The CyberSafe X SANS AI Security Fellowship is a fully funded, nine-month advanced training and certification programme for experienced African women in cybersecurity who are ready to specialise in securing AI systems and applications. Over the course of the fellowship, participants move from foundational AI security literacy to advanced application security and automation practice, building the technical depth to defend, build, and automate secure AI systems.
The programme brings together two complementary strengths: CyberSafe Foundation‘s pipeline of capable women across the African cybersecurity community, built over years through programmes like CyberGirls, and SANS Institute‘s curriculum, labs, and certification path. It’s a direct answer to a widening gap. AI security is one of the fastest-growing and least-staffed disciplines in cybersecurity, and this fellowship is designed to put its fellows at the front of that demand curve, not the back of it.
Benefits
What You’ll Gain What You’ll Learn in the AI Security Fellowship
Specialised AI security expertise: Move beyond general cybersecurity knowledge into practical skills covering LLMs, generative AI applications, RAG systems, AI threat modelling, application security, and security automation.
Hands-on practice: Build, secure, analyse, and defend systems through labs designed around real AI security challenges.
Globally recognised certifications: Preparation for the GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE) certifications.
Instruction from leading practitioners: Courses are taught by working AI security consultants, researchers, and course authors.
Mentorship and Structured support
Requirements
This fellowship is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals who are ready to specialise. You may be a strong fit if you can say yes to all of the following:
You are a woman older than 21
You are African, speak English, and currently reside in an African country.
You have at least three years of hands-on cybersecurity experience.
You have a genuine interest in AI security.
You can commit to the full fellowship, including dedicated exam preparation windows.
You are willing to complete the prerequisite AI security course as part of the application process.
This fellowship is for you if you have already built cybersecurity experience and are asking what comes next: you want to understand the security implications of AI systems, gain practical exposure to emerging AI attack surfaces, and develop expertise that sets you apart in a fast-changing market.
Selection Process
TimelineDateApplications openAugust 19, 2026, 12:00 PM WATApplications closeSeptember 10, 2026, 12:00 PM WATApplications reviewedRolling basisSelection and feedbackSeptember 30, 2026OrientationOctober 21, 2026Training beginsOctober 26, 2026Fellowship completionJuly 30, 2027
Method of Application
For more Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: September 10, 2026.