Overview

Learn to protect data and reduce threats with the Certificate IV in Cyber Security. With the rise of cloud and wireless networks, there’s an increased need for professionals who can monitor our connected world. This course teaches you the skills to minimise network vulnerabilities, protect an organisation from security breaches, and monitor the risk of cyber attacks.

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
  • TAFE Victoria
    TAFE Victoria
Change of Preference Expo

Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Explore your options and get personalised advice from course experts, based on your Year 12 results. Friday 13 December, Hawthorn campus.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Securing PC and mobile devices
  • Python scripting
  • Firewall installation, configuration and management
  • Use of a SIEM (Splunk)
  • Build cloud based environments
  • Implementing network security infrastructure

Your career opportunities

  • Cyber Security Support Officer
  • Support Technician
  • Cyber Security Tester
  • Cyber Security Analyst

Key codes

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400211404
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Location options

Admissions

All applicants are required to have successfully completed Australian Year 11 or equivalent.

It is recommended applicants to this course have already completed IT based study that will provide fundamental knowledge in networking concepts:

  • Certificate III in Information Technology
  • A VETDSS program in Information, Digital Media and Technology
  • VCE units in Information, Digital Media and Technology, Units 1-4
  • Some experience in the ICT industry
Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed. 

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.  

RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.

Finding your fit

At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.

Course structure

Students must complete 16 units, 8 core and 8 elective.

8
Core units
+
8
Elective units
=
Certificate IV
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 970

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Analyse and present research information
Core unit
BSBINS401
Contribute effectively to WHS communication and consultation processes
Core unit
BSBWHS309
Work collaboratively in the ICT industry
Core unit
ICTICT443
Utilise basic network concepts and protocols required in cyber security
Core unit
VU23213
Test concepts and procedures for cyber security
Core unit
VU23215
Recognise the need for cyber security in an organisation
Core unit
VU23217
Develop and carry out a cyber security industry project
Core unit
VU23220
Apply cyber security legislation, privacy and ethical practices
Core unit
VU23223
Elective units
Install and manage servers
Elective unit
ICTNWK422
Manage network security
Elective unit
ICTNWK546
Automate processes
Elective unit
ICTPRG434
Write scripts for software applications
Elective unit
ICTPRG435
Monitor and administer security of ICT systems
Elective unit
ICTSAS440
Configure and secure networked end points
Elective unit
VU23214
Implement network security infrastructure for an organisation
Elective unit
VU23218
Manage the security infrastructure for an organisation
Elective unit
VU23219

2025 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$12,380

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$5,620

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

Fees are estimates only

Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Skills first government-subsidised place

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.

How do I pay my fees?

You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Concessions rates for vocational students

If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.

  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    Study this course for free in 2024

    You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. 

    Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.

    There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
22603VIC
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

Hawthorn VTAC code
3400211404
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
August intake
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
March intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
August intake
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Upcoming events
Course and Career One-on-ones
25-November-2024
Change of Preference Expo 2024
13-December-2024