Cyber Academy

To be eligible to apply for the Cyber Academy you must be:

• A domestic student (an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen);

AND

• Living or working in NSW, or be willing to relocate;

AND

• Meet the entrance requirements for UOW's Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) - Cyber Academy. 

To join this exciting program, you must successfully progress through the following three key stages.

Stage 1: Academic application and assessment by UOW

• Applications are now open. Academic assessment will be conducted during the month of September. See the How to Apply tab for more information. 
• If your application is successful, you will receive a conditional offer for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) - Cyber Academy, and you will be contacted in September / October with details of progressing to Stage 2. 

Stage 2: Online skills assessment and video submission hosted by Deloitte

• Conducted between September and October
• You will be required to:
  • Submit a recorded video interview

AND 

• • Complete two skills assessments

• If you have met the requirements of the skills assessment and video submission, Deloitte will progress your application to Stage 3.

Stage 3: Industry placement

• Conducted in November with final placements occurring in December.
• Suitability mapping and recruitment performed by Deloitte with industry partners.
• If you are matched with an industry partner, you will be notified of your successful entry into the Cyber Academy program with the next steps.

Please note, your application process and timelines will vary if you are a School-leaver (currently completing Yr 12) or Non-School Leaver.

Apply via UOW Early Admissions to Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) - Cyber Academy (Course Code - 754130).

Applications have now closed for Early Admission.

Apply via UAC to Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) - Cyber Academy (754130).

Applications for the 2024 intake have now closed.

There are a range  of admssions pathways available to non-school leaver applicants. If you did not receive an ATAR or achieve the required score for admission, please contact the UOW Future Students team to discuss your options.

You will co-enrol in the TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) and UOW's 3203 Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security). Both programs will be delivered online and will include live and interactive components. 

The program features:

Year 1

• In Year 1, you will participate in a 5-6 week full-time TAFE NSW Bootcamp commencing in early January. The Bootcamp is specifically designed to provide students with essential cyber security skills.
• After the Bootcamp, you will transition into the TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security).
• In addition, you will study two programming subjects as part of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) in the first year.

Year 2

• In Year 2, you will complete the final units of your TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security).
• You will proceed with your studies by enrolling in six subjects in the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) program.

Year 3

• In Year 3, you will complete the final subjects of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security).

Your industry placements will be paid opportunities and will be with industry partners including Deloitte, Government departments, and private organisations located in NSW. Your placement will be with one industry partner for the duration of the Cyber Academy program.

The Cyber Academy includes integrated, applied learning and assessment and an intensive study schedule in Year 1 (including a full-time Bootcamp over 5-6 weeks) to support the acquisition of foundational cyber skills and prepare you with the skills and knowledge to engage collaboratively in the workplace.

The Cyber Academy is structured so that across the three-year program, you can:

• undertake the courses for up to five (5) days per week to attend the full-time Bootcamp and during final assessment periods, and up to three (3) days per week during study sessions to ensure that you can meet your learning requirements. However, you should, on average over the course of a calendar year, work for three (3) days per week and study for two (2) days per week;
• engage in workplace learning including the opportunity to contextualise and apply your formal learning through workplace activities; and
• have the flexibility to complete your study at a location agreed to with your industry employer, subject to class delivery structure (for example, at work, home, or at the educational institution campus).

Can international students apply to the Cyber Academy?

To apply, students must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder or a New Zealand citizen. International students are not eligible for the Cyber Academy; however, they may apply for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security), the degree within the Cyber Academy.

I am currently studying at another university, can I apply for the Cyber Academy?

Yes, you will need to apply via UAC to the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) - Cyber Academy (754130).

Which high school subjects are most important for the Cyber Academy degree?

UOW assumes you will have studied any two units of English, and Mathematics Advanced in the HSC. Ideally, you will have studied Mathematics Extension 1.

Can I receive credit for the subjects I have already done?

Depending on your prior learning or qualifications, you may receive credit for prior learning.

TAFE NSW offers the following:

Credit Transfer - recognising your previously completed studies, which may allow for entry into a qualification and/or provide credit towards the qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) - in recognition of skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of the formal education and training system and how they meet the requirement of your qualification. For more information, visit the TAFE NSW Recognition and Credit Transfer page.

UOW offers the following:

If you can demonstrate that you have met the learning outcomes for our subjects through prior learning, such as previous tertiary or TAFE qualifications, you may be eligible for credit for prior learning towards your degree. Where relevant to the UOW degree, specified credit may be given for specific subject(s); where not relevant to the degree, unspecified credit may be awarded. 

I have submitted my application, but I have been advised a decision is pending. What does this mean?

Applying through UAC or Early Admission is the first step of the application process. During September, we will assess your application and if you meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) you will be emailed your outcome and advised whether you are moving to Stage 2, which consists of the Deloitte assessments. 

Please note, your application process and timelines will vary if you are a School-leaver (currently completing Yr 12) or a Non-school leaver. 

How can I prepare for the online skills assessments?

The Deloitte online skills assessments are made up of the following:

• Technical Skills Assessment
• Soft Skills Assessment

It is important to note that Deloitte doesn’t expect you to be a cyber security expert at this stage. The purpose of the assessments is to gauge your current skill level and identify the most effective ways to nurture your talent. Additionally, Deloitte will evaluate qualities such as teamwork, communication, and more, as they aim to select students from diverse backgrounds.  

To prepare for the technical skills assessment, you can take advantage of the free resources provided by Google, AWS, and Microsoft. These resources offer opportunities to test and improve your technical abilities.  

When do I find out if I have a place in the Cyber Academy program?

You will be notified in early December.

Is the program online or in person?

Both TAFE NSW and UOW content will be delivered online and consist of live and interactive lectures, tutorials and online activities and classes. However, there will be instances where in-person attendance is necessary, such as attending the yearly Deloitte leadership sessions.

Can I choose my placement?

Students will have the option to nominate preferred employment locations and industries. However, there are no guarantees Deloitte will be able to match your preference. The aim is to get you into the role and industry best suited to you and the industry partners. 

Can the industry placements be completed online?

No, the placements will be in person at the organisation you are placed with.

Can I change my placement?

Once you are assigned to an employer, you cannot switch to a different one. If you are unable to proceed with your placement for any reason, you will forfeit your position in the program. However, you will still have the opportunity to complete your Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) degree. In such cases, you should seek academic advice to explore available options.  

What will I be paid?

The amount of money you can expect to earn annually during your work placement will depend on the industry and employer you are matched with. You will have a clearer understanding of this once you are paired with your employer.  

What are the tuition fees for the courses?

TAFE NSW delivers government subsidised training, under the NSW Government Smart and Skilled program. Fee –free* traineeships are currently available to eligible NSW trainees. 

Visit the Vocational Funding and Support page for more information and eligibility criteria. 

Undergraduate places for eligible domestic students for the UOW Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) are Commonwealth Support Places (CSP), meaning that a large percentage of your tuition fees are subsidised by the Commonwealth. The student contribution may be deferred via a  HECS-HELP loan or, paid upfront.  

Visit the Domestic undergraduate fees page for more information. To find out what you are eligible for visit the Federal Governments StudyAssist page.

 *Training in priority qualifications is fee-free and fully funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments. 

What if I don't get accepted into the Cyber Academy?

If you are unsuccessful in gaining a position in the Cyber Academy program, you may be issued an offer for the Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security) (subject to meeting admission requirements). Applicants may also be offered the TAFE NSW ICT50220 Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security). 

Can I defer my offer if I am successful?

Deferral is not available for this course. However, you are more than welcome to reapply for the Cyber Academy in 2025.  

Where can I ask a question that's not listed here?

Our Future Students team are available Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm on 1300 367 869. They are experienced staff who have studied at UOW, and will be able to share their insights and past experiences. You can also email the team at future-students@uow.edu.au.