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Cyber Academy

Protect Australia's future. Secure your own.

Launched in 2023, the Cyber Academy is a unique and innovative educational program. 

It provides an exciting, inclusive and supportive earn-as-you-learn diploma and degree courses that help shape your career in Australia's cyber industry.

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

We are working with exceptional education providers to deliver a personalised, fully immersive, and supportive educational experience – the University of Wollongong and TAFE NSW in New South Wales, and Swinburne University of Technology in Victoria.

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

In Victoria, students will receive a packaged offer of the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology Advanced Networking and Cyber Security specialisation, with a confirmed placement in years two and three of the Bachelor of Cyber Security upon completion of their Diploma.

In New South Wales, the Cyber Academy is funded by the NSW Department of Education’s Collaboration and Innovation fund, and the TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) is fully subsidised by the NSW Government, where eligibility criteria are met. Further information can be found here.

In Victoria, the first year of the program, the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking, Cyber Security), is a part of the Skills First Program. The Skills First Program, a Victorian State Government scheme, provides access to government subsidised training which is available to eligible individuals for specific courses. Further information can be found here. 

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 them with critical skills and experience for a rewarding career in the cybersecurity sector.

We want you to be your best self, so we’ll support you in the development of your skills. We do this in a safe, supportive, fun environment, and you’ll graduate with a diploma, a degree, and work experience, so you’re ready to take on work and the world in your own way. Cyber Academy will teach you both technology (scripting, coding, cryptography, cloud, programming, security architecture) and life skills (communication, teamwork, integrity, problem-solving, planning and organisation, presenting, and networking).

We know that balancing work and study is challenging. It might take time to adjust, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back, the University, TAFE, employer, and Deloitte will provide the support and mentorship to manage your time and workload.

The cyber security industry 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 cyber 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 you have 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 you map out your perfect cyber career.

FAQ's

Sold on a career in cyber?

University of Wollongong (UOW)

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Swinburne University of Technology

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FAQs

Please contact your relevant education institution being UOW, TAFE NSW, or SUT for advice on any issues that may impact your study, including study load, difficulties meeting assessment requirements, etc.

Please contact your workplace for all coaching support, inclusion and diversity support, learning opportunities, IT support, and mental and wellbeing services, including workload or personal/family illness.

To be eligible to enrol in the Cyber Academy you must be:

  • 17 years old or older;
  • in the process of completing your year 12 or equivalent studies either in 2024 or prior to that, or no longer be at school;
  • reside or work in NSW or Victoria, or be willing to relocate to these states; and
  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, or humanitarian visa holder.

If you are based in New South Wales, please apply through the UOW website. To be eligible for admission, you should meet the entry requirements for the  listed below:

  • completed the Higher School Certificate or equivalent;
  • hold a recognised Tertiary Preparation Certificate;
  • hold a qualification from a Registered Training Organisation at Diploma level or above; or
  • completed at least half of a standard year full-time (0.50 full-time equivalent) in a degree course at arecognised higher education provider.

Please check eligibility criteria that might apply for TAFE participants to access NSW Government funding. If you are based in Victoria, please apply through the SUT website. To be eligible for admission, you should meet the entry requirements of the Diploma of Information Technology (Advanced Networking, Cyber Security) listed below:

  • completed VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) or equivalent from other states;
  • hold a qualification from a Registered Training Organisation at Certificate IV level or above; or
  • completed at least one year full-time or equivalent in a degree course at a higher education institution.

The Cyber Academy is excited to offer you a unique opportunity to showcase your skills and abilities through our innovative Human Capabilities Testing.

Unlike traditional entrance exams, our Human Capabilities Testing employs innovative technology to assess your aptitude for the dynamic world of cyber security. Instead of being confined to a piece of paper, we believe in harnessing the power of video interviews in your very own space.

Here's how it works:

Pre-Recorded Video Interview:

No need to stress over exam dates! We understand that optimal performance comes when you are comfortable and prepared. After applying through SUT or UOW, you'll receive a set of questions and challenges tailored to gauge your problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. You can record your responses in the comfort of your own space and submit the video at your convenience.

Demonstrate Your Skills :

Whether you're a coding prodigy, a cryptography enthusiast, a networking genius, or an ethical hacking whiz, our Human Capabilities Testing is designed to identify and appreciate diverse talents. We encourage you to showcase your unique expertise and passion for cyber security.

Subsidised training eligibility


In New South Wales, TAFE NSW delivers government subsidised training, under the NSW Government Smart and Skilled program . This means the NSW Government will fully subsidise the ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) course fee for eligible applicants. To access the government subsidised training in TAFE NSW, including fee exemptions or concessions, please refer to the TAFE NSW website.

The tuition fees for the UOW degree falls under the Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) helping you cover costs such as the student contribution. (information on CSP can be found here , this contribution can be deferred via HECS-HELP Loans.

In Victoria, tuition fees can be deferred via HECS-HELP and VET Student Loans.

The University of Wollongong and TAFE NSW

Year 1

  • You will participate in the full-time (online), 6-week TAFE NSW Boot Camp, designed to equip students with essential cyber security skills.-
  • Following the Boot Camp, 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 foron-the-job contextualisation of the formal learning acquired.
  • You will also study programming subjects at UOW. Lectures are available online and tutorial classes will bedelivered 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 2 days at UOW for programming subjects. This 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 required.

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 required. 

Please refer to the general subject listing and delivery information for ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology on the TAFE NSW website. Specific subject listing and delivery information will be provided prior to program commencement.

Please refer to the subject listing for the Bachelor of Computer Science on  UOW website.
 

Swinburne University – Year 1 – 3

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. In-person classes will be predominantly taught at the Hawthorn Campus.
  • As a Graduate of this diploma, you will develop skills and knowledge that could be used for gaining suitable employment in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Industry.

Years 2 & 3

  • You will enter the Bachelor of Cyber Security, with eight units of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 
  • You will learn in a blended learning environment with in-person and online classes, following a similar course structure to other students in the Bachelor of Cyber Security degree.
  • As a graduate of this bachelor’s degree you will develop extensive skills associated to the cybersecurity of systems, networks and programs.
  • Through a combination of technical units and those associated with your industry projects, you will demonstrate a contemporary technical ability, teamwork, oral and writtencommunication skills.

Please refer to the subject listing for the Bachelor of Computer Science on SUT website.

For both courses, participants are expected to work on average three (3) days and study for two (2) days per week, over the course of a calendar year.

The University of Wollongong
 
In the Bachelor of Computer Science, you will be introduced to some hands-on experience, but the main goal is to understand the fundamental techniques and theories that can be used to conduct penetration testing. In the labs, we make use of various operating systems and try to be OS/Company agnostic. The focus is on students to understand fundamental techniques, so they can ‘learn how to learn’ how to use future technologies and always be able to pick up and use new and updated tools throughout their careers.
 
In the Cyber Security major, you will study the technical and political concepts of current cyber security topics, such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, multimedia security, Internet of Things (IoT) security, obfuscation, and reverse engineering. You will learn penetration testing skills for defensive purposes and be prepared for ethical hacking certification. The undergraduate degree is delivered at an AQF level 7, which will give you the skills to apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge to a range of contexts, such as professional work and a pathway for future learning.
 
TAFE NSW
 
Each Unit of Competency is comprised of at least 50% practical assessments, where students must demonstrate and provide evidence of specific skills. In some cases, the practical component is higher. For example, the practical elements within networking Units of Competency are up to 70%.
 
To demonstrate skills, students use a range of different technologies, including, but not limited to:
 
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • Active Directory Administration
  • Server Roles and Configuration
  • Server Management and Group Policy
  • DCHP, DNS, RRS, Remote and site-to-site VPNs etc
  • SIEM Software Installation and Configuration
  • Splunk SPI and Administration
  • Use of Database and SPI statements
  • Tools in Kali Linux for penetration testing (within intrusion exercises)

 

Swinburne University of Technology

Students complete the Diploma in Information Technology (Advanced Networking and Cyber Security) course over a span of 12 months. It is assumed that students have had some prior knowledge/experience within the IT field.

Students completes different units primarily making use of Windows and Linux operating systems, Cisco technology, cloud-based environments such as AWS, and Splunk.

Cyber Academy participants have the opportunity to work in cyber roles across both the public and private sector, including at Deloitte. The placement of the participants is based on selection by the participating company, which varies each year. Participants will go through an interview and skills assessment process, these results are shared with participating companies. The role will depend on the needs of the participating company. However, the role will be in the area of Cyber and can range from covering the technical aspects of Cyber such as monitoring, threat analysis to process, governance, through to non-technical elements such as conducting risk assessments.

Support for Participants


Participants of the Cyber Academy will have dedicated contacts for support within the Academy. Please select your respective state by clicking the drop down below.

Education Related:


University of Wollongong:

Please contact the University of Wollongong for all Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) support enquires related to: 

  • General education enquires: Email AskUOW at askuow@uow.edu.au.
  • Academic Support: Contact your Subject Coordinator for subject related enquiries or your Course Coordinator for course related enquiries. Contacts for the School of Computing and Information Technology can be found here.
  • Health and Wellbeing Support: Support can be found here or email UOW at support-wellbeing@uow.edu.au. 
  • Accessibility and Disability Support: Support can be found here or email UOW at student-access@uow.edu.au.

TAFE NSW:

Please contact TAFE NSW for support related to ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security):

Workplace:

Please contact your workplace for all support related to:

  • General work enquires
  • Coaching Support Network
  • Inclusion and Diversity Support
  • IT Support 
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Support

Education related:
 

Please contact Swinburne University of Technology for all support related to:

  • General education enquires: Appointments can be scheduled here or phone SUT on 1300 794 628 (option 2).
  • Academic Support: Support can be found here.
  • Health and Wellbeing Support: Support can be found here.
  • Accessibility and Disability Support: Support can be found here.


Workplace:

Please contact your workplace for all support related to:

  • General work enquires
  • Coaching support network
  • Inclusion and diversity support
  • Learning opportunities
  • IT Support
  • Mental health and wellbeing support

Get in Touch

Cyber Academy Team

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