SANS Cyber Academy

Addressing the pressing need to fill the cybersecurity labor gap, the SANS Institute proudly presents the Cyber Academy program. Our cybersecurity training scholarship offers an accelerated, technical, and intensive pathway to mastering cybersecurity. This cost-free program empowers students to pass multiple industry-recognized certification exams within a year, equipping them with skills that make a real-world difference from day one.

Numbers at a Glance

Graduates land new jobs in cybersecurity with a 90% success rate within 6 months of program completion.
2650+ SANS Mission based program scholarships have funded internally and externally across the globe to bring more talent into the cybersecurity industry.
The average salary of program graduates is $90,000

Women's Pathway

The Women's Pathway aims to break down gender barriers in the cybersecurity industry and promote diversity by offering free training opportunities to women interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.

Diversity Pathway

Experience the transformative power of a cybersecurity training scholarship—a gateway to ignite your career in cybersecurity. Immerse yourself in an exceptional program, where you'll receive unparalleled training and a coveted scholarship. Elevate your skills, gain hands-on experience, and carve a path to a thriving future in cybersecurity. Explore the diverse range of programs within the Diversity Pathway, each carefully crafted to empower you with specialized knowledge and expertise.

    Workforce Development Pathway

    The Workforce Development Pathway is designed to help individuals build their cybersecurity skills and knowledge, regardless of prior experience. It offers free training opportunities to develop skills and knowledge required to succeed in the field.

    Outside the U.S. Pathway

    The Outside the U.S. Pathway is aimed at supporting the global cybersecurity community by offering training opportunities to individuals outside of the United States. It offers a range of training programs, including some that are tuition-based.

    SANS Cyber Academy Schedule

    AcademyApplications OpenApplications Close
    Cyber Workforce Academy MarylandOct. 9, 2023Nov. 8, 2023
    Veterans Cyber AcademyNov. 1, 2023Nov. 30, 2023
    Women's Cyber AcademyNov. 1, 2023Nov. 30, 2023
    Diversity Cyber AcademyNov. 1, 2023Nov. 30, 2023
    Diversity Cyber AcademyJune 1, 2024June 30, 2024
    Women's Cyber AcademyJune 1, 2024June 30, 2024
    Veterans Cyber AcademyJune 1, 2024June 30, 2024
    HBCU+ Immersion AcademyJune 1, 2024June 30, 2024
    WiCyS Security Training ScholarshipAugust 2, 2024: TBCAugust 30, 2024: TBC
    Mission 43 Cybersecurity AcademyJune 30, 2024: TBCSept. 1, 2024: TBC
    Application and Academy Roadmap

    Step by Step Information on the Application Process

    Learn more about the application process and how the academy helps launch your new cybersecurity career in less than a year.

    For questions about the SANS Cyber Academy, applications, or process please contact academies@sans.org.

    Alumni Feedback

    My experience with the intensity and the quality of the content in the Women's Immersion Academy gave me the confidence to jump into this vast field of cybersecurity headfirst.
    Emily Stocker
    SOC Analyst I
    I chose to pursue a career in cybersecurity because it was something that I found a deep interest in. Ever since I started learning, I’ve only wanted to learn more and more.
    Trevor Churchill
    SOC Analyst
    The courses offered through the VetSuccess Immersion Academy had a direct impact on building the competencies required for my current role as well as my future career goals.
    Kyle McCool
    Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst
    SANS Cyber Immersion Academy was the best way to accelerate my cyber career and get my foot in the door. The resources provided and personnel exceed my expectation. They were very professional and easy to work with.
    Irving Rangel
    Cyber Analyst - COLSA
    SANS Academy allowed me to gain knowledge in a new career area I couldn't have afforded myself. Also, its (SANS Cyber Academy) receptions with employers landed me my first job in cyber security.
    Amy Riley
    Mid Cyber Security Engineer - Iron Vine Security
    The Cyber Workforce MD program gave me added clout of having sought-after certifications that are highly respected in the industry. Also, they fulfill DoD benchmarks for highly desirable positions.
    James Schultz
    Cyber Engineer - CACI
    I can say with absolute confidence that I couldn’t have made the career switch if I hadn’t taken SANS courses. Taking the courses provided me the knowledge necessary to land a job in cybersecurity.
    Hanan Saleh
    Detection and Response Analyst - Rapid7

      Academy Press