organisation, presenting, and networking).

We know balancing work and study is challenging. It might take time to adjust, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back, and we’ll make sure you have the right support and mentorship to manage your time and workload.
 In NSW, the Cyber Academy is proudly funded by the NSW Department of Education’s Collaboration and Innovation fund, and the TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) is subsidised by the NSW Government*

*eligibility criteria apply

In VIC, for the first year of the Degree, which is the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking, Cyber Security), the Skills First Program is a Victorian State Government scheme that provides access to government subsidies training to eligible individuals for specific courses. If an individual is eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of the training.

The cyber security sector in Australia is an exciting and expanding part of national public and private life. However, due to the rapid rise in cyber threats, there is a shortage of skilled people to protect Australia against cybercriminals.
 The good news is that the industry, and our academy, need all sorts of people and skills, so everyone has the potential to build a career and be a future cyber leader.

The cyber industry is about helping people, communities, and society stay safe and secure. To be successful, the industry must reflect the society we live in. We’re looking for diverse people from all backgrounds, abilities, and walks of life! The most important thing is an interest in a cyber career and a willingness to learn.

A cyber career could be in emerging technology, digital forensics (supporting cybercrime investigations), threat intelligence, incident response, or you might prefer a more non-technical role working with organisations to build cyber resilience.

Whatever your skills, interests and abilities, together, we’ll help by recommending industry employment that is suited to you.

Why cyber?

The cyber security sector in Australia is an exciting and expanding part of national public and private life. However, due to the rapid rise in cyber threats, there is a shortage of skilled people to protect Australia against cybercriminals.

The good news is that the industry, and our academy, need all sorts of people and skills, so everyone has the potential to build a career and be a future cyber leader.

The cyber industry is about helping people, communities, and society stay safe and secure. To be successful, the industry must reflect the society we live in. We’re looking for diverse people from all backgrounds, abilities, and walks of life! The most important thing is an interest in a cyber career and a willingness to learn.

A cyber career could be in emerging technology, digital forensics (supporting cybercrime investigations), threat intelligence, incident response, or you might prefer a more non-technical role working with organisations to build cyber resilience.

Whatever your skills, interests and abilities, together, we’ll tailor the course to you and help map out your perfect cyber career.

How to join

If you're interested, the first step is to express your interest. We will then guide you through the rest of the process step by step.

Depending on where you are at in your education journey, we will direct you to the appropriate application pathway for your studies at University of Wollongong/TAFE NSW or Swinburne University of Technology. At this point your eligibility for the program will be checked.
 Next steps are to get to know you and your unique abilities so we can tailor your industry employment to your specific needs. We do this through a cyber skills assessment tools so we can understand where you’re at and the best way to develop your talents.

The final step will be to undertake a short interview.

We’re looking for all sorts of people, and you might be one of them. So, if this has sold you on a cyber career, what are you waiting for?

Start your cyber adventure now.

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the Cyber Academy?

To be eligible you must be:

  • 17 years old or over
  • Completing your year 12 or equivalent studies in or prior to 2022, or no longer at school
  • Living or working in NSW or Victoria, or be willing to relocate
  • An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen 

Applicants are required to hold, at minimum, one of the following to be considered eligible for admission: 

In NSW:

Meet the entrance requirements for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) at the University of Wollongong (Selection Rank – ATAR+Adjustments = 75)

  • An NSW HSC (Higher School Certificate) or equivalent ORA recognised Tertiary Preparation Certificate OR
  • A qualification from a Registered Training Organisation at Diploma  level or above OR
  • The completion of at least one year full-time or equivalent in a degree course at a higher education 

In VIC:

  • Meet the entrance requirements of the Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking, Cyber Security)
  • Completed VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) or equivalent from other states OR
  • A qualification from a Registered Training Organisation at Certificate IV level or above OR
  • The completion of at least one year full-time or equivalent in a degree course at a higher education institution 
What will I pay for my tuition fees?

Subsidised training eligibility

TAFE NSW delivers government subsidised training, including under the NSW government Smart and Skilled program. To access government-subsidised training in TAFE NSW, including fee exemptions or concessions, you must be:

  1. An Australian citizen or meet the criteria of being an Australian permanent resident, a humanitarian visa holder, or a New Zealand citizen;
  2. Aged 15 years or older;
  3. No longer be at school;
  4. Living or working in NSW; or
  5. Registered as a NSW apprentice or new entrant trainee.

Fee free traineeships are available to NSW trainees whose training is funded under the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled Program.

This means the NSW Government will subsidise the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) course fee for eligible applicants.

Tuition fees for the UOW degree are Commonwealth Supported Places with a student contribution (information on this can be found here), this contribution can be deferred via HECS Help Loans.

In VIC, tuition fees can be deferred via HECS Help and VET FEE HELP.

What will I be paid?

You will be paid a yearly salary of at least $40,000 (pro rata) by the industry employer throughout the duration of your employment with the Cyber Academy program.

Is the degree online or in person?

Predominantly digital delivery.

Years 1-3 at TAFE NSW and the University of Wollongong

Year 1

  • You will participate in the full-time (online), 6-week TAFE NSW Bootcamp, designed to equip students with essential cyber security skills.
  • Following the Bootcamp, you will transition into the TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security), which is delivered online (2 days each week per Semester) and allows time for on-the-job contextualisation of the formal learning acquired.
  • You will also study programming subjects at UOW. Lectures are available online and tutorial classes will be delivered online but will be live and interactive, so you will need to participate at the scheduled time.

Year 2

  • You will continue with your TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security), which is delivered online (1 day each week per Semester) and allows time for on-the-job contextualisation of the formal learning acquired.
  • Cyber Academy students will continue their Bachelor of Computer Science at UOW, picking up full time university study in the second half of year 2. Lectures and tutorials will be predominately online but some on campus engagement may be available. 

Year 3

  • You will complete your Bachelor of Computer Science at UOW, studying topics like AI, ethical hacking, system security and complete a project in Cyber Security. Lectures and tutorials will be predominately online but some on campus engagement may be available.

 

Year 1-3 at Swinburne University

Year 1

As a Cyber Academy student, you will complete your ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology Advanced Networking and Cyber Security specialisation in a blended learning environment. Face-to-face, in person classes will predominantly be taught at our Hawthorn Campus.

As a Graduate of this diploma, you will have developed skills and knowledge that could be used for gaining suitable employment in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Industry.

Year 2 & 3

You will enter the BA-CYB Bachelor of Cyber Security, with eight units of study already credited as advanced standing. Following a course planner with other students in this degree, you will learn in a blended mode with some delivery at our Hawthorn Campus and some online. During our higher education semesters, you will study for three days a week and work for two.

As a graduate with this Bachelor’s degree, you will have developed extensive skills associated to the cybersecurity of systems, networks and programs. Via a combination of technical units and those associated with your industry projects, you will have demonstrated a contemporary technical ability, teamwork, oral and written communication skills.

Deloitte Next Generation Leadership Program.

Deloitte will be running events to provide an opportunity for students to network, learn, and have some fun.

How many days a week am I expected to work?
  • On average, you will do 3 days work, and 2 days of classes per week (note that you might need to put in extra time for study, exams, and assessments throughout the week).
  • As with any combination of work and study, there is the expectation that at times (particularly during busy study periods) you may need to flex your hours, but we will have support on hand to help manage your time.
Do I get time off while I work for the employer?

You get leave entitlements in accordance with your employers leave policy.

What support will be given at work?
  • Each student will be given support by their employer. While this may differ slightly from company to company, all students will be given a coach and buddy to support their time in the office.
  • Students will also have access to Deloitte's award-winning Next Generation Leadership Program.