Bachelor of Cyber Security (Canberra City)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1 & 3
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Canberra
- Codes
- UAC code 452001
- Program code 4490
- CRICOS code -
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ATAR/2026 lowest selection rank
- 80.0 View all admission criteria
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $10,000*
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $30,000*
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2026 Indicative first year full fee
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2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
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Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Flexible learning
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Industry connections
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Broad study areas
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
- Frequently asked questions
Overview
The Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra is a three-year, full-time program designed to address critical skills gaps in the cyber security sector. Graduates will be equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge in areas such as risk management, AI for cyber security, and cybercrime investigation, preparing them for careers across industry, government, and Defence.
You'll study a range of targeted courses developed to respond to the needs of government and industry within a sector defined by rapid change. Delivered through a Hybrid Flexible (HyFlex) model, the program combines on-campus and online learning, allowing students to balance work and study.
The Bachelor of Cyber Security emphasises advanced cyber resilience and emerging industry applications. You’ll enhance your analytical thinking while gaining an understanding of ethics and legal considerations in the cyber security field.
Key features
Industry-led design
You'll learn to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world cyber security challenges and solutions, developing skills and competencies that are highly valued by industry, government and defence. This industry-aligned degree covers fundamental cyber security topics, along with baseline knowledge in computer science, information systems and project management – all of which contribute to a well-rounded education in cyber security.
Cutting-edge cyber security technologies
You’ll learn cutting-edge cyber security technologies and tools that are currently employed in the cyber security industry. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard hardware, software, and analytical techniques and tools, such as cyber threat detection, incident response, and penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, encryption, digital forensics, and cyber crime investigation.
Develop solutions now, and into the future
The increasing importance of effective cyber security is transforming the way we live. As modern technologies emerge and online threats become more sophisticated, keeping up with the evolving nature of security risks can be challenging. You’ll develop enduring, in-demand skills across critical thinking and innovation to keep individuals, organisations and our nation secure.
Why study at UNSW Canberra?
Join Australia’s most employable graduates
Our career-focused approach to learning prepares students to hit the ground running after graduation. UNSW has been awarded Most Employable students for seven years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2026).
Learn from academic and industry experts
Study a specialised undergraduate degree with a core cyber focus, delivered by highly skilled academics and industry specialists who know the path to a successful career. This program has been co-designed with industry to help shape the future needs of the cyber workforce. During the course, you’ll gain access to industry mentorships and placements to help build your network and establish yourself in the cyber security sector.
Study your own way with a flexible degree
Take advantage of a purpose-built timetable with the opportunity to earn while you learn. You can tailor your courses to your schedule and take advantage of work experience and professional placements. Being based at UNSW Canberra puts you right in the heart of Australia’s cyber security sector, so you’ll find no shortage of career prospects to pursue.
World-class education in one of the world’s most liveable cities
Set in one of the world’s most liveable cities*, UNSW Canberra City offers a dynamic learning environment enriched by all Canberra has to offer, proximity to national institutions, global thinkers and a vibrant, inclusive lifestyle. As the home of the Australian Government, Canberra offers a wealth of employment opportunities for students and recent graduates, making it an ideal place to study, live and launch a career.
*Canberra is ranked #1 in the world for quality of life (Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, 2025)
Want to see more from UNSW Canberra?
Entry requirements
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- The 2026 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026.
- The 2026 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2026 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2026 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a UNSW Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IEO index of SEIFA criteria, are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or hold an eligible humanitarian or protection visa. This pathway provides early offers and early conditional offers with a reduced ATAR entry requirement for your preferred UNSW degree.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, UNSW assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
UNSW College
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
You will focus on developing key skill sets required for cyber security graduates, including:
Core Computing Principles
Secure Systems and Network Security
Applied Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Security
Cyber Defence and Resilience
Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation
Risk Management and Cyber Governance
Critical Infrastructure Security
Data Protection and Cryptography
Cyber Law, Ethics and Policy
Industry Projects and Professional Practice
Program structure
The Bachelor of Cyber Security is a three-year full-time degree consisting of 144 Units of Credit. Normally completed as 24 standard 6-UOC courses across three years, students complete:
66 UOC Core Courses - 11 courses
30 UOC Cyber Electives - 5 courses
24 UOC Minor - 4 courses
12 UOC Free Electives - 2 courses
12 UOC of General Education - 2 courses
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is an essential component of this program. It enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world cyber security challenges. Through hands-on industry experience, students develop practical skills and competencies highly valued across both the public and private sectors.
WIL is embedded in both minors available from Year 2 Term 2.
Cyber Security Industry Application
Intelligent Cyber Security
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The Cyber Security Industry Application minor equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to apply cyber security principles in contemporary organisational and industry environments. Students develop capabilities to assess security risks, evaluate controls and respond to evolving threats while considering legal, ethical, regulatory and organisational requirements.
The minor incorporates Work Integrated Learning (WIL) with an emphasis on professional cyber security practice. Through industry-informed projects, workplace-focused activities and applied security scenarios, students address organisational cyber security challenges, consider stakeholder and operational requirements, and develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork and professional communication.
The minor prepares students to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams, communicate cyber security issues to diverse stakeholders, and support the security and resilience of digital systems and organisational operations.
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The Intelligent Cyber Security minor equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics within contemporary cyber security environments. Students develop capabilities to analyse security data, identify threats, support security decision-making and evaluate AI-enabled approaches to protecting digital systems and information.
The minor incorporates Work Integrated Learning (WIL) through the application of intelligent technologies to industry-relevant cyber security problems. Through applied projects, data-driven investigations and practical security scenarios, students develop and evaluate AI and machine learning approaches while strengthening their analytical, problem-solving and collaborative capabilities.
The minor also considers the security, privacy, ethical and trustworthy use of intelligent technologies. It prepares students to contribute to the responsible development and application of data-driven and AI-enabled cyber security solutions across a range of organisational and industry contexts.
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Full program structure
Year 1: Complete 6 core courses, 1 minor course, and 1 general education course to build a strong foundation in cybersecurity. You will learn about emerging technologies, programming, operating systems, incident response, software security, and ethical hacking through hands-on practical activities.
Year 2: Complete 5 core courses, 2 minor courses, and 1 elective to study the methods of cyber threats and modern cybersecurity countermeasures
Year 3: Complete 5 core courses, 1 minor course, and 2 electives, focusing on advanced cybersecurity methodologies and practices.
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Introduction to Information Technology and Networking
Programming Fundamentals
Introduction to Cyber Security
Cyber Crime and Ethics
Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
Computational Mathematics and Applied Cryptography
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Data Structure and Algorithmic Knowledge
Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
Cyber Defence
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Human-Centric Cyber Security
Internet of Things and Network Security
Advanced Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing
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Knowledge Representation and Databases
Web Application and Security
Internet of Things and Network Security
Cloud Computing and Security
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Cyber Risk Management and Incident Response
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Cyber Security Industry Project 1
Enterprise Cyber Security Governance and Policy
Cyber Security Entrepreneurship
Cyber Industry Project 2
Cyber Operations
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Cyber Security Industry Project 1
Machine Learning for Cyber Security
Deep Learning for Cyber Security
Cyber Industry Project 2
Trustworthy AI for Cyber Security
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Capacity Planning of Computer Systems and Networks
Human Computer Interaction
Robotic Software Architecture
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Creating Social Change – From Innovation to Impact
Industry Project Experience
Future of Work Project
Understanding Human Rights
Big Tech, AI and the Law
International Relations and Sports
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Eligible General Education
Future careers
With a strong foundation in the fundamentals of cyber security, you will be well-positioned to pursue a rewarding career in this evolving field.
Here are some of the benefits of getting a UNSW cyber security undergraduate degree:
High demand: The demand for cyber security professionals is at an all-time high and expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Job security: The high demand of the industry provides further job security for cyber governance professionals.
Salary: Cyber security professionals typically earn a high salary, especially those with experience.
Challenging and rewarding work: You will be working on the cutting edge of technology, and you will be making a real difference in the world by helping to protect people and organisations from cyber attacks.
Potential careers
- Cyber Security Analyst
- Penetration Tester
- Software Engineer
- Chief Information Security Officer
- Chief Privacy Officer
- Ethical Hacker
- Risk Analyst
- Security Architect
- Security Consultant
- Security Operations Centre Manager
- Source Code Auditor
- Vulnerability Assessor
- Cyber Developer
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. For more information about application deadlines, please visit UAC website or our how to apply for undergraduate study page.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our UNSW Applicant Portal service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Offers to international students are issued through offer rounds. You can find the offer release schedules, application deadlines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the international admissions information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on the courses you select within your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average using historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costs for international students, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
UNSW Cyber Security Award
Up to 9 high-achieving students studying the Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra are eligible in 2026 to receive the UNSW Cyber Security Award which provides up to $5,000 payable for one year.
To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be:
- Commencing a Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra City campus in Term 1, 2026.
And meet at least on of the following criteria:
- Identify as a woman, non-binary or gender-diverse student
- Be an Indigenous Australian (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander only)
- Be a former or transitioning Australian Defence Force Personnel
- Be a rural applicant:
- Have lived in a rural, regional or remote area within the two years prior to the start of your UNSW studies.
- Check the Australian Standard Geographic Classification Remoteness Areas (ASGC-RA) system map to check your eligibility. All categories other than RA1 Major Cities of Australia are considered to be regional or remote with the exception of Hobart.
Frequently asked questions
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The Bachelor of Cyber Security (Canberra) is designed for future-focused problem solvers who want to analyse, detect, and defend against evolving digital threats. It’s ideal for students seeking to combine technical expertise with critical thinking to protect systems and data in government, defence, and private industry.
You’ll study at UNSW Canberra, home to the UNSW Institute for Cyber Security, a leading centre driving Australia’s cyber resilience. The program’s HyFlex delivery mode provides flexibility to learn online or in person, allowing students to balance study with work or service commitments.
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In this degree, you’ll gain the skills to investigate, monitor, and evaluate cyber threats, while learning how to encrypt, configure, and implement secure systems that meet modern compliance standards.
Courses explore network security, programming, artificial intelligence (AI), and information assurance, preparing you to assess and defend critical digital infrastructure.
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Graduates can pursue careers as cyber security analysts, penetration testers, policy advisers, or members of national threat response teams across defence, government, and industry sectors.
You’ll be equipped to analyse and investigate cyber incidents, implement secure frameworks, and ensure organisational compliance standards are met.
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If you’re interested in expanding your technical and analytical expertise, consider:
The Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security (Canberra), which integrates computing systems design with advanced cyber operations.
The broader Cyber Security study area, where you can explore postgraduate options and specialised pathways aligned with emerging technologies, AI, and data science.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
#19 Worldwide
UNSW is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings, 2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award seven years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders & Graduate Employers Awards, 2020–2026
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
