Southern Africa-Netherlands Cyber Security School 2026

Q: When will the SANCS take place?

A: The SANCS is scheduled between the 2^nd of March and the 10^th of April. The lecture series will commence on the 3rd of March and continue on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the subsequent two weeks. The final lecture is set for the 20^th of March. Following this, a two-week challenge period will unfold, where students will collaborate in groups to accomplish targeted tasks. The outcomes of the Strategic Cyber Resilience Game and these challenges will be unveiled during the closing week of SANCS, culminating in the Closing Ceremony on the 10^th of April.

Q: How much time should I allocate for SANCS coursework and assignments?

A: Participants in SANCS are expected to engage on a part-time basis to ensure their academic commitments aren’t compromised. Generally, attendees will need to dedicate around 20 hours to lectures and 10 hours to assignments spread across five weeks.

Q: When will the final program details be disclosed?

A: The complete program details will be made available in due course, encompassing course specifics and instructors. Assignment details will be released midway through the courses, coinciding with the participant selection process from the student pool.

Q: I lack a background in Cybersecurity. Can I still apply for SANCS?

A: Absolutely! The lectures in SANCS are thoughtfully curated to cater to both newcomers to the field and those aiming to build upon existing knowledge.

Q: I don’t meet all the criteria. Can I still register for SANCS?

A: Yes, motivation and your current Cybersecurity knowledge are taken into account. While priority is given to eligible and highly motivated applicants, partial fulfillment of criteria doesn’t preclude your application.

Q: Is there a participation fee?

A: There is no participation fee due to the generous contributions of our sponsors and partner organizations.

Q: How will courses be conducted?

A: The courses will be conducted online. Participants need a digital device (desktop, laptop, or smartphone) with sufficient bandwidth to attend livestreamed lectures via Microsoft Teams.

Q: Will I earn credits?

A: Discussions are ongoing with various colleges about introducing a credit system for SANCS. Additional information will be posted on the official SANCS website. Participants will receive up to two official certificates upon completing SANCS26, besides potential credits.

Q: What kind of Certificate will I receive?

A: The SANCS provides students with two types of certification. For attending the lectures in the first part of the SANCS program, and succesfully completing the Strategic Cyber Resilience Game, students will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Upon completion of one of the challenges, the second part of the SANCS program, students will receive a Certification of Participation.

Q: What are the requirements for receiving a Certificate?

A: Students who have successfully participated in at least 75% of the SANCS lectures and have actively played the Strategic Cyber Resilience Game, were present at two out of three game sessions and submitted their final deliverable for the game, will receive an official Certificate of Attendance. Upon successful completion of one of the challenges, students will receive a Certificate of Participation.