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SANS Cyber Immersion Academies

To help reduce the cybersecurity labor shortage, the SANS Institute launched the Cyber Immersion Academy programs. Accelerated, intensive, technical training and mentorship in cybersecurity prepares students to pass multiple industry-recognized certification exams in six months.

Get Training and Certification to Launch a New Career in Cybersecurity

100% scholarship-based, our four academy types cost nothing for participants. Look below for a schedule of the enrollment periods for each.

SANS Academy - Partner Programs

SANS partners with institutions with aligned missions so that together we can amplify outcomes. Students get access to the same top-notch SANS training and GIAC certifications, plus added support from our partners.

2023 Immersion Academy Schedule

AcademyApplications OpenApplications Close
HBCU+ AcademyFebruary 1, 2023April 14, 2023
Cloud Diversity AcademyMarch 1, 2023April 14, 2023

Cyber Workforce Academy Maryland

April 10, 2023May 31, 2023
Women's Immersion AcademyJune 1, 2023June 30, 2023

Cyber Diversity Academy

June 1, 2023

June 30, 2023

VetSuccess Academy

June 1, 2023June 30, 2023

Numbers at a Glance

90%
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.
$90k
The average salary of program graduates is $90,000
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 six months.

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

Alumni Feedback

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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    Dragos is excited about the expansion of the SANS Cyber Workforce Academy's Maryland program, and we welcome the state's continued investment and support. Because we operate in OT cybersecurity, an emerging cybersecurity sector, we rely on programs like the SANS Cyber Workforce Academy to help expand the pool of available professional talent - as we focus on building diverse teams that have the knowledge and skills to help defend our customers from cyber threats. We have hired SANS graduates at every level of our organization, and I am continually impressed with their understanding of our industry and command of the highly specialized skills we seek. The SANS focus on diversity and increasing the number of skilled professionals aligns completely with our mission to Safeguard Civilization.

    - Bill Seaman Talent Acquisition Manager at Dragos
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    Read About the Academy Program

    Learn more about our immersion academy scholarship partners, the graduates of our academies, and the jobs they've secured after graduation in this academy report.

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    View the latest news about SANS Cyber Academies