The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is an international program offering dedicated individuals free access to world-class cybersecurity education at the SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu). The scholarship operates two tracks: the New to Cyber Track (for Undergraduate Certificates and Bachelor’s programs) and the Experienced Student Track (for Graduate Certificates and the Master of Science program). It is fully funded, covering all course fees, materials, and associated GIAC certification exams. Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S., be 18 or older, meet program admissions requirements, and submit academic records and a resume by the final deadline of January 15, 2026.
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Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | USA (Online Delivery from SANS Technology Institute) |
| Study Abroad | International Online Study (Fully Remote Option) |
| Category | Undergraduate Scholarship, Graduate Certificates, Master’s Scholarships |
| Eligible Countries | Non-U.S. Citizens & Non-U.S. Residents (International Focus) |
| Reward | Full Course Fees + Course Materials + GIAC Certification Exams |
| Key Criteria | Non-U.S. Citizen, 18+, Meet Program Admissions (Varies by track) |
| Application Deadline | January 15, 2026 |
The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is an esteemed international program from the SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu), the only college solely dedicated to cybersecurity education. This opportunity provides dedicated international individuals with free access to world-class, career-focused cybersecurity training and academic programs. The scholarship’s primary mission is to identify exceptional new talent, close the global cybersecurity skills gap, and enhance the security posture of organizations and regions worldwide.
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SANS.edu’s programs are unique in their structure: students focus on one course at a time, and most academic courses culminate in an industry-recognized GIAC certification exam. The Paller Scholarship makes this rigorous education accessible by covering all associated costs. It is highly flexible, allowing recipients to complete their chosen program fully online while continuing to work full-time, making it an ideal choice for both career-changers and experienced IT professionals seeking specialized advancement.
This funding is divided into two distinct tracks to accommodate applicants with varying levels of professional and academic experience, ensuring that talented individuals, regardless of their background in cybersecurity, have a pathway to advanced education.
Scholarship Details
The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is specifically designed for non-U.S. citizens who do not currently reside in the U.S. It offers two targeted pathways depending on the applicant’s experience level, leading to various degrees and certificates at SANS.edu. All admitted Paller Scholars begin their program as early as April 1, 2026.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship
The Paller Scholarship offers a full tuition and resource package for online study, making SANS.edu’s specialized education accessible at no financial cost to the recipient.
Tier 1: Financial Reward (Full Funding) (Course Fees and Certification)
This tier covers the maximum cost associated with SANS.edu’s high-value education.
- Recipients are awarded Full Course Fees coverage for the entire duration of the chosen program (Bachelor’s, Certificate, or Master’s).
- The scholarship includes all associated Course Materials required for study.
- It covers the cost of all required GIAC Certification Exams, which are typically integrated at the end of each SANS course.
Tier 2: Program Access and Flexibility
This mid-level benefit details the educational access and study structure.
- Fully Online Option: Scholars have the option of completing their entire program fully online, allowing them to work full-time while studying.
- Specialized Certifications: Students gain access to highly technical, job-specific training modules that lead to industry-recognized GIAC certifications.
Tier 3: Travel and Lodging Exclusions
This final tier clarifies financial limitations regarding in-person attendance.
- In-Person Costs: The scholarship fully funds online courses but does not include travel and lodging expenses for students who opt to attend in-person course offerings.
Eligibility Requirements for Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship
Eligibility is segmented based on the two available program tracks, but several overarching requirements apply to all applicants:
| Eligibility Area | New to Cyber Track (Undergraduate/Certificate) | Experienced Student Track (Graduate/Master’s) |
|---|---|---|
| Academic/Discipline | At least 48 college credits (No prior technical experience required). | A completed Bachelor’s degree (Some prior IT or information security experience is required). |
| Study Status | Must meet the admissions requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity. | Must meet the admissions requirements for the job-specific Graduate Certificate or the Master of Science in Information Security Engineering. |
| Visa Status | Must be a non-U.S. citizen and not currently reside in the U.S. | Must be a non-U.S. citizen and not currently reside in the U.S. |
| General Requirements | Must be 18 or older. Must have never earned a GIAC certification (exceptions apply). Native or high academic level non-native English speaker. | Must be 18 or older. Must have never earned a GIAC certification (exceptions apply). Native or high academic level non-native English speaker. |
Required Application Documents
To apply, candidates must be prepared to submit the following materials through the online application portal:
- Official Academic Records (“Transcripts”): An official record of undergraduate/bachelor’s degree studies. The document must list all courses/subjects, grades/marks received, dates of attendance, the degree awarded, and be issued by the university with an official stamp, seal, or signature.
- English Proficiency: Proof of ability to study in English at a high academic level via:
- Official scores from TOEFL, IELTS Academic, or Cambridge English Assessment sent directly to SANS.edu, OR
- A Degree Exception request, if a degree was earned from a program taught entirely in English (official transcript proving language of instruction is required).
- Resume/CV: An up-to-date resume detailing education history, a full work history with dates and details of each role, industry certifications, and relevant industry experience (CTFs or other exposure).
How to Apply for Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application for the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is a structured process that begins when the portal opens in October.
- Select Program: Consider your current experience and select one program of interest from the available options (Bachelor’s, Undergraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate, or Master’s Degree) on the application form.
- Complete Application: Access the scholarship application portal and complete the required online form, ensuring you upload all necessary supporting documents in the portal.
- Ensure Completeness: Submit the application along with ALL required materials, including official transcripts and English proficiency evidence, by the deadline.
- Await Notification: The Admissions Committee will review applications, conduct interviews in October (for some candidates), and notify all successful scholarship winners by February 28, 2026.
Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship fully fund?
The scholarship fully funds all course fees, course materials, and the industry-recognized GIAC certification exams associated with the SANS.edu program.
2. Is this scholarship open to U.S. citizens or residents?
No. To be eligible, applicants must be a non-U.S. citizen and not currently reside in the U.S. at the time of application.
3. What is the difference between the two scholarship tracks?
The New to Cyber Track is for entry-level candidates with at least 48 college credits (Undergraduate focus). The Experienced Student Track is for those with a Bachelor’s degree and some IT experience (Graduate focus).
4. What degree levels are covered by this scholarship?
The scholarship covers programs at the Undergraduate Certificate, Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate, and Master of Science levels in Applied Cybersecurity and Information Security Engineering.
5. Are travel and lodging expenses covered if I choose an in-person course?
No. The scholarship fully funds online courses but explicitly does not include travel and lodging expenses for students who choose to attend in-person course offerings.
6. Do I need previous cybersecurity experience to apply?
No. Experience is not required for applicants to the New to Cyber Track programs (Undergraduate level), making it ideal for career transitions.
7. Is a GIAC certification required before applying for the Paller Scholarship?
No. Applicants must generally have never earned a GIAC certification previously, though scholarship exceptions may apply.
8. When is the final deadline to submit all scholarship materials?
The scholarship application deadline, including all required documents, is January 15, 2026.
9. What documents are mandatory for the application?
Mandatory documents include Official Academic Records (transcripts), proof of English Proficiency (test score or degree exception), and an up-to-date Resume/CV.
10. When will scholarship winners be notified of the decision?
Scholarship winners will be officially notified of their acceptance and award by February 28, 2026, for a potential program start date of April 1, 2026.
