Cybersecurity

Specialization

The Cybersecurity specialization is a multi-level program offered only to Saudi students and recent graduates in Saudi universities. The program consists of four stages with assessment after 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.

Level
Beginner
Duration
10 weeks or more (split between courses)
user-circle Requirements
  1. Saudi students and recent graduates in Saudi universities majoring in Cybersecurity or relevant fields.
  2. You must complete the prerequisite courses on Coursera.
  3. Passing the assessments at each stage. Top qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
stack-2 Application Announcement

Application are open now!

Eligible candidates will be invited to the placement test.

To be eligible for the placement test, the candidate must be enrolled in the KAUST Academy/Coursera program within 5 days of receiving Coursera invitation and then complete the required pre-requisite courses within the recommended period, otherwise the Coursera subscription will be revoked and passed on to other applicants on the waiting list.

*Compulsory Step

Prerequisite Core 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.

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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.

 

Prof. Roberto - CyS Webpage Photo

Professor’s Take
on the Course

“Cybersecurity is crucial for Saudi Arabia as the nation increasingly relies on digital infrastructure to drive its Vision 2030 goals, which aim to diversify the economy and enhance digital services. Protecting sensitive data, including financial, governmental, and energy sectors, is vital for maintaining national security and economic stability.

Moreover, as a global leader in oil and energy production, Saudi Arabia is a prime target for cyberattacks that could disrupt critical operations. Additionally, the growth of smart cities, digital health, and e-government initiatives exposes the country to evolving cyber threats. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures helps build trust in digital transformation, fosters innovation, and protects the nation’s infrastructure from attacks that could impact both local and global markets.

In this context, KAUST plays a critical role, educating the techno-elites in the field of cybersecurity, generating impact through IP and ventures, and consolidating its leading role in the cybersecurity research domain.”

 

Professor Roberto Di Pietro

Full Professor of Computer Science at KAUST

Thousands of happy learners

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As an alumna of the Cybersecurity Specialization, this program was a pivotal opportunity in my career. The exceptional skills, knowledge, and connections I gained make me highly recommend it to anyone aiming to excel in cybersecurity and contribute to our nation’s leadership in this field.
Sahar Faisal
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The KAUST Academy cybersecurity program provided me with a unique opportunity to enhance my skills in safeguarding critical areas of cybersecurity. Through comprehensive training, I gained expertise in risk management, network security, and incident response, preparing me to tackle real-world threats and contribute to a more secure digital landscape.
Abdulaziz Alsudais
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KAUST Academy plays a key role in advancing the 2030 Vision by enhancing young students' knowledge in critical fields like cybersecurity. This program has given me the chance to learn from professionals, expand my skills, and build valuable connections. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, which has greatly impacted my personal growth and future readiness.
Raghad Abdulmonem Alharbi
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The program's greatest value lay in its remarkable network of like-minded individuals. Sharing experiences nurtured collective growth and innovation. The hands-on project further amplified this spirit, providing vital insights and skills. With exceptional resources and expert mentorship, our proficiency soared. This inspiring journey endowed us with invaluable knowledge and lasting connections.
Azzam Turkistani
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At KAUST Academy, we believe that true innovation starts with security. Protecting the digital world isn't just about defense—it's about empowering progress by staying one step ahead of evolving threats.
Abdullah Emad Almashharawi
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The cybersecurity program at King Abdullah Academy for Science and Technology (KAUST) was a transformative experience that greatly deepened my expertise in this vital field. Engaging with a variety of advanced topics and applying them in practical scenarios has greatly enhanced my skills. I am truly excited to utilize this knowledge to strengthen cybersecurity initiatives in the Kingdom.
Omar Khalid Aljandal
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I’m grateful for the learning environment at Glasgow University and KAUST Academy, where I gained valuable knowledge and connections in cybersecurity. The strong academic program and supportive community have played a key role in shaping my career, preparing me to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, especially in promoting technology and innovation.
Layan Faisal Alaboudi.
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My journey through KAUST Academy's Cybersecurity Program has been incredibly valuable. This enriching experience has fostered my academic and personal growth. Through hands-on learning with experts, I've gained profound insights that have sharpened my skills and forged meaningful lifetime connections. I believe this program empowers us to tackle the complexities of cybersecurity with confidence...
Mona Alrayiqi
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The cybersecurity summer program provided a great, enriching, and unique experience where we were able to work with cybersecurity professionals on both theoretical and practical applications. It helped develop both my knowledge of the field, and my soft skills immensely. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I recommend it for anyone interested full-heartedly!
Danah Alrehaili
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King Abdullah Academy for Science and Technology program in the field of cybersecurity was a transformative phase for me in mastering and excelling in this domain. Through studying various advanced topics related to cybersecurity and continuous practical application, I am very excited to apply what I have learned to help advance cybersecurity in the Kingdom.
Abdullah Omar Alghamdi
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Being a KAUST Academy alumni of the Cybersecurity Program means not just mastering the art of protection, but becoming a guardian of innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape
Reema Mohammad
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The KAUST Academy Cybersecurity Specialization at the University of Glasgow has been a pivotal milestone in my professional journey. The advanced skills and expertise I’ve gained are invaluable, fueling my passion to protect our kingdom’s cyberspace and contribute to its continued global leadership as the top-ranked nation in cybersecurity.
Yara AlManee
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As part of the 2030 Vision, we need a place to enhance the knowledge of our youth in very critical fields such as Cybersecurity, and this is what KAUST Academy is doing, I’m super grateful for the opportunity and I’ve learned a lot
Mohammed Almalki
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Joining the KAUST Cybersecurity Program was a life-changing experience. The program not only helped me understand the cybersecurity field, but also provided hands-on project that challenged me to apply my knowledge in real-world situation. It inspired a strong interest in the field and gave me the skills I need to succeed in cybersecurity.
Raghad Althagafi
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KAUST Academy's cybersecurity program, in collaboration with the University of Glasgow, offered an in-depth understanding of digital security. With immersive training, expert guidance, and hands-on experience, it provided the tools needed to tackle today’s cyber threats.
Muath Khalid
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Joining KAUST Academy’s cybersecurity program has been an incredible journey of growth and discovery. The Academy provided us a supportive environment where I was constantly encouraged to think critically and collaborate with some of the brightest minds. Working alongside brilliant and talented peers made the experience even more enriching, as their insights and support played a crucial role in...
Zeyad Alamoudi
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This experience has been a great opportunity to dive into cybersecurity, gaining practical skills and a solid understanding of advanced topics like malware analysis and binary exploitation.
Mohammed Alqurashi
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KAUST Academy Cybersecurity program offers in-depth training in the essentials of cybersecurity. It provides practical experience and a solid foundation, preparing participants to navigate the complexities of the digital security landscape. The program is tailored for individuals at various levels, equipping them with the skills needed to address current and future security challenges.
Omar Dayili
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KAUST Academy Cybersecurity program is an excellent experience to be taken, it is mainly focusing on enhancing skills and knowledge of students in cybersecurity field. I really enjoyed this journey and I highly recommend it to all computer science and cybersecurity students that have interests in cybersecurity.
Husam Haddad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this program?

Saudi students and recent graduates in Saudi universities majoring in Cybersecurity or relevant fields.

How do I start this program?

By signing up and completing the prerequisite (online) courses via Coursera.

Is there a tuition fee for the KAUST Academy Specializations Program?

The program is currently offered with a full scholarship for talented students at all Saudi universities.

Is this training program for technical professionals?

No, this training program is catered to Saudi students and recent graduates in Saudi universities to well prepare them for the ideal career opportunities in the Kingdom and/or abroad.

Will I be able to apply learned cybersecurity skills in real-world scenarios after this course?

Absolutely, the course emphasizes practical aspects and covers foundational concepts that are applicable to real-world problems and solutions.

How much time should I dedicate to the course each day?

(Stage one) Prerequisite online course is self-paced, suggested completion time is 2 to 4 weeks.

(Stages 2, 3, and 4) Introduction, Advanced, and Summer Program) are full day in-person training and instructor-paced. They will will take place during university breaks.

How do I get invited to the placement test in stage one?
To qualify for the placement test, you are required to successfully complete only the pre-requisite course(s) which are auto-enrolled to your access upon joining Coursera.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?

Yes, participants who successfully complete the online course(s) and/or the in-person courses will receive a certificate of completion to showcase their newfound knowledge and skills at each stage.

How do I qualify for the in-person training and reach the fourth stage (summer program)?

The program consists of four stages with assessment after each stage to get qualified to the following one. Top performing students will be selected to advance further until they successfully reach the summer program.

How could I benefit from this training program if I could not get selected to the in-person course?

Students who successfully complete the pre-requisite courses on Coursera will be already benefited from this program even if they do not get selected to the second stage.

Do not forget that you have free access to over 200 courses, specialization, guided projects, and more through the KAUST Academy/Coursera license.

We strongly recommend that you enroll, complete and earn free certificates for as many courses as you like, during the entire period of the program.

Contact us for more information