It's a
CyberFirst
World
Let’s open it up
THE CYBERFIRST BURSARY HAS NOW CLOSED FOR NEW APPLICATIONS.
Tech is evolving faster than ever – and so are we.
While we’re still primarily focused on cyber security, CyberFirst now includes more tech: from AI and quantum computing to semiconductors and next-gen connectivity.
Whether you’re a problem-solver, coder or just curious about where tech could take you, CyberFirst will help you find your place. With the UK aiming to become a global tech leader by 2035, the opportunities are growing: more opportunities, better pay, job security and exciting career paths that didn’t exist a few years ago.
Our university bursary will help you get started:
- £4,000 tax-free each year of your degree.
- At least £2,000 for each summer placement with top tech employers.
- Hands-on, cutting-edge training and real-world experience.
CyberFirst is more than just a bursary – it’s a community.
A diverse, inclusive network of students from all backgrounds and degree paths – united by a shared mission: to shape the UK’s digital future and help protect what matters.
The future of tech is wide open.
Take the first step.
The university bursary
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What is CyberFirst
CyberFirst is a government-backed outreach and education programme run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ.
Together with our government and industry partners, we’re inspiring and equipping the next generation of tech specialists – opening up exciting pathways into the UK’s fast-growing tech sector.
From digital forensics to AI, quantum computing, software, data and more, CyberFirst helps young people across the UK build the skills, confidence and experience they need to shape a safer, smarter digital future.
Let’s bust some myths
Cyber security is a recent fad, not a stable career path.
False! The more we rely on tech, the more we need cyber security. It's a fast-growing sector - where cyber skills are in high demand.
My interpersonal skills will matter in cyber security.
True! Your interpersonal skills will be vital here. If you can take a tricky concept and make it simple, or talk easily to all kinds of people, you’ll do well. Collaboration, communication and creativity are essential in every tech role – whether you’re designing products or working in cyber security.
Only hackers work in cyber security.
False! From project managers to legal experts to technical writers, cyber security is home to all kinds of vital non-technical roles.
Cyber security is essential to day-to-day life in the UK.
True! Whether it’s protecting flight paths, securing bank accounts, or preventing power outages, cyber security protects every aspect of modern life.
Tech is only for people with STEM degrees.
False! Tech needs creatives, communicators, strategists and analysts too. Whatever your degree background, you’ll find a place where your skills can make an impact.
All the tech jobs are in London.
False! Tech hubs are growing across the UK – in Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh and many others. You can build a tech career wherever you live.
You have to be a coder to apply.
False! We’re looking for people with an interest in tech and a willingness to learn – you don’t have to know how to code. If you’re new to it all, a great place to start is NCSC’s cyber glossary.
Tech jobs aren’t stable – the industry changes too fast.
False! While tech evolves quickly, that’s exactly why it’s a secure career path. As the world becomes more digital, demand for skilled people in areas like AI, cyber security, data and software keeps rising. Tech isn’t going anywhere – and neither are the opportunities.
The tech industry isn’t for people like me.
False! Tech is for everyone. The industry is actively building a more inclusive, supportive environment – one that values diversity in all its forms. No matter your background, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, disability, or lived experience, there’s a place for you in tech.
It’s hard to apply for CyberFirst.
False! Yes, there are a few more steps but we’ll guide you through the process. You’ll get clear instructions and support at every stage to make it as straightforward a process as possible.
I could work with all kinds of businesses through CyberFirst.
True! We’re a government-backed scheme but we partner with a range of organisations – from global tech giants to innovative startups, banks, consultancies and public sector bodies. Have a look at our ‘members’ page on our website to see where your career could take you.
AI and quantum computing are too advanced for someone like me.
False! These fields need fresh thinkers, not just experts. With the right support and training, you can build a career in cutting-edge tech – even if you’re just starting out.
AI is replacing all tech roles.
False! While AI is changing the landscape, it’s also creating new roles and opportunities. The future of tech needs people who can work alongside AI, design it responsibly, and solve the problems it can’t – people just like you.
Tech is just for men.
False! Tech is for everyone. But the reality is that not everyone starts from the same place. From underrepresentation to unequal access to opportunities, some groups face more barriers than others. That's why we design every stage of this campaign to be inclusive and supportive - challenging those inequalities and making tech more accessible to all.