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.
Program structure
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: To be determined 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.
What you’ll learn
Topics covered
- 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
Requirements
Who can apply
- Saudi students and recent graduates in Saudi universities majoring in Cybersecurity or relevant fields.
- You must complete the prerequisite courses on Coursera.
- Passing the assessments at each stage. Top qualified students will be invited to the next stage.
Placement test
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 prerequisite courses within the recommended period, otherwise the Coursera subscription will be revoked and passed on to other applicants on the waiting list.
How to apply
To qualify for the Cybersecurity Specialization, 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 2027. They will be eligible to receive a free certificate for each achievement on Coursera during that period.
Professor’s take on the course
“Cybersecurity lies at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. As the Kingdom advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, protecting its digital infrastructure and data has become a national priority. Building this resilience begins with empowering young minds to think critically about emerging threats and to develop the expertise needed to secure the nation’s future.
Instructional Professor of Computer Science at KAUST
The Cybersecurity Specialization serves this purpose by engaging students in an immersive learning experience that blends curiosity, analysis, and innovation. It nurtures the next generation of young professionals capable of anticipating and responding to complex cyber challenges with confidence and creativity.
At the academy, we see this initiative as part of our broader mission to strengthen the Kingdom’s cybersecurity ecosystem. By developing talent and advancing knowledge, we contribute to a safer, more resilient digital future for Saudi Arabia and beyond.”
Professor Ali Hassan
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 Specialization 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 prerequisite 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 prerequisite 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.
