The University Bursary

Love learning? Curious about cyber or where tech could take you?

With the CyberFirst University Bursary, you could get up to £24,000 whatever you’re studying. You’ll also get summer placements, hands-on experience and access to some of the biggest names in tech. Visit our members page to see the wide range of organisations supporting the bursary.

Why Apply?

  • Get support for up to 4 years and receive up to £24,000 (£4,000 per year of study; up to £2,000 per summer placement)
  • Gain real-world experience through 8-week placements every summer (receive at least £2,000 per placement)
  • Work with leading tech companies across the UK
  • Build skills and boost your confidence with hands-on training and mentorship
  • Discover a wide range of career paths, regardless of your degree subject
  • Explore different learning and career development opportunities
  • Get a head start in a fast-growing, future-proof industry
  • Join a diverse, inclusive community of tech and non-tech experts
  • Build your network and sense of belonging
  • Help protect our way of life

Is it right for you?

  • You’re curious, motivated and keen to learn
  • You enjoy solving problems and spotting patterns
  • You’re passionate about tech – whether that’s cyber, coding, computer science or just love exploring new things
  • The bursary is open to everyone – whatever your financial situation or degree subject


Eligibility Checklist

  • 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
  • You're genuinely interested in a career in tech or cyber security


*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.

What you'll do

Each summer, you’ll have the chance to apply for an 8-week placement with GCHQ or one of our 100+ industry partners around the UK. You choose what suits you best: the specialism, the company and the location.

Whether you’re into digital forensics, coding, communications, data, governance or strategy, you’ll find a placement for you. You could be in a technical or non-technical role, working in an office, remotely or a combination of both.

Day to day, you’ll be:

· Working on different tasks
· Helping to resolve issues
· Coming up with new ways of doing things
· Learning from others
· Building confidence
· Working as part of a team
· Practicing your presentation techniques
· Collaborating on various projects

Depending on your current level of experience, you might be invited to attend the CyberFirst Academy in the first year of the bursary. Either way, we’ll give you the foundation you need to get a head start in this fast-growing industry.

What you'll come away with

By the end of the bursary, you’ll have real-world experience, in-demand skills and a clearer sense of where you want to take your career. You’ll also have the confidence to succeed in cyber security – and the wider tech world. And you’ll be part of a supportive, growing network of tech and non-tech experts, finding your place in a community that’s shaping the industry.

Hear from our Bursary Students

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Bursary student, Arron

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25 sec

Bursary student, James

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24 sec

Bursary student, Jane

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Former bursary student, Ben

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the maximum length of the bursary?

It’s a maximum of 4 years. The exact length depends on where you are in your studies when you apply. For example, if you’re completing a 3-year degree and already in your first year, you could receive support for your remaining 2 years of study.”

How much funding could I get?

You could receive up to £24,000, depending on how many years of study you have left. In simple terms, it breaks down to £4,000 per year, plus £2,000 for each summer placement you complete. We may also offer you discretionary living expenses during each placement.”

What could I earn in a cyber/tech career?

It depends on the role but starting salaries for cyber or tech graduates typically range from £25,000 to £40,000. As you gain experience, your salary will grow. Tech offers strong earning potential, job security and plenty of room to grow.”

Can I choose my own placement?

Yes, you can. You’ll be able to choose from over 100 partner organisations including some of the biggest names in tech. You can select placements based on your interests, location and the kind of experience you want to build. In your first year you may be selected for the CyberFirst Academy – a great way to get started if you’re new to the industry.”

Will I be selected for the CyberFirst Academy?

If your application is successful, we’ll assess your current level of knowledge to see if you’d benefit from attending the academy. If not, we’ll advise you to apply for a placement with one of our partners, based on what you’re looking for – location, company, specialism and the kind of experience you’re looking for.”

THE CYBERFIRST BURSARY HAS NOW CLOSED FOR NEW APPLICATIONS.