Cybersecurity
Program
The Cybersecurity specialization is a multi-level program offered to only to Saudi nationals in Saudi universities students and fresh graduates. The program consists of 4 main stages, with assessments in between each stage to get qualified to the following one. The program covers the field from the fundamentals to advanced levels of cybersecurity with projects showcasing the acquired knowledge.
The program is organized in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA). It is designed to empower exceptionally talented students in the field of cybersecurity. The primary objective is to kindle their passion for the field, fostering a deep-seated interest, and fortifying their knowledge base. The main objective is to equip the students with the skills and insights necessary to excel in cybersecurity, thereby facilitating their success and impact in the professional landscape post-graduation.
Students studying in cyber security and related fields at the local universities.
- You must be a Saudi citizen enrolled in a bachelor’s degree or graduated within a year from a Saudi university in Cybersecurity or relevant fields such as Computer Science.
- Completion of the prerequisite courses on Coursera.
- To be eligible for the qualification exam, the candidate must be enrolled in KAUST Academy/Coursera Program within 5 days of Coursera invitation and then complete the required pre-requisite Courses.
Prerequisite Course
To qualify for the Cybersecurity Specialization Program, you’ll need to sign up for Coursera within 5 days of receiving the invitation link at your registered email address, and then successfully complete the core courses on Coursera to be eligible to take part in the placement test.
Students with top scores in the placement test will receive invitation for (Introduction to CyS) to join a one week in person training during university breaks. At the end of the course, students with top performance will be invited to another one week in person training (Advanced CyS) and take an exam at the end of the course as well.
The top qualified students will receive invitation to participate in a variety of KAUST Academy Summer Programs at elite partners institutions in KSA and/or abroad including Summer School, Internships, and Research Programs.
Students who will not be selected after passing the placement test in October, will still have access to 200 courses, specializations, guided projects and more on Coursera until 31 July 2025. They will be eligible to receive a free certificate for each achievement on Coursera during that period.
Covered topics
in this course
- Network Security
- Secure Coding
- Malicious Software (or Malware)
- Cloud Computing Security
- Incident Response
- Cybersecurity Architecture
Skills you’ll gain
- Security Policy Development
- Penetration Testing
- Forensic Analysis
- Encryption Techniques
- Security Awareness Training
- Security Auditing
Student Journey
Stage 1: Prerequisite Course
Important Note: Signing up for the prerequisite courses on Coursera (Stage 1) does not guarantee participation in subsequent stages. Students must demonstrate their knowledge and skills by excelling in the assessments to progress through the program. Certificates of Completion will be awarded at each stage to acknowledge participants’ achievements. Qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Duration: 2 to 4 weeks Completion Date: To Be Determined Method: Self-Paced, Online Courses
Description: The students are required to complete dedicated online courses to establish a solid foundation for their cybersecurity education.
Stage 2: Introduction to Cybersecurity
Duration: 5 Days Start Date: (TBD) during university breaks Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: The qualified students from the first stage will have the opportunity to participate in in-person lectures in different key locations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Stage 3: Advanced Cybersecurity
Duration: 4 Days Start Date: (TBD) during university breaks Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Description: The qualified students excelling in the second stage, will be invited to advance in person training to a deeper exploration of the cybersecurity domain.
Stage 4: Cybersecurity Summer Program
Duration: Two months Start Date: 29 June 2025 Method: Instructor-Paced, In-Person Lectures
Top performing students, distinguished from the third stage, will earn a coveted scholarship for 8 weeks during summer break.
Frequently Asked Questions
By passing the first, second, and third stages’ assessments.
Top students will be selected to qualify for the next stage.
By signing up and completing the prerequisite (online) courses via Coursera.
The program is currently offered with a full scholarship for talented students at all Saudi universities.
Contact us for more information