The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026 for African women in cybersecurity

The Cybersafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship is a nine-month, fully funded programme for African women cybersecurity professionals who want to specialise in securing AI systems.

What it offers

• Advanced AI security training delivered via SANS OnDemand (self-paced, online) with hands-on labs released in sequence and biweekly progress reviews.
• Preparation for GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE) certifications.
• A structured pathway covering:
  • AI security fundamentals (SEC411)
  • building and securing RAG systems (SEC495)
  • GenAI application security (SEC545)
  • AI-driven security automation (SEC598)

Who can apply

• Women older than 21
• African, English-speaking, and currently resident in an African country
• At least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience
• Willing to complete a designated prerequisite AI security course before formal review

What you'll do

• Move from foundational AI security literacy to advanced application security and automation.
• Build, secure, analyse, and defend AI systems through hands-on labs.
• Learn from leading AI security practitioners.
• Receive mentorship and structured support throughout the programme.

How to apply

• Submit:
  • Contact and location information
  • LinkedIn profile
  • Current role and organisation
  • Years of cybersecurity experience
  • A CV of no more than two pages in PDF format
  • Responses to application questions
• Optional: AI-related articles or publications
• Applications open August 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM WAT and close September 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM WAT

Good to know

• The fellowship is fully funded; fellows do not pay tuition.
• Selection includes prerequisite completion, shortlisting, interviews, identity verification, and final selection on a rolling basis.
• Training begins October 26, 2026 and the fellowship completes July 30, 2027.