Why Adelaide called me
I'm Shahzeb from Lahore, Pakistan. After completing my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, I wanted to pursue a Master's in Cybersecurity.
Pakistan faces over 900,000 daily hacking incidents, according to our Federal Minister for Information Technology. The University of Adelaide's* world-class curriculum, pioneering cyber-attack research and collaboration with the Defence Innovation Partnership offered the expertise I needed to help address these critical security challenges back home.
Adelaide's access to security projects and Australia's multicultural society promised opportunities impossible to find elsewhere.
Academic excellence and real-world impact
Adelaide exceeded every expectation. I excelled in my studies and secured extraordinary opportunities to adapt theory into practice.
Working with the Defence Science and Technology Group, I developed ICSim++ (an AI-powered Vehicle Security Simulation tool that reduces vulnerability detection time by 60%) and secured a paid contract with the Defence Innovation Partnership, working on network security protocols protecting critical infrastructure.
At FLUX Robotics, I secured agricultural robotics systems against cyber threats, implementing NIST-compliant controls that improved security compliance by 50%. The 6-unit STEM internship bridged academic knowledge with industry practice, while research collaborations on CANbus security and threat intelligence shaped my expertise beyond classroom learning.
*Please note: In 2026, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia are combining to become Adelaide University.
Building connections
I joined university ambassador programs that allowed me to contribute, develop professional skills and connect with diverse communities. I also met like-minded tech enthusiast friends through projects, conferences and hackathons.
I was also able to forge personal connections as a Youth Representative for the Pakistani Australian Association of South Australia (PAASA), mentoring over 100 students and helping to offer free accommodation to new international students.
Embracing Australian life while staying true to roots
Coming from Pakistan's intense 24/7 work culture, Australia's work-life balance emphasis surprised me, but I’ve learnt to juggle my academics with volunteering and other roles.
I have also had to adjust to Australian’s direct communication style versus Pakistan's indirect, harmony-preserving approach, but found that this accelerated shared problem-solving, especially in technical fields.
Overall, I feel like I have been able to maintain my cultural identity while embracing Australian values, which creates a richer experience both communities and enhances my professional value.
Life in Adelaide
A typical Saturday involves early morning study, followed by basketball at the university courts. In the afternoon, I help organise community events that bring together diverse cultural groups. Sunday mornings are for restoration! I like to head to Glenelg or Henley Beach or go hiking in the Adelaide Hills.
I love exploring Adelaide's multicultural food scene. Pakistani spices remind me of home, but I also enjoy discovering new cuisines. I also prepare meals at home and spend nights with friends watching movies, playing games and enjoying good food.
Beyond Adelaide, I’ve done road trips to Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Gold Coast, Kangaroo Island, Mount Gambier and Yorke Peninsula. These travels revealed Australia's diverse landscapes while making friends in new towns.
Lessons for future students
My journey proves international students can excel beyond academics. While being Valedictorian, I’ve also been able to manage ambassador duties and have contributed to institutional policy.