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Introduction

In the digital age, digital crime has become a serious problem, not only for businesses and organisations but also for each individual. Many countries have to spend billions of dollars to control it, but the frequency and severity of cybercrime still increases significantly.   

Amid this situation, the demand for experts who possess expertise in criminal behavior, cybercrime and advanced technology of cyber security is increasingly high, creating a huge job market for cyber security graduates. According to PayScale (2023), the average salary for a cyber security specialist in Australia is much higher than the Australian average salary, particularly from $90,000 to 120,000 per year.  

Why Study Cyber Security in Australia?

  • No specific background required  

By successfully completing the Australian curriculum or an equivalent high school qualification, you are eligible to take a bachelor’s degree in a Cyber Security program. If you have already completed a bachelor’s degree in related disciplines, you can apply for a Master of Cyber Security. In case you have completed a bachelor and/or master program with 25% of research components, you can be eligible for a PhD program in Australia.   

  • Multiple start dates  

Australian universities normally have 2 or 3 intakes each year, usually in February, July, and November. This makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situations. Multiple starting dates also mean more flexibility with the different units and payments.  

  • Opportunities to stay longer in Australia  

By studying Cyber Security for 2 years or more in higher education sector (a Bachelor, Master, or PhD degree), international students are normally eligible for a 2-4-year Postgraduate Visa (visa 485). Graduates can use these visa opportunities to get more work experience and to prepare for their future immigration to Australia (visa 189, 190, 491).   

What Cyber Security courses are available for international students in Australia?

  • Bachelor of Cyber Security 

Bachelor of Cyber Security will provide students with a comprehensive introduction to cyber security. This course will cover a wide range of topics: network security, computer systems, programming, digital forensics and among others.  

  • Bachelor of Information Technology  

Some universities in Australia integrate the major cyber security into Bachelor of Information Technology programs. Students will be provided with a solid foundation in information technology; however, the focus of these courses will be on cyber security.  

  • Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security  

Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security only takes from 6 months to 1 year to complete, but it normally covers all necessary knowledge of this field, from digital forensics, network security to security management. This program is suitable for professionals who already have the foundation of technology but wish to upskill in cyber security.  

  • Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security 

A Graduate Diploma normally takes a bit longer and provides a more in-depth knowledge of the field than a Graduate Certificate. If you wish to expand your knowledge of cyber security, this course, that covers a wider range of topics, including penetration testing, incident response and security management, is for you.   

  • Master of Cyber Security 

A Master of Cyber Security program normally lasts for 2 years, covering advanced topics of the field (e.g., cybercrime, digital age threat, digital security management…) and equipping students with hands-on experience in cyber security. After graduating from this course, you can become an expert in the field.  

  • Master of Information Technology 

Similar to the Bachelor of Information Technology, this master course provides students with a comprehensive knowledge and skills in information technology but will focus more on cyber security. It covers a range of topics, including programming, data analytics, and network security.  

What are entry requirements for international students to study cyber security in Australia?

  • For a bachelor’s course, normally international students are required to have completed Year 12 or a Diploma and attained IELTS between 6.0 and 6.5. 
  • For a master’s course, normally international students are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree and attained IELTS between 6.0 and 6.5. 
  • For PhD programs, international students are required to obtain a master’s degree (or bachelor’s degree with honor program) in a related field and have strong academic performance. They are also required to provide evidence of relevant research experience together with letters of recommendation from academic or industry experts in the field of Cyber Security. Like the master course’s entry requirement, PhD applicants must submit English certificate with the at least IELTS score of 6.5.  

If you haven’t reached the IELTS 6.5, our Education Counsellors will help you find the universities that can fit your current English level. Contact us at [email protected] or fill out the enquiry form.  

Where can international students study Cyber Security courses in Australia?

Bachelor’s Level:  

Graduate Diploma Level:  

Master’s Level:  

There are many universities in Australia that offer courses in cyber security for international students. Contact us for free counselling about the course content, fees and admission requirements of universities that you are interested in.

How to apply for a skill assessment for a cyber security professional in Australia?

To have a positive skill assessment in cyber security, you must demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications, work experience, and skills required for a cyber security professional.  

Step 1: Obtain a relevant degree 

You are required to complete a bachelor’s degree or higher in cyber security or in a related field, such as computer science or information technology.  

Step 2: Acquire practical experience 

You are required to have at least one year of work experience in cyber security after completing your degree in Australia. You can list your previous work experience in your home country or other countries into the application, but bear in mind that you must have at least one year of work experience after graduation from a university in Australia. 

Step 3: Apply for skill assessment 

The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is a recognised assessing authority for cyber security professionals in Australia. When applying for the skill assessment, you will need to provide the following documents: 

  • A clear color scan of your passport 
  • Evidence of any name changes (if applicable) 
  • Your resume 
  • Your academic transcript 
  • Your award certificate or completion letter for your Australian qualification(s) 
  • Clear color scans of your work references on company letterhead 
  • Evidence of payment to confirm your work experience. 

It is important to be honest and transparent about your qualifications and experience when applying for the skill assessment. Providing false or misleading information can result in your application being rejected. 

What are the PR pathways for a cyber security professional?

Cyber Security is listed under the Medium and Long Strategic Skilled List, making it eligible for many Permanent Residency (PR) options in Australia. 

Step 1: Apply for a 485 Visa 

After completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in cyber security, you are eligible to apply for a 485 (Post-Higher Education Work stream) visa. To be eligible, you must have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with no band score lower than 5.5. 

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-5 years depending on your degree and nationality. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a Visa that Leads to a PR 

  • 189 – Skilled Independent Visa – This is a points-tested visa that allows you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. To be eligible, you must score a minimum of 65 points under the Skilled Migration Points Test. 
  • 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa – This is a permanent residency visa but requires a nomination from an Australian state. You must also work in the nominated state for at least 2 years. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so be sure to check if you meet all eligibility criteria before requesting a nomination. 
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – This is not a permanent visa, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). To be eligible, you must commit to working in a regional area of Australia for a specified period of time and score at least 65 points under the Skilled Migration Points Test. 
  • 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme Visa – This visa allows you to work and live in Australia indefinitely. To be eligible, you must be nominated by an approved employer and have at least 3 years of work experience. 
  • 482 – Temporary Skilled Shortage, Medium Term Stream – This visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years. To be eligible, you must have an employer willing to sponsor you. Holding a 482 visa increases your chances of obtaining a PR in the future. 
  • 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – This visa is applicable if you have a regional employer willing to sponsor you. You must have at least 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation and obtain a relevant skills assessment. 

Note: For the 189, 190, and 491 visa subclasses, you must score a minimum of 65 points under the Skilled Migration Points Test. For the 186, 482, and 494 visa subclasses, these are not points-tested visas but instead require a sponsor and usually 2-3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation. 

At SOL Edu, we have 4 registered migration agents, helping thousands of international students or other visa holders get a PR in Australia. Contact us at [email protected] or 07 3003 1899 or fill out the enquiry form to be assisted.

FAQs

What are the types of Cyber Security threats?

There are many types of cyber security threats. Here are some common examples: viruses, phishing scams, cyber-attacks, and unauthorised access to sensitive information of individuals or organisations.  

How much a Cyber Security Professional can earn in Australia?

The average salary for a cyber security professional is higher than the average Australia salary, with a range from $90,000 to $120,000 per year. However, the actual amount they can earn will depend on their experience, qualifications, location, and type of companies/organisations. For highly experienced cyber security professionals, they can earn significantly higher, up to AUD 200,000 per year. 

What are the expected careers for cyber security graduates?

Cybersecurity graduates can pursue a wide range of careers in the field, including the following: 

  • Information Security Analyst: Designing, implementing and managing security measures of an organisation are the main roles of information security analysts, so that they can protect the organisation against cyber-attacks and data breaches. 
  • Penetration Testers: Their main roles are (1) to test the security measures of an organisation by simulating possible cyber-attacks on its systems and (2) to identify weaknesses of the systems that need to be addressed. 
  • Cybersecurity Consultant: They advise organisations on best practices for protecting their systems and data from cyber threats and help implement security measures. 
  • Network and Information Security Engineer: They can be involved in the entire life cycle for an organisation’s systems, from designing, implementing, and maintaining network and information security systems. 
  • Digital Forensics Investigator: This position will investigate cybercrimes and collect digital evidence to support criminal investigations. 
  • Security Operations Center Analyst: Their main roles are monitoring networks and systems for security threats and responding to security problems. 
  • Incident Responder: This position will handle incidents relating to cyber security, for example data breaches and cyber-attacks. They will also need to take action to minimise any possible damage and restore normal operations. 
  • Security Software Developer: The responsibilities of this position are to design, develop, and maintain software solutions to protect against cyber threats. 
  • Cybersecurity Manager: They oversee the whole organisation’s cybersecurity program and manage the security team. 

Does cyber security job require a lot of math?

Cyber security jobs may need maths, but the level of maths required can depend on the specific jobs or tasks. For some areas of cyber security, such as network security and cryptography, you may need to have an understanding of complex mathematical concepts and algorithms. However, the good news is that not all cyber security positions require a strong background in mathematics. 

Many cybersecurity jobs, such as security analyst, incident responder, or penetration tester, may require a basic understanding of mathematical concepts, but the primary focus is on problem-solving and critical thinking skills. In these positions, a strong understanding of computer systems, networks, and security protocols is often more important than a deep understanding of mathematics.