Universities have until 13 April to apply to be recognised as one of the new Academic Centres of Cyber Security Excellence (ACCSE), ensuring their place on the frontline in producing the next generation of highly skilled Australian cyber security specialists.

The $1.9 million ACCSE program will recognise universities that demonstrate a high level of cyber security education and training competency, research capability and strong connections to the business sector.

ACCSEs will help encourage more students into cyber security studies and boost the number of work-ready graduates who are needed to ensure Australian businesses and governments are equipped to tackle emerging cyber security challenges.

This comes at a critical time as Australian businesses have predicted that if current trends continue, 17 per cent of cyber security positions advertised by their company would go unfilled by 2020.

The centres will also address the need to improve diversity within Australia’s cyber security workforce. To be considered for the program, universities must outline strategies for increasing participation by groups traditionally under-represented in the industry, particularly women and Indigenous people.

The ACCSE program forms part of the Government’s $230 million Cyber Security Strategy which addresses the dual challenges of the digital age—advancing and protecting Australia’s interests online.

For more information on the application round, visit the ACCSE web page. Applications close on 13 April 2017.