How to apply

Ready to take your first step into the world of tech? We’re here to help you every step of the way. In this section, you’ll find everything you need to know about the application process – from how to get started, what to expect during our vetting process, and all our top tips to help you feel confident and prepared.

THE CYBERFIRST BURSARY HAS NOW CLOSED FOR NEW APPLICATIONS.

Supporting everyone’s success

As a Disability Confident Leader, we aim to offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the bursary. This is known as the Offer of Interview (OOI). In line with the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the selection process to ensure fair access for everyone. We may also use positive action, where appropriate, to help address underrepresentation. This does not remove competition or guarantee outcomes – it’s about removing unfair barriers so everyone has a fair chance to succeed. Final decisions are always made based on the merit of the application, against clear and objective criteria. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

Making Adjustments

We try to make the application process as accessible as possible. If you have any reasonable adjustments, just let us know. We’ll work with you to make sure you feel supported.

Here are some examples of adjustments we can offer during assessments:

  • Extra time at assessment centres
  • Hard copy print outs with tailored fonts and coloured paper
  • Braille versions of materials
  • A reader for any tests
  • Digital options to assist with written tasks
  • A sign language interpreter
  • Virtual or in-person interview options
  • Customised fonts and background colours
  • Text to speech – read aloud function

If there’s something else that would help you perform at your best, we’d be happy to discuss it. Just tell us what you need when you apply.

Your Application Journey

Here’s what to expect when you apply. Click on the numbers below to find out more about each stage of our assessment process.
Check you’re eligible
  • You’re applying for university to start in September 2026 or, you’ll have at least 2 full years of study remaining (excluding industry year) from September 2026
  • You’ve achieved, or are predicted to achieve, BBB at A Level in any subject (or equivalent to at least 120 UCAS points in any equivalent qualification) 
  • If you’re already in a degree course, you’re on track for at least a 2:1 equivalent at the end of your degree
  • You’re a British citizen or will be by the end of August 2026

*An 'industry year' or 'placement year' is where undergraduates spend a year working in their chosen industry. It's typically taken in the third year of their degree.

Fill in the online application form

Applications open from September to November 2025.

Fill in your personal details: confirm your name, nationality, where you live, your age, academic qualifications and expected grades. Tell us a bit about yourself. You can save your application and come back to it, if you need to.

Complete the online exercise

Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll be sent a link with an invitation to complete our online exercise. We’ll test your aptitude, your interest and what you might know already. It sounds daunting, but previous applicants have really enjoyed this part of the application process. Our top tip is to try these practice exercises. Use the code: CyberFirst_Trial_2025 when you register.

Attend the virtual assessment centre

If selected, you’ll then be invited to the virtual assessment centre between January and February 2026.

This comprises of an interview and a short exercise. We keep it relaxed so you can be yourself. Good luck!

Receive a conditional offer

If you do well in your assessment, you’ll receive a conditional offer at the end of February 2026 – based on passing security clearance (if necessary) and achieving your required grades.

You may be asked to fill in the online vetting questionnaire

Vetting helps us check we can trust you with sensitive data. The questionnaire will explore your character and your personal circumstances.

Offer and start date

Congratulations! If you’ve achieved the required grades and passed security clearance if required, we’ll confirm your offer and start date for the university bursary (in September 2026).

Vetting: The Key Facts

Vetting: The Key Facts

As part of your application for the university bursary, you may be required to go through Security Check (SC) vetting to meet our clearance requirements. Don’t worry, this is straightforward to complete.

Further details on clearance can be found here.

Throughout, our vetting team is committed to treating every candidate with respect, regardless of your ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic.