Providing a World-class Cybersecurity Education for the World’s Protectors
The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is an international scholarship program providing free access to a world-class cybersecurity education at the SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) to dedicated people — both in technical roles and those who are new to cybersecurity — who want to make their organizations, regions, and countries safer and more secure, and who show exceptional potential to succeed.
As the leading international cybersecurity program and the only college solely focused on cybersecurity education, SANS.edu is committed to identifying the very best new talent, filling the cybersecurity skills gap, and better protecting the societies in which our new cyber graduates operate.
The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is a non-residential program and does not require an F1 visa or provide eligibility to apply for an F1 visa.
Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship Timeline
Scholarship application deadline: November 15, 2023
Scholarship winners notified: January 10, 2024
Scholarship winners must confirm acceptance: January 25, 2024
Scholarship winners can begin their program as early as: February 1, 2024
Paller Cybersecurity Scholars have the option of completing their programs fully online while working full-time.
What is the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship?
The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is a fully funded international scholarship enabling exceptionally talented people from at-risk regions to complete world-class cybersecurity programs at the SANS Technology Institute.
Who is it for?
We are looking for exceptionally talented, community-focused individuals over the age of 18 who want to make meaningful changes and protect organizations, nations, and people through cybersecurity. For curious problem solvers who want to make a difference, the SANS Technology Institute provides the world's best cybersecurity education, so you can confidently launch or advance a career that creates real impact.
Only non-U.S. citizens are eligible for the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship. Classes and labs are conducted in English, so English language proficiency is required. We welcome students of all backgrounds, and selection is made without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, race, ethnic origin, religion, or disability.
What does it cover?
The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship offers two scholarship tracks.
- The New to Cyber Track is for people who want to enter the field of cybersecurity and have at least 48 college credits. No prior technical experience is required. Students in this track will be considered for our undergraduate certificate and bachelor’s degree programs in Applied Cybersecurity.
- The Experienced Student Track is for people who have a bachelor’s degree and some IT or information security experience. Students in this track will be considered for our highly technical graduate certificate programs and our Master of Science program in Information Security Engineering.
Students at SANS.edu take one course at a time, and most courses conclude with an industry-recognized GIAC certification exam. The scholarship includes all course fees, course materials, and GIAC certification exams.
NOTE: The scholarship fully funds online courses but does not include travel and lodging expenses for students who choose to attend in-person courses.
Scholarship Applicants Are Considered for One of Our World-class Cybersecurity Programs
Course Delivery Options
How does one apply?
International students who are non-U.S. citizens are invited to apply online through the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship portal. Scholarship applicants must complete their application by November 15, 2023.
Start the application process by submitting an application form. After you submit the form, you will have access to our applicant portal to see and submit the remainder of the application items, including:
- Aptitude Assessment
- All applicants are required to complete a 1-hour online assessment which measures general information security aptitude. You will have 1 attempt and will not receive a score report when you are finished.
- Undergraduate Transcripts
- If your undergraduate work was completed outside the United States, you will need to have your transcripts sent to one of our partner agencies for evaluation. More info can be found in our applicant portal or FAQs below.
- Resume
- Resume should include education history, work experience, relevant certifications or industry credentials, and anything else you think is pertinent.
- Short Video
- A 2-minute to 5-minute video is required and the prompt can be found in your applicant portal. No special equipment is required; the video is recorded within our applicant portal.
- English Proficiency
- International students need to submit test scores for TOEFL or IELTS showing their level of English proficiency. More info can be found in our applicant portal or FAQs below.
- Identity/Citizenship Verification
- Upload a copy of a government ID so our team can verify your identity.
When will I be informed if I’ve received a scholarship and what are the next steps?
After the Admissions committee reviews all scholarship applications, decisions will be released on January 10, 2024. Scholarship winners will be asked to confirm their acceptance of the award by January 25, 2024.
A dedicated student advisor will guide scholarship recipients through the next steps, including attending New Student Orientation and registering for their first class. Scholarship awardees can begin their studies as early as February 1, 2024.
Finance your cybersecurity education without a scholarship — using your employer-sponsored education benefits.
If you want to get the best education in cybersecurity while you work, and your organization offers employer-sponsored education benefits, you may be able to pursue a degree or certificate program at SANS.edu without a scholarship. Our programs are accredited and eligible for most tuition assistance programs. Learn more about how to use employer-sponsored education benefits at SANS.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an application fee?
There is no application fee for the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship. - How do I select which program I am interested in applying for?
When you start your application, you will select which program you would prefer, should you be admitted. However, ultimately, the decision for which program you are admitted to, should you be accepted, is up to the Admissions Committee. The Committee will review your qualifications and experience to determine which program we consider you for. - Is there a minimum age to be accepted?
All accepted students need to be 18 years old at the time of admission. - Will I need to get a visa, if admitted, to attend classes?
As all SANS.edu programs have the option to be completed entirely online, we do not require or issue any visas for our programs. - What documents are required from my previous schools? What transcripts do I need to submit for my application?
We will require official transcripts for all undergraduate work. Official means the transcript is sent directly from your prior school to SANS.edu (or an evaluation agency like WES or IEE) without any interaction with the student. The transcript should include information about degrees earned, courses and grades earned. A copy of the diploma is neither required nor necessary. - Do I need to send a copy of my diploma?
A copy of the diploma is neither required nor necessary. Official transcripts are required. - How do I request transcripts from my school?
Each school has a different process for requesting transcripts. Check with your previous schools to understand what their process is. Schools in the U.S. usually list the process on their website. International schools may require that someone come to the school in person to request a transcript. - Where should I send my transcripts? If my previous school will only mail physical copies of my transcripts and email is not an option, how do I get them evaluated?
Ideally, transcripts can be sent electronically to SANS.edu at transcripts@sans.edu. However, we also have a physical address to receive transcripts:
SANS Technology Institute
2093 Philadelphia Pike #4606
Claymont, DE 19703 - Is an international evaluation needed for my transcripts?
Yes, if you have undergraduate education that was completed outside the United States, you will need to have your transcripts evaluated by one of our partner agencies: WES or IEE. Please visit one of their websites to follow their steps to submitting for an evaluation. Once an evaluation is complete by either agencies, WES or IEE will send the completed evaluation and official transcript to SANS.edu directly. When we have received an official review copy of your transcript, we will mark your transcript as received on your application portal checklist. - My education was completed outside the United States, are there extra steps or an evaluation I need to do?
Yes, if you have undergraduate education that was completed outside the United States, you will need to have your transcripts evaluated by one of our partner agencies: WES or IEE. Please visit one of their websites to follow their steps to submitting for an evaluation. Once an evaluation is complete by either agencies, WES or IEE will send the completed evaluation and official transcript to SANS.edu directly. When we have received an official review copy of your transcript, we will mark your transcript as received on your application portal checklist. - Is there a cost to getting my transcripts evaluated?
Yes, each agency has a cost to evaluating transcripts. Their websites will have further information: WES or IEE. - Should I only send my undergraduate transcripts? Do I need to send my graduate transcripts?
We primarily need your undergraduate work but the Admissions Committee will review and consider all transcripts submitted. If you have graduate transcripts that are easy to get and that you believe will be helpful to your application review, please feel free to send them.
