CyberFirst Student Bursary Scheme Ref. 856

National | Annual Bursary, Summer Work Experience & 3 Years Employment in National Security

Have you ever thought of safeguarding national security? As part of a Government Cyber Team, you could use cutting-edge technology to do just that. It makes for a truly fascinating career. We’re looking for motivated individuals with a real passion for all things technical. With a number of varied roles in our Student Development Scheme, it’s a unique chance to pick a challenge that excites you. To make things even more appealing, you’ll benefit from Government support over the first six years of your career – starting from September 2016 (this must be your first undergraduate year).

Quite simply, it’s a student opportunity like no other. Working with GCHQ and other government departments, you’ll gain unrivalled insight into the world of cyber threats, terrorism, espionage and organised crime. Cyber security is constantly evolving, giving you the opportunity to explore different challenges. Alongside your degree, you’ll develop your career in a way that you couldn’t do anywhere else.   

The programme can lead to exciting roles within the government – including the intelligence agencies. You’ll help to shape and further advance our technical capability – including our ability to tackle national security threats.

To take advantage of this opportunity, you’ll be studying a STEM or Social Sciences undergraduate degree at a UK University. During each summer, we’ll arrange for a security related placement – either on a specific training course, or as a work placement within a government department. You’ll need to have a keen interest in accepting challenges in varied areas, as we value an emphasis on self-development.

THE PROGRAMME

To support your studies, you’ll receive a bursary of £4,000 per annum, tax-free. Each summer, we’ll arrange for paid employment activities within government, and you’ll receive payments of £250 per week plus accommodation. After graduation we aim to place you in a paid Cyber Security role within government for the next three years. Whichever area you are employed in, you’ll be taking on real business challenges in information assurance or cyber operations. You’ll be working with some of the most advanced technology, developing a broad range of competencies including teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

You’ll be supported throughout the process by our administrative team. Work-based placements will see you working on some seriously unique, real-world research tasks. In addition, you’ll also be able to make a real contribution to the mission of the intelligence agencies in tackling threats to national security in years to come. Subject to business needs, and the successful completion of the three years service, you may be offered a permanent position within a government department (although you are not obliged to accept it.) If after accepting your place on the scheme you decide to leave before the end of the three years service, you will be expected to pay back the investments made to you so far. These clauses will be written into your contract of employment on the Scheme.

REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the CyberFirst Student Development Scheme, you will have, or be expecting to have by September 2016, a place at a UK university to study a STEM or Social Sciences undergraduate degree, 3 A Levels at grade C or above with at least 2 A Levels in either Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) subjects, or equivalent qualifications in STEM subjects.

SELECTION PROCESS

As part of this campaign you will be required to undergo:    

Online Application Form – Online Aptitude Test – Assessment Centre

KEY DATES

Campaign Opens on 4th July 2016

Closing date for applications is: Monday 15th August 2016 @ 23.00

On-Line Tests: 15th July 2016 – 31st August 2016

Assessment Centre: 12th September 2016 – 30th September 2016

THE REWARD PACKAGE

(Note: All figures are approximate and assume you complete 3 years service)

Bursary of £4,000 per annum for each year of study - *£12,000
2 x paid summer work activities at £250 per week - **£4,000
(Plus accommodation)
3 years employment in national security from £25,295 per annum - ***£75,885

Total Package (min) - £91,885

*£16,000 if completing a Master’s Degree
**Summer placements are normally between 6 – 8 weeks @ £250 per week
***Subject to successfully passing Developed Vetting clearance.