CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded
Experienced African women working in cybersecurity can now apply for the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026, a fully funded advanced training and certification programme designed to help cybersecurity professionals specialise in AI security.
The nine-month fellowship combines SANS OnDemand training, hands-on labs, mentorship, structured support and preparation for globally recognised GIAC certifications. It is designed for cybersecurity professionals who already have substantial hands-on experience and want to move into the rapidly growing field of securing artificial intelligence systems and applications.
This is not an entry-level cybersecurity programme. Applicants must already have at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience. However, previous AI experience is not required.
About the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship
The fellowship brings together the CyberSafe Foundation’s experience developing African cybersecurity talent and the SANS Institute’s advanced cybersecurity curriculum, practical labs and certification pathway.
The programme responds to the growing demand for professionals who understand how to secure AI systems, including generative AI applications, large language models, RAG systems and AI-powered security environments.
Over the course of the fellowship, participants progress from AI security fundamentals to advanced application security and security automation.
The ultimate goal is to help fellows develop the technical depth required to defend, build and automate secure AI systems.
What the Fellowship Offers
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive learning and certification pathway at no tuition cost.
1. Fully Funded SANS Training
The fellowship provides access to SANS OnDemand training, allowing participants to complete advanced cybersecurity courses online and at their own pace.
SANS provides the training and certification pathway as an in-kind contribution, meaning fellows do not pay tuition.
2. Advanced AI Security Skills
Participants will develop specialised knowledge covering areas such as:
- Large Language Models (LLMs)
- Generative AI applications
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
- AI threat modelling
- Application security
- Security automation
- AI attack surfaces
- Prompt injection
- Jailbreaking
- Vector databases
- LangChain agents
- Model Context Protocol (MCP)
- Kubernetes
- AWS and Azure security
3. Hands-On Labs
The programme is not purely theoretical.
Participants will work through hands-on labs based on real AI security challenges, allowing them to build, analyse, secure and defend AI systems.
4. Globally Recognised Certifications
The learning pathway includes preparation for two GIAC certifications:
- GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS)
- GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE)
These certifications are designed to validate specialised technical capabilities in AI security.
5. Expert Instruction
Courses are taught by working AI security consultants, researchers and course authors, giving fellows access to practitioners working directly in the field.
6. Mentorship and Structured Support
Fellows receive mentorship and structured support throughout the programme.
Training is supported by biweekly progress reviews to help participants stay on track.
The AI Security Learning Path
The fellowship follows a carefully structured sequence of four advanced SANS courses.
01. SEC411 – AI Security Principles and Practices: GenAI and LLM Defense
The first stage establishes the foundations of AI security.
Participants learn about:
- How large language models work
- Tokenisation security
- AI attack surfaces
- Prompt injection
- Jailbreaking
The course gives fellows the foundation they need before progressing to more advanced AI application security topics.
02. SEC495 – Leveraging LLMs: Building & Securing RAG, Contextual RAG and Agentic RAG
Participants build a Retrieval-Augmented Generation system from the ground up.
The system is self-hosted end-to-end, giving fellows practical exposure to:
- RAG architecture
- Access controls
- Prompt-injection defence
- Protection of sensitive information
This stage moves participants from understanding AI security concepts to actually building and securing AI systems.
03. SEC545 – GenAI and LLM Application Security
This course takes participants deeper into the security of real-world generative AI applications.
Topics include:
- Vector databases
- LangChain agents
- MCP
- Kubernetes
- AI threat modelling
- MAESTRO framework
Participants will also complete a capstone Capture-the-Flag exercise, giving them an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a practical environment.
04. SEC598 – AI and Security Automation for Red, Blue and Purple Teams
The final stage focuses on automating cybersecurity workflows.
Participants learn to use:
- SOAR playbooks
- Infrastructure as code
- AI-driven detection
- AI-driven response
- AWS
- Azure
The course is designed to help participants apply AI and automation across Red, Blue and Purple Team security operations.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is specifically designed for experienced African women in cybersecurity.
You may be a strong fit if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You are a woman older than 21 years.
- You are African.
- You currently reside in an African country.
- You speak English.
- You have at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience.
- You have a genuine interest in AI security.
- You can commit to the full fellowship, including dedicated examination-preparation periods.
- You are willing to complete the required prerequisite AI security course as part of the application process.
No Previous AI Experience Required
Applicants do not need previous AI experience.
However, applicants must already possess a strong cybersecurity foundation and at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience.
The fellowship is intended for professionals asking, essentially, “What comes next?” after building a solid cybersecurity career.
Do You Have to Be a CyberSafe Foundation Alumna?
No.
You do not need to have participated in a previous CyberSafe Foundation programme.
The fellowship is open to any African woman residing in Africa who satisfies the stated eligibility requirements.
Is the Fellowship Really Fully Funded?
Yes.
The CyberSafe Foundation states that the fellowship is fully funded.
SANS provides the training and certification pathway as an in-kind contribution, so selected fellows do not pay tuition.
Training Format
The fellowship is delivered through SANS OnDemand.
This means the training is:
- Online
- Self-paced
- Delivered in sequence
- Supported by hands-on labs
- Accompanied by biweekly progress reviews
The courses are not all released at once. They are made available progressively throughout the fellowship.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to manage their time effectively and maintain consistent progress throughout the nine-month programme.
Application Process
The selection process involves several stages.
According to CyberSafe Foundation, applications are:
- Reviewed on a rolling basis.
- Checked against the eligibility requirements.
- Progressed through the required prerequisite course.
- Considered for shortlisting.
- Followed by interviews.
- Subject to identity verification.
- Final selections are then made.
Applicants should therefore understand that submitting the form does not automatically mean they will be selected.
Prerequisite AI Security Course
Applicants must complete the designated prerequisite AI security course and submit the required credential before their application can proceed to formal review.
This requirement is important and should be completed before expecting the application to move forward.
What You Need to Apply
The application form asks candidates to provide several categories of information.
Applicants should prepare:
Personal Information
- First name
- Middle name
- Last name
- Country of origin
- Email address
- Phone number
- Gender
- Confirmation concerning gender since birth
- Country of residence
The gender-related question is used to confirm eligibility for the women-only programme, and the organisation states that the response is kept confidential and used only for this purpose.
Professional Information
Applicants must provide:
- LinkedIn profile URL
- Number of years of cybersecurity experience
- Current job role
- Current employer
- Current yearly salary range, estimated in US dollars
CV
Applicants must submit a CV in PDF format, with a maximum length of two pages.
Additional AI Publications
Applicants may optionally provide additional articles or publications related to AI.
Application Questions
The application includes two written questions.
Question 1 – Cybersecurity Experience
Applicants must describe a real cybersecurity problem they have worked on.
They should explain:
- What the problem was
- What they did
- Why the problem mattered
The response must be written as though explaining the situation to an intelligent friend who has no cybersecurity background.
Maximum: 150 words.
Question 2 – Interest in AI Security
Applicants must explain:
- Why they are specifically interested in AI security.
- What they have personally done in their own time to learn more about AI security before applying.
Maximum: 150 words.
Important: Do Not Use AI to Write Your Application Answers
This is a particularly important requirement.
CyberSafe Foundation explicitly instructs applicants to answer the questions in their own words and based on their own experiences.
Applicants must not use ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Microsoft Copilot or other generative AI tools to generate, write or substantially rewrite their responses.
Basic spelling and grammar checking is allowed, but the substance and wording must come from the applicant.
Applications found to contain substantially AI-generated responses or that misrepresent the applicant’s own experience or thinking may be disqualified.
Applicant Confirmation and Consent
Applicants must confirm that they:
- Have read and understood the applicant information.
- Are prepared to commit the required time, effort and participation if selected.
The application also asks applicants how they heard about the programme.
Available options include:
- Twitter/X
- WhatsApp group
- CyberSafe Foundation website
- SANS website
- Referred by a friend or colleague
- Other
Applicants must also provide data privacy consent, confirming that the information submitted is accurate and consenting to CyberSafe Foundation collecting, storing and using their personal data, including demographic information, for application review and programme administration.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 19 August 2026, 12:00 PM WAT |
| Applications close | 10 September 2026, 12:00 PM WAT |
| Application review | Rolling basis |
| Selection and feedback | 30 September 2026 |
| Orientation | 21 October 2026 |
| Training begins | 26 October 2026 |
| Fellowship completion | 30 July 2027 |
Application Deadline
10 September 2026 at 12:00 PM WAT
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and complete the prerequisite requirement as instructed.
How to Apply
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that you are:
- A woman older than 21.
- African and resident in an African country.
- English-speaking.
- An experienced cybersecurity professional with at least three years of hands-on experience.
- Interested in specialising in AI security.
- Able to commit to the full fellowship.
Step 2: Read the Application Guide
CyberSafe Foundation advises applicants to read the Application Guide carefully before starting the application.
The guide contains information about:
- Eligibility
- Recruitment and selection
- Application timeline
- Time commitment
- Learning pathway
- Certifications
- Key dates
- What to expect if selected
Step 3: Complete the Prerequisite Course
Complete the designated AI security prerequisite course and obtain the required credential.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Have your:
- Two-page maximum CV in PDF
- LinkedIn URL
- Professional information
- AI-related publications, if applicable
- Personal details
ready before starting the application.
Step 5: Write Your Application Answers Yourself
Answer the two 150-word questions using your own experiences and words.
Do not use generative AI to write or substantially rewrite the responses.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Complete the online application and submit it before:
10 September 2026 at 12:00 PM WAT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. SANS provides the training and certification pathway as an in-kind contribution, and fellows do not pay tuition.
Who is eligible?
African women older than 21 who speak English, reside in an African country and have at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience can apply, provided they meet the other requirements.
Do I need AI experience?
No. Previous AI experience is not required, but applicants must have a strong cybersecurity foundation.
Do I have to be a CyberSafe Foundation alumna?
No. The programme is open to eligible African women regardless of whether they previously participated in a CyberSafe Foundation programme.
What certifications are included?
The programme prepares fellows for:
- GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS)
- GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE)
Is the training online?
Yes. Training is delivered through SANS OnDemand, with self-paced online learning, hands-on labs and biweekly progress reviews.
Can someone living outside Africa apply?
No. Applicants must be African and currently resident in an African country.
Is this suitable for beginners in cybersecurity?
No. This is an advanced fellowship for experienced cybersecurity professionals, and applicants need at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience.
Conclusion
The CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026 offers experienced African women in cybersecurity a fully funded pathway into one of the industry’s fastest-growing specialist areas.
Over nine months, fellows will progress through advanced training covering AI security principles, LLM and GenAI defence, RAG security, GenAI application security and AI-driven security automation. They will also receive hands-on lab experience, mentorship, structured progress support and preparation for the GAIPS and GASAE GIAC certifications.
The opportunity is open to eligible African women regardless of whether they have previous AI experience or are CyberSafe Foundation alumnae. The key requirement is an established cybersecurity foundation, including at least three years of hands-on experience.
Applications close on 10 September 2026 at 12:00 PM WAT, with selection and feedback scheduled for 30 September, orientation on 21 October, training beginning on 26 October 2026 and fellowship completion scheduled for 30 July 2027.
Scholarship/Fellowship Details
Programme: CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship
Host: CyberSafe Foundation in partnership with SANS Institute
Type: Fully funded advanced training and certification fellowship
Duration: Nine months
Target: Experienced African women in cybersecurity
Age: Older than 21
Location requirement: Must currently reside in an African country
Experience: At least 3 years of hands-on cybersecurity experience
AI experience: Not required
Training: SANS OnDemand, online and self-paced
Certifications: GAIPS and GASAE preparation
Training areas: LLM security, GenAI, RAG, AI threat modelling, application security, security automation and more
Mentorship: Yes
Hands-on labs: Yes
Prerequisite course: Required
Application review: Rolling basis
Applications open: 19 August 2026, 12:00 PM WAT
Deadline: 10 September 2026, 12:00 PM WAT
Selection and feedback: 30 September 2026
Orientation: 21 October 2026
Training begins: 26 October 2026
Completion: 30 July 2027
