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IT’S A CYBERFIRST WORLD
WHAT IS CYBERFIRST?
CyberFirst is a government-backed outreach and education programme run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ.
Together with our government and industry partners, we’re inspiring and equipping the next generation of tech specialists – opening up exciting pathways into the UK’s fast-growing tech sector.
From cyber security to AI, quantum computing, software, data and more, CyberFirst helps young people across the UK build the skills, confidence and experience they need to shape a safer, smarter digital future.
THE UNIVERSARY BURSARY
Love learning? Curious about cyber or where tech could take you?
With the CyberFirst University Bursary, you could get up to £24,000, whatever you’re studying. You’ll also get summer placements, hands-on experience and access to some of the biggest names in tech, like Allstate, BAE systems, BT, Deloitte, IBM, Interrupt Labs, QinetiQ, Roke Manor and Zaizi.
WHY APPLY?
- Get support for up to 4 years and receive up to £24,000 (£4k per year of study; up to £2k per summer placement)
- Gain real-world experience through 8-week placements every summer (receive at least £2,000 per placement)
- Work with leading tech companies across the UK
- Build skills and boost your confidence with hands-on training and mentorship
- Discover a wide range of career paths, regardless of your degree subject
- Explore different learning and career development opportunities
- Get a head start in a fast-growing, future-proof industry
- Join a diverse, inclusive community of tech and non-tech experts
- Build your network and sense of belonging
- Help protect our way of life
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
- •You’re curious, motivated and keen to learn
- You enjoy solving problems and spotting patterns
- You’re passionate about tech – whether that’s cyber, coding, computer science or just love exploring new things
The bursary is open to everyone – whatever your financial situation or degree subject
ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST
- You’ll have at least 2 full years of study remaining (excluding industry year) from Sept 2026 OR you’re applying for university to start in Sept 2026 or,
- You’ve achieved, or are predicted to achieve, BBB at A Level in any subject (or equivalent to at least 120 UCAS points in any equivalent qualification)
- If you’re already in a degree course, you’re on track for at least a 2:1 equivalent at the end of your degree.
- You’re a British citizen
*An 'industry year' or 'placement year' is where undergraduates spend a year working in their chosen industry. It's typically taken in the third year of their degree.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Each summer, you’ll have the chance to apply for an 8-week placement with GCHQ or one of our 100+ industry partners around the UK – including Lloyds, BT and Thales. You choose what suits you best: the specialism, the company and the location.
Whether you’re into cyber security, coding, communications, data, design or strategy, you’ll find a placement for you. You could be in a technical or non-technical role, working in an office, remotely or a combination of both.
Day to day, you’ll be:
- Working on different tasks
- Helping to resolve issues
- Coming up with new ways of doing things.
- Learning from others
- Building confidence
- Working as part of a team
- Practicing your presentation techniques
- Collaborating on various projects.
Depending on your current level of experience, you might be invited to attend the CyberFirst Academy in the first year of the bursary. Either way, we’ll give you the foundation you need to get a head start in this fast-growing industry.
WHAT YOU’LL COME AWAY WITH
By the end of the bursary, you’ll have real-world experience, in-demand skills and a clearer sense of where you want to take your career. You’ll also have the confidence to succeed in cyber security – and the wider tech world. And you’ll be part of a supportive, growing network of tech and non-tech experts, finding your place in a community that’s shaping the industry.
