AISA recently announced the recipients of the 2026 AISA Cyber Security Scholarships, which support emerging cyber professionals as they begin careers in the sector.
AISA General Manager Megan Spielvogel said the scholarships are an important part of building the next generation of cyber security professionals.
“We are incredibly proud to support these outstanding scholarship recipients as they begin their careers in cyber security,” Ms Spielvogel said.
“Developing the next generation of cyber professionals is critical to Australia’s digital future, and these scholarships are designed to help talented individuals access the opportunities and networks that will support their success.”
The following six winners have been announced:
Paige Crabtree, completing Bachelor of Cyber Security at Latrobe University (2026)
Jasmine Rizwan, completing Bachelor of Science with a Major in Computing and Software Systems (2026)
Emily Zhang, completing Bachelor of Computing Science (Hons) with a Major in Cyber Security and Networking at UTS (2026)
Nicola Hall, completing Master of Applied Cybernetics at Australian National University (2026)
Alice Kjar, completing Master of Software Engineering with a specialisation in Cyber Security at the University of Melbourne (2026)
Anh Doan, undertaking an internship through 2025/26 Victorian Summer of Cyber Program with AWSN (2026)
About the Recipients
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Paige Crabtree, Latrobe University, Victoria
Paige Crabtree is a student from Diamond Creek, Victoria, with a passion for digital forensics. Studying a Bachelor of Cyber Security at Latrobe University, she is the WiCyS La Trobe Student Chapter Vice President and she recently secured an internship as a trainee Digital Forensic Investigator. She also volunteers at her local council, helping elderly members within the community who may have technical issues.
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Jasmine Rizwan, Victoria
Jasmine Rizwan is a student from Melbourne, VIC, pursuing a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Computing and Software Systems (because her university does not offer an undergraduate degree in cyber). Jasmine is the Treasurer of the Myanmar Students Association and on the committee of the Melbourne Info Security Club (MISC). At Carlingford High School, NSW, she achieved an HSC ATAR of 95+, winning a 1st in Information Software and Technology in 2020, in 2022 and 2023, Jasmine also received Recognition of School Excellence Award and a HSC Distinguished Achiever Award (2023). Jasmine has recently completed a Vacationer Program 2025/2026 with EY in Assurance - Technology Risk.
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Emily Zhang, UTS, New South Wales
Emily Zhang is pursuing a Bachelor of Computing Science (Hons) with a Major in Cyber Security and Networking at UTS in Sydney. Emily has been part of the New Colombo Program which led her to travel to Malaysia, competed in Cyber Battle Australia 2025 (national CTF, where her team placed 6th), completed the CISCO MentorMe program, and participated in The Apple Foundation Program. She has worked as a Cyber Security Certification Intern as part of her degree, participating in risk assessments and supporting pen-testing. She is part of the UTS CSEC Society and active in AWSN. Emily is working towards a Security Engineering role once she has graduated from UTS.
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Nicola Hall, ANU, Australian Capital Territory
Nicola Hall is a Master of Applied Cybernetics student at the Australian National University, 2026 cohort. Real-world experience in threat detection sparked her passion for cyber security. She is a qualified Government Investigator and also studies Cyber Security and IT (Networking) through the Canberra Institute of Technology.
Nicola regularly competes in capture-the-flag competitions, most recently placing in the Top 20 teams nationally at Cyber Battle Australia 2025, with a focus on cryptography, OSINT, and network exploitation. An advocate for inclusion in the cyber sector, Nicola draws on her lived experience of neurodivergence and her career as an NDIS small business owner to create practical pathways for participation. She recently helped establish a TAFE hacking team to provide a safe, supportive space for students to gain confidence and practical experience through ethical hacking and CTF competitions.
She continues to deepen her knowledge through cyber meetups and electronics clubs, enjoying projects such as inventing embedded systems to assist people with neurological differences.Outside of cyber, Nicola is a jazz musician, having sung for the Spectrum Big Band and performed in theatre, and a competitive martial artist in Krav Maga, Wrestling, Buhurt, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where she is a 2-stripe blue belt and holds a double-gold state title.The AISA Foundation Scholarship will make her continued studies possible, and she is grateful to the AISA Foundation for believing in her potential.
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Alice Kjar, University of Melbourne, Victoria
Alice Kjar is from Killawarra, a small rural locality in Victoria near Wangaratta. Alice is currently pursuing a Master of Software Engineering with a specialisation in Cyber Security at the University of Melbourne. A top student, Alice recently completed an IT Project capstone for No Moss concluding in late 2025. Alongside, Alice volunteered as an Academic House Representative at Trinity College contributing to the academic community until the end of 2025. Driven by passion for scientific communication, Alice is dedicated to inspiring other women to excel in STEM fields.
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Anh Doan, RMIT, Victoria
Anh Doan lives in Victoria and will be studying at RMIT. She is currently completing her Certificate IV at TAFE in Cyber Security before starting her more advanced studies. In September 2025, Anh participated in the Holmesglen Cyber Security Simulation Week, gaining hands-on experience and receiving a CyberCon ticket in recognition of her engagement and performance. Anh is currently undertaking an internship through the 2025/26 Victorian Summer of Cyber Program with the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN).
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