The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026 for African Women in Cybersecurity (Fully Funded)

Reach us on

Applications are open for The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026. The 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.

Over the course of the fellowship, participants move from foundational AI security literacy to advanced application security and automation practice, building the technical depth to defend, build, and automate secure AI systems.

The programme brings together two complementary strengths: CyberSafe Foundation‘s pipeline of capable women across the African cybersecurity community, built over years through programmes like CyberGirls, and SANS Institute‘s curriculum, labs, and certification path. It’s a direct answer to a widening gap. AI security is one of the fastest-growing and least-staffed disciplines in cybersecurity, and this fellowship is designed to put its fellows at the front of that demand curve, not the back of it.

This fellowship is built for cybersecurity professionals who already have the foundation and are ready to add AI security specialisation on top of it, through SANS OnDemand training, hands-on labs, mentorship, and certification preparation. This is not an entry-level cybersecurity programme.

Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship Benefits

Specialised AI security expertise: Move beyond general cybersecurity knowledge into practical skills covering LLMs, generative AI applications, RAG systems, AI threat modelling, application security, and security automation.
Hands-on practice: Build, secure, analyse, and defend systems through labs designed around real AI security challenges.
Globally recognised certifications: Preparation for the GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE) certifications.
Instruction from leading practitioners: Courses are taught by working AI security consultants, researchers, and course authors.
Mentorship and Structured support

Eligibility Criteria

This fellowship is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals who are ready to specialise. You may be a strong fit if you can say yes to all of the following:

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.

This fellowship is for you if you have already built cybersecurity experience and are asking what comes next: you want to understand the security implications of AI systems, gain practical exposure to emerging AI attack surfaces, and develop expertise that sets you apart in a fast-changing market.

Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship Program Timeline

Miilestone	Date
Applications open	August 19, 2026, 12:00 PM WAT
Applications close	September 10, 2026, 12:00 PM WAT
Applications reviewed	Rolling basis
Selection and feedback	September 30, 2026
Orientation	October 21, 2026
Training begins	October 26, 2026
Fellowship completion	July 30, 2027