MI5
ABOUT US
As a part of GCHQ, the NCSC unlocks the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. We work closely with MI5 and MI6, our partners in the intelligence community, alongside trusted industry experts to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from various threats. THE ROLE
Our CyberFirst Student Bursary Scheme is a unique opportunity to join the CyberFirst student community that rewards you for your talent and commitment whilst you study at university. This is a student development opportunity with GCHQ, the NCSC, and over 150 industry members and other government departments. You’ll gain insight into cyber security and tech, taking on real-world research tasks and projects related to cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. It is a challenging, varied and meaningful development opportunity while earning your degree of choice. The programme could lead to roles within government and industry, particularly in intelligence and national security organisations or their industry partners, where you’ll help shape and advance technical capability to tackle national security threats. You’ll work with advanced technology such as AI, Quantum, and Machine Learning, and develop skills including teamwork, communication and leadership. You’ll be part of a close-knit cohort, with opportunities for support and learning within the community, contributing to the UK overall. During university study, you’ll receive a bursary of £4,000 per year, tax free. Each summer you’ll complete either training at a CyberFirst Academy or an 8-week development placement with the NCSC, a government body, or one of our industry members. You will receive a summer placement payment of £2,000, and may receive expenses towards accommodation and travel. There is the potential for a year-in-industry placement if required by your university course. If you wish to continue with academic study after your degree, we may be able to facilitate postgraduate research in cyber security or related tech subjects. * The maximum bursary paid during your studies is 4 years. Upon completing your degree, we will assist you in finding a paid cyber security role within UK national security, government, or industry with an expectation to stay for a minimum of three years. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for the CyberFirst Student Bursary Scheme you must: Have or will have British citizenship by August 2026 or hold dual nationality, one component must be British, to be considered. Have (or expect to have) 3 A-levels in any subject at Grade B or above (or at least 120 UCAS tariff points in any equivalent qualification) and have an offer (or be applying) to study a full-time undergraduate degree or integrated masters in any subject at a UK university from September 2026. Alternatively: Already be studying an undergraduate degree or integrated masters in any subject at a UK university, with a minimum of 2 years of full-time study remaining from September 2026 and be on track to attain a minimum 2:1 equivalent at the end of your degree. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator (URL: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator) to understand how many UCAS points your qualifications provide. Note that two years cannot include overseas study or industry placements; study must be at a UK university. If your degree requires overseas study, it cannot count towards the remaining two years unless agreed prior to accepting an offer. We’re looking for motivated and committed individuals from all backgrounds who aspire to a career in cyber security and tech. As part of the selection process, you will be asked to demonstrate aptitude to understand computers, how they work and how to secure them. If you’re excited about working with us and think you have some of what we’re looking for, consider applying. LOCATION
The UK university of your choice. Summer placements are in various locations across government or industry between years of study. SELECTION PROCESS
To apply, you must meet nationality requirements and be 18 years of age on or before 31 January 2027. Details are available here:
https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/cyberfirst/university-bursary.html Applications open on Monday 15 September 2025 and close on Monday 17 November 2025. Be prepared to dedicate 60-90 minutes to completing your application. You can save your application and return later, but submit by the closing date. If eligible, next steps are: Online Exercise (Immersive Labs) – link will be emailed after eligibility confirmation and available from 17 September 2025; must be completed by 8 December 2025. Competency Sift Assessment Centre (online) Assessment centres/interviews are likely to be held online in January/February 2026. There is an option to try the Online Exercise before submitting your application using the signup code ‘CyberFirstTrial2025’. OFFER AND EEO
Disability Confident Statement:
We ensure a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria are offered an interview (Offer of Interview). To secure an interview, applicants must meet the minimum criteria as part of the application and online exercise. If successful, you’ll receive a CyberFirst Bursary and Development Scheme offer, conditional upon exam results and university offer. Please note that we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date; submit as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
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As a part of GCHQ, the NCSC unlocks the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. We work closely with MI5 and MI6, our partners in the intelligence community, alongside trusted industry experts to safeguard Britain’s people, interests, and businesses from various threats. THE ROLE
Our CyberFirst Student Bursary Scheme is a unique opportunity to join the CyberFirst student community that rewards you for your talent and commitment whilst you study at university. This is a student development opportunity with GCHQ, the NCSC, and over 150 industry members and other government departments. You’ll gain insight into cyber security and tech, taking on real-world research tasks and projects related to cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. It is a challenging, varied and meaningful development opportunity while earning your degree of choice. The programme could lead to roles within government and industry, particularly in intelligence and national security organisations or their industry partners, where you’ll help shape and advance technical capability to tackle national security threats. You’ll work with advanced technology such as AI, Quantum, and Machine Learning, and develop skills including teamwork, communication and leadership. You’ll be part of a close-knit cohort, with opportunities for support and learning within the community, contributing to the UK overall. During university study, you’ll receive a bursary of £4,000 per year, tax free. Each summer you’ll complete either training at a CyberFirst Academy or an 8-week development placement with the NCSC, a government body, or one of our industry members. You will receive a summer placement payment of £2,000, and may receive expenses towards accommodation and travel. There is the potential for a year-in-industry placement if required by your university course. If you wish to continue with academic study after your degree, we may be able to facilitate postgraduate research in cyber security or related tech subjects. * The maximum bursary paid during your studies is 4 years. Upon completing your degree, we will assist you in finding a paid cyber security role within UK national security, government, or industry with an expectation to stay for a minimum of three years. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
To apply for the CyberFirst Student Bursary Scheme you must: Have or will have British citizenship by August 2026 or hold dual nationality, one component must be British, to be considered. Have (or expect to have) 3 A-levels in any subject at Grade B or above (or at least 120 UCAS tariff points in any equivalent qualification) and have an offer (or be applying) to study a full-time undergraduate degree or integrated masters in any subject at a UK university from September 2026. Alternatively: Already be studying an undergraduate degree or integrated masters in any subject at a UK university, with a minimum of 2 years of full-time study remaining from September 2026 and be on track to attain a minimum 2:1 equivalent at the end of your degree. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator (URL: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator) to understand how many UCAS points your qualifications provide. Note that two years cannot include overseas study or industry placements; study must be at a UK university. If your degree requires overseas study, it cannot count towards the remaining two years unless agreed prior to accepting an offer. We’re looking for motivated and committed individuals from all backgrounds who aspire to a career in cyber security and tech. As part of the selection process, you will be asked to demonstrate aptitude to understand computers, how they work and how to secure them. If you’re excited about working with us and think you have some of what we’re looking for, consider applying. LOCATION
The UK university of your choice. Summer placements are in various locations across government or industry between years of study. SELECTION PROCESS
To apply, you must meet nationality requirements and be 18 years of age on or before 31 January 2027. Details are available here:
https://www.gchq-careers.co.uk/cyberfirst/university-bursary.html Applications open on Monday 15 September 2025 and close on Monday 17 November 2025. Be prepared to dedicate 60-90 minutes to completing your application. You can save your application and return later, but submit by the closing date. If eligible, next steps are: Online Exercise (Immersive Labs) – link will be emailed after eligibility confirmation and available from 17 September 2025; must be completed by 8 December 2025. Competency Sift Assessment Centre (online) Assessment centres/interviews are likely to be held online in January/February 2026. There is an option to try the Online Exercise before submitting your application using the signup code ‘CyberFirstTrial2025’. OFFER AND EEO
Disability Confident Statement:
We ensure a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria are offered an interview (Offer of Interview). To secure an interview, applicants must meet the minimum criteria as part of the application and online exercise. If successful, you’ll receive a CyberFirst Bursary and Development Scheme offer, conditional upon exam results and university offer. Please note that we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date; submit as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
#J-18808-Ljbffr