The CyberSafe Foundation has opened applications for the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship, a fully funded professional development opportunity designed for experienced women cybersecurity professionals across Africa.
The fellowship offers participants the opportunity to develop specialised expertise in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence security through advanced training, practical learning and industry-recognised certifications.
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into businesses, governments, critical infrastructure and digital services, the need for cybersecurity professionals with expertise in securing AI systems continues to grow.
The CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship aims to help address this emerging skills need by supporting eligible women professionals who are ready to strengthen their technical capabilities and explore the security challenges associated with AI technologies.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for cybersecurity professionals seeking to expand their expertise, remain competitive in a changing technology landscape and build knowledge at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
About the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship
The CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is designed to provide a structured learning pathway for experienced cybersecurity professionals. Through the fellowship, selected participants will receive access to specialised AI security training and hands-on learning opportunities intended to deepen their understanding of emerging threats, vulnerabilities and security considerations associated with artificial intelligence.
The programme brings together CyberSafe Foundation’s commitment to expanding access to cybersecurity opportunities across Africa and advanced training opportunities associated with SANS learning and certifications.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore the growing relationship between AI and cybersecurity while developing skills that may be increasingly important as organisations adopt AI-powered systems and technologies.
The fellowship is fully funded, reducing the financial barriers that can prevent talented professionals from accessing specialised cybersecurity education and industry-recognised training.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is specifically targeted at experienced women cybersecurity professionals across Africa who are interested in developing specialised expertise in AI security.
Applicants should carefully review the official Application Guide before submitting their applications. According to the application announcement, the guide contains important information regarding the fellowship’s eligibility requirements, application process, expected time commitment, learning pathway, certifications, key dates and what successful applicants can expect from the programme.
The application form requests information about an applicant’s cybersecurity experience, interest in AI security and readiness to commit to the fellowship.
Applicants should therefore be prepared to clearly demonstrate their professional background and explain, in their own words, why they are interested in pursuing specialised training in AI security.
Eligible applicants may come from countries across Africa, with the application form listing a wide range of African countries.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship provides selected participants with a fully funded pathway to build knowledge and expertise in AI security.
Key features of the opportunity include:
- Fully funded specialised training in AI security
- Advanced SANS training opportunities
- Hands-on learning experiences
- An opportunity to explore emerging AI-related cybersecurity challenges
- A structured learning pathway
- Access to industry-recognised certifications
- Professional skills development for experienced cybersecurity practitioners
- An opportunity to strengthen expertise at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity
- Exposure to an emerging area of demand within the global cybersecurity sector
The fellowship is designed for professionals who want to move beyond general cybersecurity knowledge and develop a stronger understanding of security considerations relating specifically to artificial intelligence systems.
As organisations increasingly deploy AI technologies, professionals with knowledge of AI security may play an important role in identifying risks, strengthening resilience and supporting the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
Why AI Security Skills Matter
Artificial intelligence is transforming how organisations operate, automate processes and deliver services. However, the increasing use of AI also creates new cybersecurity considerations.
AI systems may introduce risks that require specialised technical knowledge and a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence technologies can be attacked, manipulated, misused or compromised.
The CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced cybersecurity professionals to explore this growing field and prepare for opportunities emerging in AI security.
For women working in cybersecurity, the fellowship may also offer a valuable opportunity to develop expertise in a highly specialised and evolving area of technology. Building skills in emerging fields can help professionals adapt to changes in the labour market and pursue new career pathways.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants are encouraged to take sufficient time to read the official Application Guide carefully before completing the online application.
The application should accurately reflect each applicant’s own professional experiences, perspectives and motivations. CyberSafe Foundation specifically asks applicants to answer application questions in their own words and based on their individual experiences.
Applicants should provide clear and thoughtful responses that explain their cybersecurity background, interest in AI security and ability to commit to the fellowship.
Importantly, the programme states that applicants should not use generative AI tools, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude or Microsoft Copilot, to generate, write or substantially rewrite their application responses. Basic spelling and grammar checking may be acceptable, but the substance and wording of responses should remain the applicant’s own.
Applications found to contain substantially AI-generated content or that misrepresent an applicant’s personal experience or thinking may be disqualified.
Applicants should therefore focus on presenting an honest account of their professional journey and motivations.
Application Information
Applicants will be required to provide personal and contact information, including their name, country of origin, country of residence, active email address and phone number.
The application process also includes questions intended to establish eligibility for this women-only fellowship and assess the applicant’s background and readiness for the programme.
Applicants should ensure that the contact details they provide will remain accessible throughout the duration of the programme.
Important Deadline
The application deadline for the CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is:
September 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM WAT.
Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to complete their applications before the deadline and avoid waiting until the final hours to submit.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible applicants should visit the official CyberSafe Foundation application page and carefully review the Application Guide before starting the application.
Applicants should make sure they understand the eligibility requirements, expected commitment, learning pathway and application requirements before submitting their responses.
The CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship represents a valuable fully funded opportunity for experienced women cybersecurity professionals in Africa seeking to develop specialised knowledge in artificial intelligence security.
As AI continues to reshape the global technology landscape, advanced expertise in securing AI systems may become increasingly valuable. Professionals who are ready to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities and explore this emerging field are encouraged to review the official programme information and submit an application before the deadline.
