ESET Launches Fourth Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Australia

SYDNEY, March 7, 2025 – ESET, a global cybersecurity leader, has announced the fourth iteration of its Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Australia. Launched in 2022, the initiative coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8 and aims to empower aspiring female professionals in cybersecurity and STEM fields. The scholarship provides opportunities for women to advance their education and careers in a rapidly evolving industry. Applications for the $5,000 scholarship are open from March 8 to April 25, 2025.

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship seeks to address a significant gender imbalance within the Australian cybersecurity landscape.A recent study by RMIT university, in collaboration with the Australian Women Security Network (AWSN), revealed that women constitute only 17% of Australia’s cybersecurity workforce. Furthermore, the study highlighted a concerning trend: women tend to leave the industry after just four years. This scholarship aims to improve those numbers by providing support and encouragement to women entering and remaining in the field.

Addressing the Gender Gap in Cybersecurity

The underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity is a critical issue, particularly as emerging technologies like generative AI reshape the digital world. ESET’s scholarship program is a direct response to this challenge, aiming to foster opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in both cybersecurity and AI. By investing in education and providing support, ESET hopes to bridge the gender gap and cultivate a more balanced, innovative, and equitable future for the industry.

Parvinder Walia, President of Asia Pacific and Japan at ESET, emphasized the importance of diversity in addressing the evolving cyber threat landscape.

As the cyber threat landscape evolves, so must the industry. At ESET, we certainly know that diverse teams are essential to developing innovative solutions. To close the gender gap in cybersecurity,we must invest in education and programs like the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship. Empowering women in this field is an investment in the future leaders who will shape global cybersecurity.
Parvinder Walia, President of Asia Pacific and Japan at ESET

Global Impact and Expansion

Since its inception in 2016, the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship has supported over 28 women worldwide in their pursuit of technology careers.In 2025, the initiative is expanding its reach to Singapore and India, joining existing programs in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. This expansion underscores ESET’s commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce on a global scale. The scholarships provide not only financial assistance but also a network of support and mentorship for recipients.

A Recipient’s viewpoint

Lucy Fidock, a computer science student majoring in cybersecurity at the University of Adelaide and a 2024 recipient of the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship, shared her experience and the impact of the scholarship on her academic and professional journey.

Receiving this scholarship helped fund travel for an internship, allowed me to invest in essential computer equipment, and will support my cybersecurity coursework this year. I was also flown to Canberra to meet with the Minister for Cybersecurity and Home Affairs and talk to her about the field, which was a fantastic experience.
Lucy Fidock, 2024 ESET Scholarship Recipient

Fidock also encouraged other women with an interest in cybersecurity to apply for the scholarship, irrespective of their current experience level.

Even if you don’t have much experience in cybersecurity, provided that you have a strong interest in the field, you should go for it! You never know where an prospect like this could take you.
Lucy Fidock, 2024 ESET Scholarship Recipient

How to Apply

Applications for the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Australia are open from March 8 to April 25, 2025. The scholarship is available to Australian citizens or permanent residents who are enrolled in or accepted to an accredited Australian college or university. Eligible applicants must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent on a 9.0 scale).The winner will be announced by June 2025 and will be awarded $5,000.

For more details and submission guidelines, visit the application page.

Conclusion

The ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship represents a significant investment in the future of the cybersecurity industry. by providing financial support and opportunities for aspiring female professionals, ESET is actively working to address the gender imbalance and foster a more diverse and innovative workforce. The scholarship not only benefits individual recipients but also contributes to the overall strength and resilience of the cybersecurity community in Australia and beyond.