CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026. This fully funded nine-month fellowship is designed to equip experienced African women in cybersecurity with specialized skills in artificial intelligence (AI) security, one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields in technology today.

As organizations increasingly adopt generative AI, large language models (LLMs), autonomous systems, and AI-powered applications, the need for professionals who can secure these technologies has never been greater. The CyberSafe Foundation, in partnership with the globally renowned SANS Institute, has launched this fellowship to help bridge the growing AI security skills gap while increasing the representation of African women in advanced cybersecurity roles.

The programme combines self-paced SANS OnDemand courses, practical laboratories, expert mentorship, certification preparation, and continuous learning support. By the end of the fellowship, participants will have gained practical experience in defending AI systems against emerging cyber threats and will be well prepared for globally recognized GIAC certifications.

About the Fellowship

The CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is not an entry-level cybersecurity programme. Instead, it is intended for professionals who already possess practical cybersecurity experience and are looking to build expertise in AI security.

Throughout the nine-month programme, fellows will follow a carefully structured learning pathway that begins with AI security fundamentals before progressing to more advanced topics such as securing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, AI application security, threat modelling, and security automation.

Participants will learn directly from experienced SANS instructors, AI security practitioners, and cybersecurity researchers while gaining exposure to real-world attack scenarios and practical defense strategies. The programme emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratories and practical exercises that mirror the security challenges organizations currently face when deploying AI technologies.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Fully funded participation with no tuition fees.
• Nine months of advanced AI security training.
• Access to premium SANS OnDemand learning resources.
• Practical, hands-on AI security laboratories.
• Preparation for the GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) certification.
• Preparation for the GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE) certification.
• Mentorship from experienced cybersecurity and AI security professionals.
• Continuous academic and technical support throughout the fellowship.
• Exposure to globally recognized cybersecurity best practices.
• Enhanced career opportunities in one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity specialties.

What Participants Will Learn

Throughout the fellowship, participants will develop practical skills in:

• AI security principles.
• Large Language Model (LLM) security.
• Prompt injection attacks.
• Jailbreak prevention techniques.
• AI attack surfaces.
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) security.
• Context-aware AI application security.
• Agentic AI systems.
• AI threat modelling.
• Security automation.
• Cloud security using AWS and Microsoft Azure.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• AI-driven detection and incident response.
• Building secure AI applications.

The programme emphasizes real-world implementation rather than theory alone, ensuring fellows gain practical expertise that can immediately be applied in professional environments.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

• Be a woman aged 21 years or older.
• Be an African citizen.
• Currently reside in an African country.
• Be able to communicate effectively in English.
• Have at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience.
• Demonstrate a genuine interest in AI security.
• Be willing to complete the prerequisite AI security course during the application process.
• Be able to commit to the entire nine-month fellowship, including certification preparation activities.

Previous AI experience is not required. However, applicants should already possess a solid cybersecurity foundation before joining the programme.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is ideal for professionals such as:

• Security Analysts.
• Security Engineers.
• SOC Analysts.
• Penetration Testers.
• Cloud Security Engineers.
• Application Security Specialists.
• Incident Responders.
• Cybersecurity Consultants.
• Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Professionals.
• Digital Security Professionals seeking to transition into AI security.

If you already have cybersecurity experience and are looking to specialize in securing AI technologies, this fellowship provides an excellent pathway into one of the most sought-after areas in cybersecurity.

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application form.
• Personal and professional information.
• Details of relevant cybersecurity experience.
• Responses to application questions.
• Completion of the required prerequisite AI security course.
• Any additional information requested during the recruitment process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant cybersecurity experience.
• Demonstrated technical competence.
• Commitment to AI security.
• Readiness to complete the entire fellowship.
• Quality of the application responses.
• Overall suitability for the programme.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Visit the official CyberSafe Foundation application portal.
2. Carefully read the fellowship application guide.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Provide accurate information about your cybersecurity experience.
5. Complete the prerequisite AI security course.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.

Applicants are advised to write all responses in their own words, as applications containing substantially AI-generated responses may be disqualified.