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  • Study Cyber Security

Study Cyber Security

Potential Career Outcomes
Course overview

Gaining a qualification in Cyber Security will equip you with an in-depth knowledge of all aspect of network and system security. With these qualifications, you will acquire skills to work in a diverse range of cyber security roles in Australia or overseas.

Interested in Cyber Security? In Australia, there are many courses you can take to start your career in this field. Australia offers courses both at the vocational training level across to higher education. In these courses you will be exposed to topics such as:

  • Install and manage a server
  • Manage network and data integrity
  • Configure a desktop environment
  • Create network documentation
  • Install, configure and test network security
  • Locate and troubleshoot ICT equipment, system and software faults
  • Install, configure and test a router
Graduate Outcomes
  • Individuals in this field can earn on average $1,498 per week.
  • The number of people working in this field is expected to grow strongly over the next 5 years.
  • It is projected that over the next 5 years there will be around 62,000 job openings.
  • Most people in the field work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Education and Training; and Public Administration and Safety industry.
Common Course Requirements
  • Completion of secondary education
  • Meet English proficiency (Usually at least IELTS 5.5 overall for Vocational courses, or 6.5 for University courses).
Related Courses
  • Certificate IV in Cyber Security

Duration: 51 – 52 weeks

Intake: 4 Terms

Cost: $10,500 – $13,500

Locations: Most cities across Australia

  • Bachelor in Cyber Security

Duration: 152 weeks

Intake: February, July

Cost: $25,000 – $38,000 per year

Locations: Most cities across Australia.

Studying Cyber Security in Australia: What the Course Covers

Cyber security courses teach you how to protect computer systems, networks and data from attack. Typical subjects include networking fundamentals, operating systems (Windows and Linux), security architecture, identity and access management, cryptography, threat analysis, ethical hacking and penetration testing, security operations and incident response, digital forensics, cloud security, governance, risk and compliance, and privacy law. Most courses use virtual labs where you practise defending and testing systems, and many prepare you for industry certifications.

Qualifications and AQF Levels

Qualification AQF level What it prepares you for
Certificate IV in Cyber Security AQF 4 Entry level security support and security operations centre (SOC) analyst roles
Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) AQF 5 Security analyst and network security roles
Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (Cyber Security) AQF 6 Senior technical security roles
Bachelor of Cyber Security or Bachelor of IT (Cyber Security) AQF 7 Cyber security analyst, engineer and consultant roles
Master of Cyber Security AQF 9 Specialist and leadership roles, often for graduates of other IT or technical degrees

Study Pathways

Many students start with a Certificate IV in Cyber Security and a Diploma of Information Technology, then move into a bachelor degree with credit. If you already have an IT or engineering degree, a master of cyber security is a common choice. Employers also value industry certifications and hands on experience, such as capture the flag competitions, home labs and internships. For migration, ICT skills assessments look closely at how relevant your qualification is, and qualifications below bachelor level usually need more work experience.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

Occupation ANZSCO CSOL (482 and 186) Skilled lists (189, 190, 491, 485)
ICT Security Specialist 262112 No MLTSSL
Cyber Security Analyst 262116 Yes Not listed
Cyber Security Engineer 261315 Yes Not listed
Penetration Tester 261317 Yes Not listed
Cyber Security Operations Coordinator 262118 Yes Not listed
ICT Support Technicians nec 313199 Yes STSOL
ICT Managers nec 135199 Yes STSOL

Our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide explains which visas use each list and what that means for cyber security occupations. The newer cyber security occupations (codes from the 2022 ANZSCO update, such as Cyber Security Analyst and Penetration Tester) are on the CSOL, while the 189, 190 and 491 lists still use ICT Security Specialist (262112).

Career Outlook

Cyber security skills are in high demand across government, defence, banking and finance, telecommunications, health, consulting and managed security service providers. Entry level roles include SOC analyst and security support, leading to roles such as security engineer, penetration tester, incident responder, security architect and governance and risk specialist. Some government and defence roles require Australian citizenship and a security clearance, which limits options for temporary visa holders.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Cyber Security

If you are moving into cyber security from general IT, explain which skills the course adds, such as security operations, penetration testing or governance, and the role you are aiming for. Our Student visa (subclass 500) page explains the current English, financial and work conditions.

Cyber Security Study FAQs

Yes, but under different occupation names depending on the visa. The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) includes Cyber Security Analyst, Cyber Security Engineer, Penetration Tester and other newer cyber occupations. The MLTSSL, used for the 189, 190 and 491 visas, still uses ICT Security Specialist (262112), which is not on the CSOL.

The 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream requires an MLTSSL occupation closely related to your qualification and a positive skills assessment. ICT Security Specialist is on the MLTSSL, but ICT skills assessments generally expect a bachelor level qualification or more work experience. Bachelor and master’s graduates may instead qualify for the Post-Higher Education Work stream.

Not for most private sector jobs. However, many government and defence roles require a security clearance, which is generally only available to Australian citizens. Check job requirements carefully when planning your career.

Entry level security certifications, networking certifications and cloud security credentials from major vendors and industry bodies are widely recognised, and many courses prepare you for one or more of them. They work alongside your qualification rather than replacing it, because skills assessments and visas look at your formal qualification and work experience.

Am I eligible for a Student visa? Student Visa Funds Calculator Study a Trade Course Assessment Study a Uni Course Assessment

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