Security vendor ESET Australia is seeking applications for the annual Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship.

The scheme aims to empower women pursuing education in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) disciplines, and is supported by Cyber Security Minister Clare O’Neil.

ESET is offering $5000 to an “exemplary female student” enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program in the STEM field. Submissions can be made until May 1 and the winner, to be announced on May 21, will be invited to Parliament House during a sitting week.  

Women comprise only 15% of the STEM-qualified workforce in Australia.

ESET Asia-Pacific and Japan President Parvinder Walia says the initiative will inspire more women to join the IT security sector and the cybersecurity field. 

“Eradicating cybercrime needs a global army of passionate cybersecurity evangelists with different perspectives,” she said. “The increase of women coming into this robust workforce adds to the industry’s strength and diversity of expertise.”

Register here.