This is a
CyberFirst
World
Let’s open it up
We live in a digital age. Technology powers everything from phones and laptops to hospitals, airports and banks. To defend all that, we need more people in cyber security than ever before.
Our degree apprenticeships and university bursaries help you get started in the cyber world. Time to discover a diverse network of both tech and non-tech experts – all united by our mission to protect the UK.
Find your programme
Take me thereThe university bursary
Take me thereThe degree apprenticeship
Take me thereHow to apply
Take me there
What is CyberFirst
Find your programme
Tell us a little about yourself, and we’ll tell you which programme suits you best.
Will you be at least 17 by February 2022?
You’re not old enough to take on our apprenticeships and degree bursaries yet, but if you’re interested in cyber security, take a look at our other opportunities.
Do you have either British citizenship or dual nationality status?
To be eligible to apply, you must be a British citizen. One of your parents must be a British citizen or must have nationality or citizenship from our approved list of countries.
Do you have or will you be predicted to achieve at least BBC at A Level or above (or equivalent qualifications) by September 2022?
It looks like you won’t have the right grades to start our university bursary or degree apprenticeship this year, but if you’re interested in cyber security, take a look at our other opportunities.
Do you have or will you be predicted to achieve at least BBB at A Level (or equivalent qualifications) by September 2022?
It looks like you should take a look at our degree apprenticeship.
Are you about to start or already at university, with at least two years of study left to go in September 2022?
It looks like you should take a look at our university bursaries.
Are you applying for and plan to be accepted onto a UK university course starting in Autumn 2022?
It looks like you should take a look at our university bursary. Don’t forget though – you can also earn your degree on our degree apprenticeship and you can apply for both programmes.
Are you interested in getting your degree, but open to achieving it through combined work and study on an apprenticeship?
If you aren’t applying for uni yet, and you don’t want to take on an apprenticeship, take a look at our other early opportunities.
Hooray! You’re eligible for both our university bursary and our degree apprenticeship, and you can apply for either or both.
Let’s bust some myths
You have to be a coder to apply.
False! We ask for an aptitude for tech and the will to learn, but you don’t have to know how to code yet. If you’re a beginner, why not start with the NCSC’s cyber glossary?
Only hackers work in cyber security.
False! From project managers to legal experts to technical writers, cyber security is home to all kinds of vital non-technical roles.
Cyber security is essential to day‑to‑day life in the UK.
True! Whether it’s protecting flight paths, securing bank accounts, or preventing power outages, cyber security protects every aspect of modern life.
Cyber security is a recent fad; not a stable career path.
False! The more we rely on tech, the more we need cyber security. It’s a sector growing fast – where cyber skills are in high demand.
Cyber Security is an inclusive Industry.
True! We’re an inclusive network of employers for people of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds and for people of all gender identities. You’ll find room to be yourself here.
My interpersonal skills will matter in cyber security.
True! Your interpersonal skills will be vital here. If you can take a tricky concept and make it simple, or talk easily to all kinds of people, you’ll do well.
I could work with all kinds of businesses through CyberFirst.
True! We’re a government scheme but we partner with a range of government and industry organisations – from Deloitte to BT; IBM to the Bank of England – so you’re starting a career with huge potential.
It’s difficult to apply for CyberFirst.
False! Because we’re a government scheme, there are a few more steps – like security clearance – but we’ll support you and make it a straightforward process.
I can apply for both the bursary and the apprenticeship.
True! As long as you meet the eligibility for both schemes, you can apply for either or both. Of course, if you gain a place on both, you’ll need to choose one!
Apply now
The degree apprenticeship has now closed for applications, however the great news is that you can still apply for the university bursary until 15th November*.
Use the button below to read all about this opportunity and discover the CyberFirst world. Ready?
*Should we receive sufficient applications, we reserve the right to close applications earlier than the stated date.