The CyberFirst Student Bursary scheme, inspired and led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), aims to help, support, and prepare undergraduates for a career in cyber security and tech. NCSC partner with other government departments and selected industry members to offer students a comprehensive package of financial assistance and skills development opportunities whilst studying for an undergraduate degree.
ABOUT US
As a part of GCHQ, the NCSC unlocks the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. We work closely with MI5 and MI6, our partners in the intelligence community, alongside trusted industry experts to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from various threats.
THE ROLE
Our CyberFirst Student Bursary Scheme is a unique opportunity to join the CyberFirst student community that rewards you for your talent and commitment whilst you study at university. Quite simply, this is a student development opportunity like no other. Working with GCHQ, the NCSC, as well as over 150 industry members and other government departments, you’ll gain unrivalled insight into the constantly evolving world of cyber security and tech, taking on some seriously unique, real-world research tasks and projects. Think cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. It’s a challenging, varied and meaningful development opportunity that you simply won’t find anywhere else while gaining your degree of choice.
The programme could potentially lead to exciting roles within government and industry. Particularly in intelligence and national security organisations or their industry partners, where you’ll help to shape and further advance our technical capability, including our ability to tackle national security threats.
You’ll be working with some of the most advanced and emerging technology like AI, Quantum, Machine Learning and will develop a broad range of skills including teamwork, communication and leadership. Throughout the scheme you’ll be part of a close-knit cohort, providing opportunities for support and learning within this community. Ultimately, you’ll be making a real contribution to the UK as a whole.
During the years you study at university, you’ll receive a Bursary of £4,000 per year, tax free*. Each summer, you’ll complete either training at a CyberFirst Academy or an 8-week development placement with the NCSC, a government body or one of our industry members. Wherever you are placed for the summer, you will receive a summer placement payment equivalent to £2,000. In addition, you may receive expenses towards accommodation and travel. There’s also the potential for a year in industry placement, which we can help to facilitate, if this is required by the university and course that you chose. If at the end of your degree course, you would prefer to continue with academic study, we may be able to facilitate post graduate research in cyber security or some tech subjects.
* The maximum bursary paid during your studies is 4 years
Upon completion of your degree studies, we will assist you in finding a paid cyber security role within UK national security, government, or industry with the expectation that you would stay for a minimum of three years.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for the CyberFirst Student Bursary Scheme you must:
• Have or will have British citizenship by August 2026 or hold dual nationality, one component must be British, to be considered.
• Have (or expect to have) 3 ‘A’ levels in any subject at Grade B or above (or at least 120 UCAS tariff points in any equivalent qualification*) and have an offer (or be applying) to study a full-time undergraduate degree or integrated masters in any subject at a UK university from September 2026.
OR:
• Already be studying an undergraduate degree or integrated masters in any subject at a UK university, with a minimum of 2 years of full-time study remaining from September 2026 and be on track to attain a minimum 2:1 equivalent at the end of your degree.
*You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator to help you understand how many UCAS points your qualifications will provide.
^Please note that the two years cannot include years of overseas study or industry placements. Study must be at a UK university. If your degree requires overseas study, it cannot count towards your two years of remaining study and must be agreed prior to accepting an offer.
We’re looking for motivated and committed individuals, from all backgrounds, with an aspiration for a career in cyber security and tech. As part of the selection process, you will be expected to demonstrate that you have the aptitude to develop an understanding of computers, how they work and how to secure them.
If you’re excited about working with us and think you have some of what we’re looking for but aren’t sure if you’re 100% there yet… why not just give it a go!
LOCATION
• The UK university of your choice.
• Summer placements are in various locations across government or industry between years of study.
SELECTION PROCESS
To apply for this opportunity, you must meet our nationality requirements and be 18 years of age on or before 31st January 2027. You’ll find more details here: https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/cyberfirst/university-bursary.html
Applications will open on Monday 15th September 2025 and close on Monday 17th November 2025. We strongly encourage applicants to submit an application as early as possible, to allow for more time to complete the next recruitment stage, the online exercise (Immersive Labs).
Be prepared to dedicate 60-90 minutes to completing your application. We’re conscious this might be more time than you expected, so our system will allow you to save your application at any time and come back to it later. But remember to submit your full application before the closing date.
Once we’ve established that you meet the eligibility criteria, the next steps of the selection process are:
• Online Exercise (Immersive Labs) – Please note, the link to the online exercise platform will be emailed to you following confirmation of eligibility and will be available from 17th September 2025. This must be completed no later than 8th December 2025.
• Competency Sift
• Assessment Centre*
*Assessment Centres/Interviews are likely to be held in January/February 2026 and will be held online.
We would like to offer you the opportunity to try out the Online Exercise (Immersive Labs) before you submit your application, to find out more please click here, using the signup code ‘CyberFirstTrial2025’.
OFFER OF INTERVIEW
Disability Confident Statement:
As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for this opportunity will be offered an interview. This is known as the Offer of Interview (OOI). To secure an interview for this opportunity, candidates applying under this scheme must meet the following minimum criteria:
• Application form - you will be asked a series of eligibility questions and other questions relating to this vacancy. If you meet these criteria, you will be sent a link to the Online exercise.
• Online exercise - you will be required to reach the pass mark set for the Immersive Labs Online Exercise.
On successful completion of the application form and the online exercise you will then be invited to the assessment centre if the minimum criteria are met.
If successful, you’ll receive a CyberFirst Bursary and Development Scheme offer, conditional upon exam results and university offer.
Please be aware that we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this opportunity from the original closing date. Please be mindful of this and submit your application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.