15 Best Universities For Cybersecurity In 2024

Cybersecurity is the new protector of the internet realm. It is booming at the moment and will gain immense popularity in the coming years. In that case, we help you with a comprehensive list of the best colleges worldwide for the most sought-after courses. The leap of faith you want to take in the dynamic field of cybersecurity will provide potent results only if you get into the comprehensive list of best universities for cybersecurity. 

Best Colleges for Cybersecurity

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has grown exponentially. Cybersecurity has emerged as a very tempting field of study. The top universities for cybersecurity host programs that have opened up many doors for young professionals. The companies are seeking more cybersecurity for the huge data and complex systems they operate with. Thus, getting into one of the universities for cybersecurity will mean a well-paying job at a reputed company. A job as a cybersecurity professional comes with ample job security, too. Now, the only requirement for you is to conduct intensive research and go through the list below:

USA

The United States boasts several world-renowned universities that offer popular and in-demand courses and are accredited and recognised worldwide. In the US, the cybersecurity market is estimated to grow by 10.09% from 2023 to 2027. Below are a few cybersecurity universities in USA for you to explore.

1. Carnegie Mellon University

Average Fees: $50,000 to $65,000/annum

‍Acceptance rate: 11%

QS Ranking: #52

Graduation Rate: 80%

Placement Rate: 95%

Eligibility: GPA: 3, SAT: 1480, ACT: 33, IELTS: 7.5

Other Courses (If any): MSc in Business Analytics, MBA, MIIPS, Biological Sciences, Humanities & Social Sciences, Biomedical Engineering

Intake Seasons: Fall, Spring & Summer

Famous Alumni: Ted Danson, Judith Light, David Tepper, James Cromwell

Carnegie Mellon University is a pioneer and one of the top colleges for cybersecurity, providing research and development with hands-on experience. The university offers various graduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs, including an MSc in Information Security Policy and Management. Refer to our article on the benefits of studying abroad to gain in-depth information as to why you must pick international studies. 

2. Georgia Institute of Technology

Average Fees: $29,000 to $35,000/annum

‍Acceptance rate: 17%

QS Ranking: #97

Graduation Rate: 90%

Placement Rate: 96%

Eligibility: GPA: 4, SAT: 1465, ACT: 31.5, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, GMAT: 690, GRE: 162

Other Courses (If any): MSc in AI, Mechanical Engineering, Linear Algebra, Network Security, Medical Physics 

Intake Seasons: Fall & Summer

Famous Alumni: Y Frank Freeman, Mike Duke, Chris Bosh, Dean Kamen

The Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta is another best cybersecurity schools. The institute is known for its graduate and postgraduate cybersecurity courses in USA. The focus is all about the inclusive development of a student's persona and getting them ready for the competitive world of job security. The campus life here is right out of your dreams, with global opportunities and exposure. The deadline for admissions is usually in  October, and you definitely need to prepare for the pre-admission processes, including visa requirements in the US. Get ready!

3. University of Maryland

Average Fees: $29,000 to $35,000/annum

‍Acceptance rate: 45%

QS Ranking: 169

Graduation Rate: 86%

Placement Rate: 96%

Eligibility: GPA: 3, SAT: 1290, ACT: 31-34, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, GMAT: 550, GRE: 315

Other Courses (If any): CMSC, BCHM, BMGT, BIOL

Intake Seasons: Fall, Summer & Spring

Famous Alumni: Sergey Brin, Herbert Hauptman, Raymond Davis Jr

The University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, has a robust cybersecurity program that spans several departments. The MSC in Cybersecurity is one of the famous courses you can pursue from one of the best universities for cybersecurity, the University of Maryland. The university is tied up with some of the top companies and government agencies, providing students with exposure like never before. The total number of students who enrol here each year is more than 40,000.

4. Purdue University

Average Fees: $10,000 to $29,000/annum  

‍Acceptance rate: 52%

QS Ranking: 99

Graduation Rate: 81.9%

Placement Rate: 99%

Eligibility: GPA: 3, GRE: 151, SAT: 1300, ACT: 25, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88

Other Courses (If any): Chemical Engineering, Aeronautics & Space Engineering, Computer Science, MBA

Intake Seasons: Fall, Summer & Spring

Famous Alumni: Drew Brees, Bob Peterson, Brad Miller, Brian Lamb

Purdue University is situated in West Lafayette, Indiana, and is recognised as one of the best colleges for cybersecurity programs. It offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Its cybersecurity program emphasises experiential learning, with opportunities for internships, research, and participation in cybersecurity competitions. A Cybersecurity Centre and tie-ups with world-renowned organisations and the government of the United States of America make it one of the best universities for cybersecurity. 

5. California State University, San Bernardino

Average Fees: $45,000 to $60,000/annum

‍Acceptance rate: 91%

QS Ranking: #251-300

Graduation Rate: 55%

Placement Rate: 78%

Eligibility: GPA: 2.5, GRE: 300, IELTS: 5.5, TOEFL: 213, GMAT: 530-640

Other Courses (If any): Humanities & Social Sciences, Health & Excercise Science, Computer Engineering, Business, Finance & Law

Intake Seasons: Fall, Summer & Spring

Famous Alumni: Molly Corbet Broad, P.O. Ackley, Nilo Alcala, Julia Alvarez

California State University, San Bernardino, is located in California and offers a Bachelor's degree in Cybersecurity. Not only California State University is one of the top universities for cybersecurity, but it also holds recognition for its research and innovation in the field of cybersecurity. One example of the approach is the cybersecurity club by the institution. Explore the top scholarships in the US.

United Kingdom

As everyone knows, the United Kingdom is advanced in technology and educational provision. The universities here are internationally recognised for their standards, opportunities, accredited degrees, etc. Let’s explore a few universities for cybersecurity in UK, as this particular specialisation has demanded a lot of attention in recent times.

6. University of Cambridge

Average Fees: £24,000 to £ 63,000

‍Acceptance rate: 21%

QS Ranking: 2

Graduation Rate: 98.8%

Placement Rate: 94%

Eligibility:  IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above

Other Courses (If any): Engineering, Linguistics, Mathematics, Natural Sciences

Intake Seasons: Fall, Spring and Summer

Famous Alumni: Stephen Hawking, Alan Turing, Issac Newton, Charles III

Cambridge is the Academic Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity and one of the best universities for cybersecurity. It gives students the conceptual and practical tools they need to comprehend and negotiate the complex world of digital security today. The curriculum has numerous courses on the technological, legal, social, and investigative aspects of digital security. Students will graduate with the skills required to compete in a worldwide market for cybersecurity professionals.

7. University of Oxford

Average Fees: £30,000 to £ 65,000

‍Acceptance rate: 17.5%

QS Ranking: 2

Graduation Rate: 99.29%

Placement Rate: 87%

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above

Other Courses (If any): Civil Law, Philosophy, MBA, Fine Arts 

Intake Seasons: Spring and Summer

Famous Alumni: Keith Rupert Murdoch, Tony Blair, Hugh Grant

The fundamentals of cybersecurity are taught in the MSc in Software and Systems Security programme, which focuses on security and characteristics of software and information technologies. This part-time study at one of the world's top universities for cybersecurity provides working professionals with the chance to learn more about implementing these principles in the most advanced areas of the field.

8. Lancaster University

Average Fees: £20,000 to  £ 30,000 

‍Acceptance rate: 18%

QS Ranking: 132 

Graduation Rate: 88%

Placement Rate: 85%

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above

Other Courses (If any): Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Economics and Business Computer Science

Intake Seasons: Spring and Summer

Famous Alumni: James May, Ralph Ineson, Alan Milburn

The future generation of cyber security systems engineers and architects is the target audience for their BSc Hons Cyber Security degree. The course, which is based on a core computer science programme, will provide a thorough understanding of contemporary computer science, both theory and practice. The goal of this training is to fulfil the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) accreditation requirements for cyber security accreditation of the institute. Lancaster University is another one of the best colleges for cybersecurity.

9. University of Surrey

Average Fees: £17,000 to  £ 30,000

‍Acceptance rate: 65%

QS Ranking: #305

Graduation Rate: 80%

Placement Rate: 86.6.% 

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above

Other Courses (If any): IT, Food Science, Nursing, Aeronautical

Intake Seasons: Fall, Spring and Summer

Famous Alumni: Alec Issigonis, Susan Blackmore, Jeremy Kyle, John Lennox

In this digital world, data protection is essential. One of the top colleges for cybersecurity in Computer Science and Electronic Engineering is home to the Cyber Security MSc (previously Information Security MSc). An academic centre of intelligence for cyber security research, the university has also been acknowledged as the first Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education in the UK.

10. University of Southampton

Average Fees:  £30,000 to  £60,000

‍Acceptance rate: 84%

QS Ranking: 81

Graduation Rate: 80%

Placement Rate: 96%

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above 

Other Courses (If any): Business, Accounting and Finance, Economics

Intake Seasons: Fall, Spring and Summer

Famous Alumni: Adrian Newey, Chris Packham, Jon Sopel

The Computer Science with Cyber Security programme at the University of Southampton gives you the practical industry exposure and skills you need to tackle the growing threat of cybercrime. It is known as one of the best universities for cybersecurity. You will learn how to design, create, and protect software systems and gain renowned competence in the topics. The UK government's National Cyber Security Centre has recognised Southampton as a centre of excellence for cyber security research. Tap here to know everything you must know about scholarships in the UK.

Australia

The Australian cybersecurity market is estimated to grow to USD 7.09 billion in 2024. The country is a good place to pursue an advanced degree in computer science. Several of the cybersecurity universities in Australia are top-ranked QS universities. Let’s explore a few institutions below.   

11. The University of Sydney

Average Fees: AU$ 58,620 to AU$ 103,057

‍Acceptance rate: 30%

QS Ranking: 19th

Graduation Rate: 82%

Placement Rate: 81%

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above 

Other Courses (If any): Architecture and Planning, Law, Engineering and IT

Intake Seasons: Fall and Spring

Famous Alumni: Malcolm Turnbull, Bruce Beresford, Charles Perkins

The field of cybersecurity is rapidly expanding in Australia. Additionally, there is a lack of highly skilled graduates in this field. A degree in cybersecurity will provide you with the theoretical and technical know-how and skill sets you need to succeed in a variety of cybersecurity-related careers. By utilising the research capabilities and leadership in cybersecurity of the University of Sydney, one of the top universities for cybersecurity, you will gain knowledge of cutting-edge strategies and implement cybersecurity learning at the corporate level.

12. Monash University

Average Fees: AU$ 37,000 to AU$ 40,000 

‍Acceptance rate: 40%

QS Ranking: 42

Graduation Rate: 89%

Placement Rate: 70%

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above 

Other Courses (If any): Business, Engineering, Law, Medicine

Intake Seasons: Spring and Summer

Famous Alumni: Beau Miles, Rita Panahi, Chris Kohler

Being a cybersecurity specialist is tough but can yield great rewards. Gain expertise in creating, implementing, evaluating, and overseeing cybersecurity systems to protect essential information and communication networks. At Monash University, one of the top universities for cybersecurity, you'll have access to the brightest minds in the industry. 

13. RMIT University

Average Fees: AU$ 6404 to AU$ 21957 

‍Acceptance rate: 22%

QS Ranking: 140

Graduation Rate: 84%

Placement Rate: 70% 

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above

Other Courses (If any): Computer Science, Business, Law, Civil Engineering

Intake Seasons: Spring and Fall

Famous Alumni: James Wan, Wu Chun, Leigh Whannell, Rob Hulls

The goal of the Master of Cyber Security programme is to provide you with the technical, mathematical, and business skills necessary to safeguard an organisation's information networks. Studying at RMIT University, one of the best universities for cybersecurity, you will gain knowledge in information systems risk management, smartcards, biometrics, cryptography, the Advanced Encryption Standard, RSA, and local area networks (LANs). 

14. Macquarie University

Average Fees: AUD$ 20,000 to AUD$ 40,000 

‍Acceptance rate: 54%

QS Ranking: 200

Graduation Rate: 85%

Placement Rate: 64.3%

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above

Other Courses (If any): Business, Law, Arts, Psychology, Engineering

Intake Seasons: Fall, Summer & Spring

Famous Alumni: Chris Lilley, Adam Hills, Anthony Feild

Given that cybercrime has already affected one-third of Australian firms and that cyberattacks cost an estimated $1 billion or more annually, cybersecurity specialists are in high demand to address threats to and vulnerabilities in computers, data, networks, and software. Completing the cybersecurity major at one of the best universities for cybersecurity will help you acquire the fundamental knowledge required to design an efficient cybersecurity environment for business, private, and industries.

15. Australian National University

Average Fees: AU$ 58,620 to AU$103,057

‍Acceptance rate: 35%

QS Ranking: 34

Graduation Rate: 86.315%

Placement Rate: 70%

Eligibility: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above, PTE: 64 & Above

Other Courses (If any): Computer Science, Law, Business

Intake Seasons: Fall, Summer & Spring

Famous Alumni: Kevin Rudd, David Morrison, Peter Garrett

According to surveys, ANU graduates are among the most sought-after globally and among the most employable in Australia. As one of the top universities for cybersecurity, it helps create and implement efficient cybersecurity plans. It gives leadership guidance on how an organisation may best prepare to operate in a web environment. The university provides exposure to best practices in cyber security, strategy and risk management. Explore the Australian scholarships available for international students. 

When choosing a college, consider factors such as the program's curriculum, hands-on experience opportunities, partnerships with industry leaders, and rankings. If you feel your dreams of studying at one of the best universities for cybersecurity are being obstructed by financial obstacles, here are the top Commonwealth scholarships you can explore.