CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is a fully funded, nine-month advanced training and certification programme for experienced African women in cybersecurity who are ready to specialise in securing AI systems and applications. The fellowship moves participants from foundational AI security literacy to advanced application security and automation practice.
The programme is delivered by CyberSafe Foundation in partnership with the SANS Institute, combining CyberSafe’s African pipeline and SANS’s curriculum, labs, and certification path to prepare fellows for GIAC AI security certifications and hands-on AI security work.
CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship Benefits
- The program has no tuition fees.
- The fellowship is online, allowing participants to join from any resident African country.
- Move beyond general cybersecurity knowledge into practical skills covering LLMs, generative AI applications, RAG systems, AI threat modelling, application security, and security automation.
- Build, secure, analyse, and defend systems through labs designed around real AI security challenges.
- Preparation for the GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE) certifications.
- Courses are taught by working AI security consultants, researchers, and course authors.
- Mentorship and Structured support.
CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- You are a woman older than 21
- You are African, speak English, and currently reside in an African country.
- 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 exam preparation windows.
- You are willing to complete the prerequisite AI security course as part of the application process.
How to Apply for CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship?
- Apply through online application form available on the official call page.
- Fill out your personal information and contact details.
- Provide your professional background information.
- Upload the required documents.
- Answer the application questions asked within the word limit.
- Read carefully and then agree to the terms and conditions.
- Select how did you hear about this program.
- Read and check the data privacy consent.
- Submit your application form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply based on the official programme information.
Is the fellowship free?
Yes. According to the programme details on the official page, the fellowship is fully funded. SANS provides the training and certification pathway as an in-kind contribution, and fellows do not pay tuition.
Who can apply?
Women older than 21 who are African, English-speaking, currently resident in an African country, and have at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience are eligible to apply, per the official eligibility criteria.
Do I need previous AI experience?
No prior AI experience is required. The fellowship requires a strong cybersecurity foundation with at least three years of hands-on experience; applicants without AI experience can complete the prerequisite AI security course as part of application requirements.
What will I learn during the fellowship?
The learning path moves from AI security fundamentals to advanced application security and automation, covering SEC411, SEC495, SEC545, and SEC598 topics such as LLM defence, RAG systems, GenAI application security, and AI-driven security automation, with hands-on labs and a capstone exercise.
What certifications does the programme prepare fellows for?
The programme provides preparation for globally recognised GIAC certifications, specifically the GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and the GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE) certifications, as stated on the official programme page.
What is the programme duration and timeline?
The fellowship is a nine-month programme. Official milestones list applications opening 19 August 2026, applications closing 10 September 2026, orientation on 21 October 2026, training beginning 26 October 2026, and fellowship completion on 30 July 2027.
What support do fellows receive?
Fellows receive SANS OnDemand training, hands-on labs, mentorship, structured support, and instruction from working AI security consultants and researchers, as described on the official programme page.
How are applications reviewed and when are selections communicated?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The official timeline indicates selection and feedback by 30 September 2026, following the application close on 10 September 2026.
Is the programme open to applicants across Africa?
Yes. The fellowship is delivered online and is open to women residing in African countries who meet the eligibility requirements; the programme explicitly states participants may join from any resident African country.
Where do I apply and where can I find application guidance?
You apply via the official application page at the CyberSafe Foundation site. The programme provides an application guide PDF and an online application form at https://cybersafefoundation.org/cybersafe-x-sans-ai-security-application/ which contains step-by-step recruitment, selection process details, and the full application timeline.
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