Scholarship Opportunities Announced as Deakin GIFT City Expands its Programs

Deakin CyberClash 2025 Draws Participation from Top Institutes Across Gujarat

Deakin University, ranked among the top 1% of global universities, has reinforced its commitment to academic excellence and innovation by establishing its GIFT City Campus in Gandhinagar, India. As the first international university to open a branch campus in the country, Deakin achieved a historic milestone by welcoming its inaugural cohort in July 2024. The campus has since emerged as a hub for industry-focused learning, offering advanced postgraduate programs in Business Analytics and Cyber Security. Admissions for the next intake, starting in July 2025, are currently open.

In its continued pursuit of excellence, the GIFT City Campus hosted its flagship student-led event, Deakin CyberClash 2025, on April 25. This landmark initiative drew enthusiastic participation from cybersecurity enthusiasts across the region. According to the organisers, the event featured over 10 teams of two competing in a Red Team (Attackers) vs. Blue Team (Defenders) setup. Participants navigated two challenging rounds, addressing five simulated flaws that mirrored real-world cyberattacks and defence scenarios. Deakin described the contest as a testament to student leadership and teamwork within the field of cybersecurity.

Chandan Hegde, a student organiser, shared that managing Deakin CyberClash was a valuable learning experience. He admitted it was challenging at times, but rewarding to see their idea come to life and gain strong interest from participants. The event was judged by renowned industry experts, including Sameer Kulkarni, Senior Vice President of IT at Decimal Point Analytics, and Dr. Nilesh Kumar Purey, Chief Technology Officer at GIFT City Ltd. Mr. Kulkarni praised the participants’ skill and creativity, calling their talent impressive and the event crucial for promoting cybersecurity awareness. Dr. Purey echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the contest offered young professionals a real-world platform to test their knowledge and focus.

David Das, Head of Campus Operations at Deakin GIFT City, expressed pride in hosting the university’s first student-led cybersecurity contest. He emphasised that CyberClash showcased the talent and drive of Deakin students, aligning with the university’s mission to train job-ready experts in cybersecurity. The event attracted teams from prestigious institutes in Gujarat and beyond, such as Rashtriya Raksha University, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, and National Forensic Science University. Visitors also commended the campus’s modern facilities and hands-on learning environment.

Shubham, a participant, shared his admiration for the event and praised the setup at Deakin University for providing a real-time experience. He applauded the student organisers for delivering a well-coordinated and inspiring event. The contest concluded with a prize ceremony where winners and runners-up received cash awards. Faculty and judges congratulated all teams for their strong performances and encouraged them to continue advancing in cybersecurity.

In addition to its focus on events and education, Deakin University announced the Deakin GIFT City Meritorious Scholarships 2025 to support top students in India. Eight high-achieving students—four from each of the two programs starting in July 2025—will benefit from a 25% tuition fee reduction for their two-year courses. The university described this scholarship as a great opportunity for students to enhance their education. Scholarship applications are now open, and interested candidates can email giftcity-dsm@deakin.edu.au for more details regarding eligibility and application procedures. Deakin University continues to make significant strides in education and innovation, combining world-class learning experiences with initiatives that foster leadership and excellence in key fields like cybersecurity.

Editor's Note:

Deakin University’s GIFT City Campus is setting a strong example in higher education. As the first international university to open a branch in India, Deakin is committed to developing real-world talent in important fields like cybersecurity. Events like the recent Deakin CyberClash 2025 go beyond classroom learning, offering practical, hands-on experiences that prepare students for global challenges. The scale and success of this student-led initiative reflect Deakin’s focus on building leadership, innovation, and teamwork among its students. Deakin stands out for its focus on student success. Programs like the Deakin GIFT City Meritorious Scholarships 2025 and its industry-driven courses reflect its commitment to quality and access. Deakin sees education as a tool for progress, not just academics.
 

Highlighting Deakin’s efforts, Skoobuzz notes that other universities can learn from its forward-thinking approach, which blends innovation, inclusiveness, and real-world impact.