USQ, Fortinet partner to boost cyber skills with free training

The University of Southern Queensland has formed a partnership with Fortinet to offer industry-recognised certifications and practical cyber security training as part of its Bachelor of Cyber Security programme.

This initiative is designed to support both aspiring cyber security professionals and those seeking a career change, responding to the national shortage of digital skills in Australia by providing flexible study opportunities and hands-on experience.

Certification and curriculum

Students studying the Bachelor of Cyber Security at the University of Southern Queensland will now have the opportunity to undertake Fortinet Professional Certification and IBM SkillsBuild certifications within their first year. Successful completion of these components grants eight units of credit, corresponding to a full year of full-time study, at no additional cost to the participants.

The partnership also enables students to participate in practical labs and boot camps using Fortinet's technology, aiming to integrate direct experience with industry-standard tools into the academic environment.

Academic perspective

Professor Lyn Alderman, Dean (Academic Transformation) at the University of Southern Queensland, emphasised the importance of the collaboration for aligning academic qualifications with industry requirements.

"By integrating global certifications and practical experience into the Bachelor of Cyber Security, we're preparing our students to thrive in an increasingly complex digital landscape and meet the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals," Professor Alderman said. "Graduates will be job-ready, with access to careers in finance, healthcare, government, and technology, including roles such as Security Network Engineer, Security Operations Analyst, and Governance, Risk and Compliance consultant. "In their first year, students will complete Fortinet Professional Certification and earn IBM SkillsBuild certifications – gaining eight units of credit at no cost, equivalent to one year of full-time study."

Industry viewpoint

Dale Nachman, Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand at Fortinet, spoke on the significance of the University of Southern Queensland joining the Fortinet Training Institute's Academic Partner Program for skill development in the region.

"As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for qualified professionals with hands-on experience and industry-recognised certifications has never been more critical," Mr Nachman said. "This partnership supports students in developing the skills that today's employers demand, while contributing to a stronger cybersecurity workforce in Queensland and across Australia while helping Fortinet progress its goal of training one million individuals in cybersecurity by 2026."

Practical outcomes

As a result of the arrangement, University of Southern Queensland students will gain access to Fortinet's suite of advanced technologies and practical learning environments. The collaboration also allows university educators to embed certification-aligned content directly into courses and assessments, creating direct links between the curriculum and industry standards.

The approach is intended to help graduates secure employment in essential sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology, with targeted roles identified as Security Network Engineer, Security Operations Analyst, and Governance, Risk and Compliance consultant.

Fortinet's participation is aligned with its broader target of contributing to the training of one million cyber security professionals globally by 2026, while seeking to address regional skill shortages in Australia and particularly Queensland.

The partnership introduces new study options for a diverse range of students, prioritising inclusivity and accessibility as Australia's industries respond to increasing digitalisation and more complex security challenges.