Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LBCP
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 39,400 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
Admissions
Student Profile
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
067899J
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND- Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
- Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
OR
Higher education study- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
- Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
- Completed one of the following professional courses:
Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
CompTIA A+ Certification
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
NoneEnglish language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
Bangladesh HSC 3.5 Canada High School (OSSD) 65 Eynesbury FSP 320 German Abitur 3.5 Kenya KCSE (average) B Malaysia STPM (best 3) 6 Malaysia UEC 31 Norway GPA 3 Pakistan HSSC 80 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 7 Sweden GPA 13 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 7 Vietnam 7.5 Australia 66 IB (best 6) 26 USA SAT (1600) 1110 India (best 4) State Board 75 India (best 4) Central Board 65 HKDSE 15 Nepal NEB 2.51
Degree overview
- No.1 in SA for graduate skills in I.T.1.
- Benefit from contemporary curriculum informed by UniSA research in areas such as cyber security, augmented reality and data analytics.
- Learn from dedicated, highly experienced teaching staff including practitioners employed in industry.
- Benefit from our well-established partnerships with industry offering significant opportunities for placements and industry projects.
- Focus on the security of information systems in contemporary IT systems.
- Experience purpose-built teaching spaces designed to facilitate collaboration and work-integrated learning.
- Develop the skills to support a network roll-out and maintenance.
- Gain an understanding of network topologies and devices such as routers and firewalls.
- Learn using the latest industry software and technology.
- Prepare for industry (Cisco) certification exams including Cisco-Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco-Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
- Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
- Start now, decide later. Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between IT specialisations and receive credit for completed courses.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
Cyber security is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia – and around the world – with rapid technological advancement and the evolving threat environment increasing demand that is set to see around 17,000 new jobs needed by 20261 .
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity) will see you focus on the security of business information systems in small to large enterprises. You will gain an in-depth theoretical understanding, as well as the practical skills needed to identify, analyse and mitigate risks in the management of a secure network.
Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, the program has also been designed to prepare you to sit industry certification exams in Cisco, including Cisco-Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco-Certified Network Professional (CCNP) so that you may pursue highly regarded industry certification as well.
You will enjoy a modern, practical approach to your IT education, with significant opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in real-world settings so that you graduate ready to meet the demands of industry.
Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your IT specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 3 or 4 years full-time (depending on your degree length). Start now, decide later.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
1Australia’s Cybersecurity Strategy 2020
What you'll learn
During your first year of study you will gain a solid foundation in networking, database development, programming fundamentals and systems analysis and design, before focusing on your networking and cybersecurity major that will you see you studying:
- systems administration and design
- network architecture and security
- Cisco-Certified Network Professional route, switch and troubleshoot
- digital forensics and electronic discovery
- cloud, virtualisation and storage
In your final year, you will put your skills into practice through our ICT Capstone Project. You may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client, drawing on the technical expertise gained throughout your studies and applying professional skills – communication strategies, stakeholder relationship management, project management – in a real-world setting to produce and deliver an artifact for your client. This could include the application of new technologies, developing proof of concept solutions and analysing current business processes to identify areas for improvement.
You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports and project documentation
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- an industry-relevant project
- practicals
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking and Cybersecurity)
Under the current climate of escalating cyber-attacks, UniSA has partnered with Optus to establish a Cyber Security Research and Collaboration Hub at Lot Fourteen, tasked with driving new innovations and helping to deliver the best education for Australia’s next cybersecurity and data science professionals.
Throughout your program you will complete a unique series of collaborative, work-integrated courses, reinforcing the concepts learnt in the classroom in a supportive practice environment. Soft, non-technical skills are also integrated into your learning to develop the qualities highly valued and sought after by industry. Topics include design thinking, system requirements, system design and agile development, and project management.
In your final year you may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client – from brief through to project delivery – with our ICT Capstone Project. Upon graduation, this allows you to demonstrate your ability to deliver work to industry standard, and to the satisfaction of a client.
Most of our IT undergraduate programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative IT program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.
Study IT at UniSA
Explore our purpose-built IT facilities at the UniSA Mawson Lakes campus, including our networking and cybersecurity labs.
Your career
Australia’s technology workforce is expected to experience strong growth, averaging an increase of 5.4% annual increase through to 2026. Nearly half of that growth is forecast to occur in ICT technical and professional roles, with a further 26% expected in ICT management and operations roles1.
Furthermore, cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing sectors in Australia, enabling the digital economy to grow and innovate particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people and businesses move online2.
There are strong employment prospects for suitably qualified ICT professionals.
Graduates of this degree may wish to consider the following career options:
- Network Administrator: supporting infrastructure for wired network connections, wireless access points and remotely connected users; ensuring continuous network operations; performing installation, configuration, maintenance, upgrade, documentation, and operational support of network equipment
- Cyber Security Analyst: specialist understanding vulnerabilities and threats; performing threat and risk assessments, and mitigation strategies; developing network system architecture and design; auditing, acceptance testing and compliance; ability to work in a close team
Computer Network Systems Engineer: designing and implementing networks and network security; understanding of security tools like cloud security, malware detection, web application firewalls, intrusion prevention; technical security risk assessment; writing security procedures and documentation - System Administrator: responsible for the upkeep, configuration and reliable operation of computer systems, in particular multi-user computers such as servers
- Virtualisation Engineer: managing data storage, server resources and other virtual computing platforms
Career progression may see you take on roles such as:
- Network Manager
- Senior Network Engineer
- Senior Cyber Security Analyst
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
2Australia’s Cybersecurity Strategy 2020
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Industry facts
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- UniSA College Diploma in STEM (Information Technology)
- UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (STEM)
- SAIBT Diploma of Information Technology
- Eynesbury Diploma of Computing & IT
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
- SAIBT Diploma of Information Technology
- Eynesbury Diploma of Computing & IT
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
UniSA is ranked Number 1 in SA for campus facilities in IT¹.
During your studies you will have access to purpose-built learning spaces such as:
- Gaming Lab
- Software Development Lab
- Network and Cyber Security Labs
- IT Project Space
- IT Development Studio
- Mac Lab
- Wearable Computer Lab
1 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Your program director
I completed my PhD at UniSA in high performance computing. My teaching passion is in networking and infrastructure concepts and one of my career highlights has been getting the Internship program with DXC Technology off the ground and ensuring it is a continuing success.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
CISCO Labs
Take a look inside one of the CISCO labs at UniSA, a registered CISCO Networking Academy. Most UniSA IT students will have classes in these labs as part of their degree.
