Romanians can apply for a free scholarship in the field of cybersecurity offered by the world’s top technological institute

The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship by the SANS Technology Institute offers fully funded scholarships for those looking to develop their skills in cybersecurity.

The SANS Technology Institute is launching the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship today, an internationally fully funded scholarship designed to help bridge the skills gap in cybersecurity.

The scholarship is open to applicants from Romania, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, and Slovakia. All courses will be conducted in English.

Tailored for students with varying levels of cybersecurity experience, from seasoned information security professionals to individuals with no technical background, the scholarships grant admitted candidates access to one of two scholarship tracks. Both programs provide the highest-level diplomas and certificates, enabling scholarship recipients to contribute to making their organizations, regions, and countries more secure and resilient against cyber threats.

Through the New to Cyber Track – a program that doesn’t require prior experience – students can earn a Certificate of Completion in Applied Cybersecurity, a Bachelor of Science in Applied Cybersecurity, or a Professional Studies Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity. The second program, dedicated to experienced individuals, the Experienced Student Track, is open to those with a bachelor’s degree and experience in IT or information security and allows students to obtain one of eight job-specific graduate certificates or a Master of Information Security Engineering. The scholarship covers all course fees, course materials, and GIAC certification exams, regardless of the program students choose to pursue.

All programs include multiple Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) certifications, are available 100% online, and offer a range of challenging, on-demand, or live sessions designed to meet students’ needs. Designed with industry professionals’ requirements in mind, the courses are highly flexible, allowing students to take one course at a time, with most culminating in a industry-recognized GIAC certification exam. Created and delivered by elite cybersecurity practitioners currently working in the field, this practical online education takes learning beyond the screen and can transform it into a life-changing career in cybersecurity for anyone.

Named after Alan Paller, the founder of the SANS Institute and the SANS Technology Institute, the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is developed on the educational legacy of this cybersecurity visionary, evidenced by the millions of security breaches prevented and hundreds of thousands of lives Paller has helped change. Today, in a context where organizations need stronger defenses more than ever, the SANS Technology Institute is the leading international cybersecurity program and the only college exclusively focused on cybersecurity education, committed to giving talented, driven individuals the opportunity to act and make a difference.

“The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship offers the best cybersecurity education in the world to those who have the desire and capability to make a real-world impact. A hands-on approach provided by frontline cybersecurity professionals will be imperative for those seeking to defend against today’s critical cyber threats. No other cybersecurity education provider in the world has the same level of real-world exposure as we do, so we are excited to bring fully funded scholarships to those ready to take on the challenge and make a difference,” said Ed Skoudis, President of the SANS Technology Institute.

“Alan Paller dedicated his life to significantly improving the skills of cybersecurity practitioners to counter the growing threats. Thanks to Alan’s commitment, sustained effort, and kindness, hundreds of thousands of students have become better cyber defenders. His legacy and lifelong dedication continue to embody SANS’ mission,” he added.

There are examples of students who have transitioned to cybersecurity from entirely different fields with no prior experience and have successfully built a thriving career.

“If you work in this field, you need to be prepared to look to the future and stay connected to the cutting edge of technology. I directly attribute my current job to the certificates I obtained through the SANS Technology Institute. SANS certificates are widely recognized and respected in the industry and around the world. It’s the best program of its kind in the industry,” said Jake Danuser, a graduate of the SANS Technology Institute who transitioned from philosophy and economics to cybersecurity and is now an Associate Security Consultant for AHEAD, a top provider of cloud, data, and digital engineering solutions.

“The SANS Institute is like the Oxford of security studies, so students naturally feel that high expectations are placed on them. Achieving at that level is an extraordinary accomplishment,” said Shawna Turner, a graduate of the SANS Technology Institute who transitioned from a stage technician to cybersecurity and is now a Senior Engineer at Nike.

To be eligible for the scholarship, no prior cybersecurity experience is required, but applicants will need to pass an aptitude test and an interview.

To learn more details or to apply for the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship, visit www.sans.edu/paller-cybersecurity-scholarship. Applications are open until November 15, 11:59 PM.