Cyber PATH Student October 2026 Intake

What is Cyber PATH?

Cyber PATH is a police-led, business-focused cyber talent programme that gives university students the opportunity to gain paid, real-world cyber security experience alongside their studies.

Working across the network of Cyber Resilience Centres (CRCs) in England and Wales, Cyber PATH brings together students, universities, policing, cyber security practitioners and industry partners to help develop the next generation of cyber talent.

As a Cyber PATH student, you'll have opportunities to build your skills, knowledge and confidence through training, professional development and practical experience supporting small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs) with their cyber resilience.

The programme

Cyber PATH is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the workplace, giving students the opportunity to apply and develop their skills in real-world environments.

You'll receive training and support before being considered for relevant work and, depending on your training and experience, may have opportunities to support services including security awareness, vulnerability and web assessments, internet discovery/OSINT, and cyber resilience plans and policies.

Alongside practical experience, you'll have access to professional development, industry exposure, networking and opportunities to learn from experienced cyber security practitioners, policing and industry partners.

Cyber PATH is a paid, part-time opportunity designed to run alongside your university studies.

What you'll do

As a Cyber PATH student, you may:

• Support the delivery of cyber resilience services to SMEs alongside experienced practitioners.
• Apply and develop your academic knowledge through real-world experience.
• Take part in training, masterclasses, events and professional development opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with other Cyber PATH students, practitioners, CRCs and industry partners.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
• Take responsibility for your availability, communications and commitments to the programme.
• Build practical, professional and interpersonal skills that will support your future career.

Who we're looking for

You don't need to be a finished cyber professional or already have extensive industry experience. We're interested in your potential, curiosity, commitment and willingness to learn.

We're looking for students who:

• Are currently studying full-time in higher education in England or Wales.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
• Have more than 11 months remaining in education at the application closing date.
• Have a genuine interest in cyber security and developing a career in the field.
• Are curious, motivated and willing to learn.
• Can communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others.
• Are organised, reliable and able to manage commitments alongside their studies.
• Are willing to engage with training, practical opportunities and the wider Cyber PATH programme.

Why join Cyber PATH?

Cyber PATH gives you the opportunity to earn while gaining experience, develop practical and professional skills, build your network and gain exposure to the cyber security industry – all alongside your studies.

You'll have the chance to build the skills, experience, confidence and connections to take your next step into a cyber career.

Ready to apply?

Cyber PATH applications open on 7 of October 2026. 

Our application process has two stages, so please make sure you are aware of these deadlines: 

Stage 1 - Eligibility and CV

Submit the below eligibility information and CV by 5pm on Monday 26 October 2026

If you meet the eligibility requirements, we'll email you with an invitation to complete the next stage of the application process.

Stage 2 - Application Questions

You'll be asked to complete four Cyber PATH application questions. These must be submitted by 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026. 

Your application will only be considered complete once all four application questions have been submitted. 

We recommend completing the eligibility stage as early as possible to give yourself plenty of time to complete the application questions before the final deadline.

Good luck!