Cyber Insights Summer School

Cyber Insights Summer School (CISS)

Lancashire

£300 per week - plus paid accommodation

The Cyber Insights Summer School (CISS) is a classroom-based 10-week ‘in person’ programme, taking place from 29th June to 4th September 2026 in Lancashire.

Get a taste of what’s to come next summer – a career in cyber.

Spend your next summer break boosting your cyber skills. Learning from world-class experts, you’ll gain insights into how we use technology to help keep the UK safe. Every day, we work with other intelligence agencies, protecting the UK from threats including serious organised crime, terrorism, and cyber attacks. What we do is unique – and next summer, you could have the chance to take part in it.

During our 10-week programme, we’ll welcome you into the world of cyber operations, and help you develop your existing knowledge and passion into new, impressive skills. You’ll learn alongside others in your supportive cohort, through a blend of interactive lectures, workshops and practical exercises – all supported by our in-house experts. We’ll give you your own projects to work on too, both individually and in groups. And we’ll even organise social activities, so you can get to know your peers better and really make the most of your summer. Students will receive a weekly attendance payment of £300 per week and your accommodation will be funded by GCHQ.

Motivated and eager to learn, that’s you. You’re excited about spending your summer with some of the best minds in cyber. And you’re ready to use your passion for all things tech to solve unique problems.

To join, you’ll need to:

• Be studying a degree in a STEM subject or a joint honours degree that includes a STEM subject.
• Be on track to graduate between summers 2027-2030
• Have a basic understanding of a programming language like Python, C, JavaScript or similar

If you have the aptitude and enthusiasm, this is a unique opportunity to gain experience and understanding of where a career with us could take you. On completion of the Summer School, you may want to consider applying to some of our other programmes, such as an 11-week summer placement in 2027, an Industry year placement, or even consider joining us in employment.

At GCHQ, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment, where we’re committed to helping you succeed. It’s how we keep our teams strong, and our nation safe. We’re also proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability, or identify as neurodivergent, and want to talk about any reasonable adjustments we can make, just let us know when you make your application.

Find out more and apply.

To be eligible to apply, you must be a British Citizen. If you hold dual nationality, of which one component is British, you will nonetheless be considered. You can apply at the age of 17 years. If successful, you will need to be 18 before 29th June 2026. There is no upper age limit to apply for a role with us. You’ll usually need to have been a resident in the UK for 4 out of the last 5 years when applying for this role with us at this level. This is particularly important if you were born outside the UK, but we do assess each case individually. There are some common exceptions like studying abroad, living overseas with parents or serving with HM Forces. We’ll just need references for the time you lived abroad. Full eligibility details can be found on our website.