CyberSafe x SANS AI Security Fellowship 2026 for African Women | Fully Funded Opportunity
The CyberSafe Foundation, in partnership with the SANS Institute, has launched the CyberSafe X SANS AI Security Fellowship, bringing together CyberSafe Foundation’s strong network of women in the African cybersecurity community and SANS Institute’s world-class curriculum, hands-on labs, and globally recognised certification pathways.
The fellowship responds to the growing demand for professionals with specialised AI security expertise. As artificial intelligence continues to transform the cybersecurity landscape, there is an increasing need for professionals who understand how to identify, assess, and defend against emerging AI-related security threats.
This fellowship is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals who already have a strong foundation in cybersecurity and are ready to specialise in AI security.
Through SANS OnDemand training, practical labs, mentorship, and certification preparation, participants will develop advanced skills needed to work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
This is not an entry-level cybersecurity programme.
Programme Details
- Duration: 9 Months
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Focus: AI Security & Cybersecurity
- Application Deadline: September 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM WAT
What You’ll Gain
Selected fellows will have the opportunity to develop:
- Specialised AI Security Expertise: Gain practical knowledge of Large Language Models (LLMs), generative AI applications, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, AI threat modelling, application security, and security automation.
- Hands-On Practical Experience: Build, secure, analyse, and defend systems through practical labs based on real-world AI security challenges.
- Globally Recognised Certifications: Receive preparation for the GIAC AI Platform Security (GAIPS) and GIAC AI Security Automation Engineer (GASAE) certifications.
- Expert-Led Training: Learn from experienced AI security consultants, researchers, and course authors.
- Mentorship and Structured Support: Receive guidance and support throughout the fellowship to help you successfully navigate the learning and certification journey.
Learning Path
The CyberSafe X SANS AI Security Fellowship follows a structured learning pathway that progresses from AI security fundamentals to advanced AI application security and security automation.
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1. SEC411: AI Security Principles and Practices — GenAI and LLM Defense
Build foundational knowledge of AI security, including how Large Language Models work, tokenisation security, AI attack surfaces, prompt injection, jailbreaking, and other emerging threats.
2. SEC495: Leveraging LLMs — Building & Securing RAG, Contextual RAG and Agentic RAG
Learn how to build a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system from the ground up. Participants will explore access controls, prompt-injection defence, data protection, and methods for securing self-hosted RAG environments.
3. SEC545: GenAI and LLM Application Security
Develop advanced skills for securing real-world generative AI applications. Topics include vector databases, LangChain agents, MCP, Kubernetes, and AI threat modelling using the MAESTRO framework. Participants will also complete a practical capstone Capture-the-Flag exercise.
4. SEC598: AI and Security Automation for Red, Blue and Purple Teams
Learn how to automate cybersecurity workflows using SOAR playbooks, infrastructure as code, and AI-driven detection and response across AWS and Azure environments.
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Eligibility
The fellowship is designed for experienced cybersecurity professionals who are ready to specialise in AI security.
Applicants must:
- Be a woman aged over 21
- Be African, speak English, and currently reside in an African country
- Have at least 3 years of hands-on cybersecurity experience
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in AI security
- Be able to commit to the full 9-month fellowship, including dedicated examination preparation periods
- Be willing to complete the prerequisite AI security course as part of the application process
This opportunity is ideal for cybersecurity professionals who want to advance beyond general cybersecurity and develop specialised expertise in the security implications of AI systems, emerging AI attack surfaces, and AI-driven security operations.
Application Deadline: September 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM WAT