Dreams Beyond Borders: IIE Computing Graduate Fast Tracks To Masters In Cyber Security In Australia

Due to his strong academic performance - graduating with distinction (77% average overall) - Tumelo Mabetwa (IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Science in Application Development (BCAD) Emeris Waterfall campus) Class of 2025 graduate has bypassed the traditional Honours route and is progressing directly to a Masters in Cyber Security through The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in Australia. He will commence his Masters in July.

“Never limit God. That was one of the most important things my parents told me after I received my offer letter from RMIT University,” said Mabetwa.

Mabetwa never planned to study aboard: “I always intended to continue my studies in South Africa, but when circumstances beyond my control changed those plans, I had to start considering other opportunities. One of them being the possibility of studying overseas for my postgraduate degree. I approached the application process with the mindset that if I got accepted, then it was meant to be and if I did not at least, I would know that I tried.”

“During my undergraduate studies at Emeris Waterfall I performed well academically and I give a great deal of credit to my lecturers, particularly to Handsom Mpofu (Head of Computer Science Emeris Waterfall), Sundesh Dasram (Mathematics for Computer Science and Project Management Lecturer Emeris Waterfall) and Isaac Leshaba (former Cloud Development and a Web Security Lecturer Emeris Waterfall). They were incredibly supportive throughout my studies and played a major role in guiding me to truly understand the work. Their guidance contributed greatly to my academic success and ultimately helped me graduate with distinction,” he said.

Mpofu highlights that Mabetwa will succeed in Australia: “Tumelo’s admission into the Master of Cyber Security programme at RMIT University in Australia is a remarkable achievement that reflects his academic excellence, innovation and determination. Having witnessed his growth through his contributions to the campus’ The Hub for Innovation, Ventures and Entrepreneurship (The HIVE), I have no doubt that he will continue to make a meaningful impact on the global technology landscape.”

Mabetwa worked hard and followed his dream: “Achieving those results placed me in a strong position when I applied to universities overseas. I applied to three universities in Australia, mainly because they offered mid-year intakes and had strong international industry links. The application process required me to submit detailed information about the modules I completed at Emeris, including module outcomes and the projects I worked on throughout my degree.”

Mabetwa was fortunate enough to receive offers from all three Australian universities. He carefully considered his options and chose RMIT University because of its global ranking, practical learning approach and strong industry connections.

“The decision to specialise in Cyber Security was ultimately my own, as it aligns closely with the career path and field I want to pursue in the future,” he said.

Mabetwa continues to say that: “I decided to follow through with the opportunity. I am also grateful to have received a bursary for my studies. Sometimes the opportunities we never planned for can become the ones that shape our future the most.”

“The IIE Bachelor of Computer and Information Science in Application Development (BCAD) degree distinguishes itself through its combination of strong computing fundamentals, applied software development expertise and exposure to emerging technologies such as cloud computing and cybersecurity. Through industry aligned projects, research, and work integrated learning opportunities, students develop the ability to design innovative digital solutions for real-world challenges. The result is a graduate who is not only work ready, but equipped to adapt, lead and create value in a rapidly evolving technology landscape,” said Johan Vorster (Head of Faculty of Information and Communications Technology at the Independent Institute of Education (PTY) Ltd (IIE)).