2023 Australian Defence Force Cyber Gap Program null

About the program

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cyber Gap program is a 12-month online program designed to enhance your skills and employability in the cyber security field. You can be working towards any qualification ranging from a Certificate III to a Master’s Degree, either full time or part time.

If you are already studying or looking to enrol in a cyber-related qualification, the ADF can offer you generous financial support. You'll also gain exposure to cyber activities and experiences during the Defence Cyber Conference which will provide you with valuable insight into how you can help protect Australia’s online systems and information.

Program benefits and eligibility

During this 12-month program you will receive:

• financial support
  • course fee reimbursement up to $15,000
  • academic allowance totalling $2,500
  • textbooks and stationery costs of $600
• mentoring from ADF cyber specialists
• access to online cyber skills modules and cyber skills challenges
• exposure to cyber activities and experiences during the week-long Defence Cyber Conference held in September in Canberra
• professional membership to the Australian Computer Society
• information on careers within the ADF, Defence APS, Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and other Government agencies.

No obligation to serve in the ADF

We know it’s a big deal to commit to a period of Defence service. What's flexible about this program is that there is no obligation to serve. The Program provides you with the knowledge to consider whether a Defence career is something you’d like to pursue when you finish your studies. 

It works both ways - while there is no guarantee of employment with the ADF or a Government agency upon the completion of your studies (though you are certainly encouraged to apply), you can also choose to find work elsewhere. It’s flexible.

Eligibility for our program

The ADF Cyber Gap Program is for Australian citizens who are living in Australia and are already studying or currently enrolling in a cyber-related qualification.

The ADF Cyber Gap Program runs for 12 months and to be eligible, you need to be studying for the duration of the 12-month program.

You must be 18 years or older to participate in the program, or turning 18 in the year you are studying while on the program.

You can be working either part or full-time towards any eligible qualification at the following levels:

• Certificate III
• Certificate IV
• Diploma
• Advanced Diploma
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor’s degree
• Graduate Certificate
• Graduate Diploma
• Master’s Degree.

If you are currently studying or plan on studying one of the cyber-related qualifications and meet the citizenship eligibility criteria, you should consider applying.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We are looking for people who are passionate about cyber security and enthusiastic about turning their skills into a career supporting the ADF.

Career possibilities

All Australians have a role to play in protecting the nation against cyber threats. The ADF Cyber Gap Program provides opportunities for participants to be exposed to careers in the following areas:

• threat emulation
• cyberspace operations planning
• discovery and counter-infiltration
• incident response
• network vulnerability assessment
• protecting and hardening networks
• data collection and analysis
• network recovery
• incident mitigation strategy development.

Mentoring

Throughout your studies, you will have the chance to meet with program mentors to discuss work opportunities within the ADF and other government agencies. This mentoring is vital in helping you decide what path your career will take - even if it does not end up in the public sector.

Apply for the program

You will require these documents:

• proof of Australian Citizenship (Australian birth certificate, Australian passport or Australian Certificate of Citizenship)
• a copy of your university or vocational education transcript and/or proof of current enrolment
• a current resume or CV.

Stages of selection process

• Submit your written application online.
• If you are successful in gaining a place on the Program, you will be contacted.
• If you are unsuccessful you will be notified. 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about the ADF Cyber Gap Program you can email cybergap@apsc.gov.au. 

For further information regarding cyber careers with the ADF please visit www.defencejobs.gov.au.

About the ADF Information Warfare Division

The ADF Cyber Gap Program is overseen by the Joint Cyber Directorate in the Joint Information Warfare branch which is headed up by the Information Warfare Division (IWD). IWD was formed in July 2017 as a result of the formation of the ADF Headquarters.