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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.
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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.
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SANS Women's Cyber Academy
Unleash your potential with the Women's Cyber Academy. Offering a specialized cybersecurity training scholarship, providing women with the tools and skills to excel in the cybersecurity industry. Our cost-free, intensive program is focused on real-world application, setting you up for immediate...
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WiCyS Security Training Scholarship
Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) members can apply for this multi-staged scholarship opportunity made possible by Google, Bloomberg, and Facebook. Designed for students and career changers, this program will provide selected participants with a reliable pathway to cybersecurity employment within the...
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Secure Diversity Leadership Academy
Women and other underrepresented genders can utilize three programs focused on increasing gender diversity in cyber security leadership. The three programs—transformational cyber leader, operational cyber executive, and cloud security leader—offer SANS training and GIAC certifications to US-based,...
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SANS Cloud Diversity Academy
The SANS Cloud Diversity Academy offers the skills to secure cloud infrastructure and sensitive data through SANS OnDemand training and hands-on labs with industry experts. Launch your career in cloud security by earning globally recognized GIAC certifications with the support of a dedicated...

    Veterans Pathway

    This pathway is designed to provide military veterans with a clear path to transition into a successful cybersecurity career. It offers free training opportunities to develop skills and knowledge required to succeed in the field.
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    Veterans Cyber Academy
    The Veterans Cyber Academy is a cybersecurity training scholarship program open to military veterans, active duty US military within 6 months of transition, and active duty military spouses looking to transition into the cybersecurity industry. This program provides comprehensive and immersive training that covers the latest technologies and techniques used in the field. The program is highly competitive, with limited training spots available, but provides participants with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in cybersecurity.
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    Mission 43 Veterans Academy
    Join the ranks at Mission 43 Veterans Academy, a place where Idaho's veterans can turn their military experience into a future in cybersecurity. It's all for free, and it's all about you. We help you transition smoothly into a career that values your skills and dedication. Let's work together to make the world of cybersecurity a safer place. Ready for your next mission?

    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.
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    Cyber Diversity Academy
    Facing the cybersecurity challenge, SANS Diversity Cyber Academy offers cybersecurity training scholarships for women and minorities in cybersecurity. Our accelerated pathway is free, empowering you to make an immediate impact post-certification. Experience inclusive training, and achieve...
    Apply Today
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    Cloud Diversity Academy
    The SANS Cloud Diversity Academy offers the skills to secure cloud infrastructure and sensitive data through SANS OnDemand training and hands-on labs with industry experts. Launch your career in cloud security by earning globally recognized GIAC certifications with the support of a dedicated...
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    Cyversity SANS Diversity Academy
    In partnership with Cyversity with additional funding from Google and Palo Alto Networks, this multi-staged program is available to a global audience serving underrepresented communities in the cybersecurity industry.
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    HBCU+ Immersion Academy
    Paving the way for Black American scholars in cybersecurity, the HBCU+ Academy's cybersecurity training scholarship provides a full, hands-on training experience. For juniors, seniors, grad students, or graduates of HBCU, MSI, or PBI, this no-cost opportunity awaits you.
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    Jumpstart Into Cyber
    Jump into cybersecurity with JumpStart! This NSF-funded program invites non-white college students to engage in no-cost, gamified learning. Benefit from real-world skill building, and for top performers, the opportunity to progress to an industry-level course.

      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.
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      Cyber Workforce Academy Maryland
      Embark on a new career with the SANS Cyber Workforce Academy - Maryland. This cybersecurity training scholarship offers Maryland residents the chance to reskill in cybersecurity. Enjoy advanced training, earn GIAC certifications, and join 90% of our graduates in securing jobs within 6 months.

      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.
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      Upskill in Cyber
      Upskill in Cyber aims to meet the widening demand for skilled cyber security practitioners. Through intensive training, the program creates GIAC-certified professionals, ready to be deployed into junior cyber security roles in just 10 weeks. Upskill in Cyber is designed for people new to cyber...
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      SANS Cyber Reskilling Program Bahrain 
      Partnering with Tamkeen, the Cyber Reskilling Program aims to close the skills gap in Bahrain by training and certifying students with two GIAC certifications. The program is open to Bahraini nationals over the age of 18 who are seeking to move into the cybersecurity industry and aims to assist in...
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      Certificate for Leadership in Cybersecurity (CLIC)
      The most rigorous cybersecurity training program in Canada, CLIC offers you the opportunity to earn two globally-recognized SANS GIAC certifications, hone your skills in the Catalyst Cyber Range, gain career mentorship from leading cyber experts, as well as connect with major employers in the...
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      Cyversity
      Cyversity SANS Diversity Academy
      In partnership with Cyversity with additional funding from Google and Palo Alto Networks, this multi-staged program is available to a global audience serving underrepresented communities in the cybersecurity industry.

        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.

        View Roadmap

        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

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