Deadline: March 1, 2026
The IT Lab: Summer Cybersecurity Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded summer programme designed for rising undergraduate seniors interested in cybersecurity, IT analytics, and technology policy. Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University through its Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy, this immersive fellowship combines academic coursework, hands-on experiential learning, and professional mentorship in one of the world’s leading technology institutions.
If you are considering a future in cybersecurity, data analytics, or public policy, the IT Lab: Summer Cybersecurity Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity to gain advanced exposure while studying in the United States.
Programme Overview
- Host Institution: Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Programme Dates: 11 June – 1 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
This on-campus fellowship is structured as an intensive summer experience that integrates cybersecurity, analytics, and policy studies with real-world applications.
What to Expect from the Fellowship
Participants in the IT Lab: Summer Cybersecurity Fellowship 2026 will engage in:
1️⃣ Specialised Academic Coursework
Fellows complete three specialised courses in security analytics and policy. In some cases, these credits may be transferable to the fellow’s undergraduate institution (subject to home university approval).
2️⃣ Hands-On Experiential Learning
The programme includes applied learning experiences with partner organisations, allowing fellows to work on real-world cybersecurity and IT challenges.
3️⃣ Professional Mentorship & Networking
Participants benefit from mentorship and engagement sessions with leading professionals, researchers, and experts in cybersecurity and analytics.
This blend of academic rigour and practical exposure makes the fellowship highly competitive and career-enhancing.
Funding & Benefits
The IT Lab: Summer Cybersecurity Fellowship 2026 is fully funded and covers:
- Full tuition
- Housing
- Books and academic supplies
- Travel to and from Pittsburgh
- $2,000 stipend
- $1,000 meal allowance
In addition, fellows who later pursue a master’s degree at Heinz College may be eligible to receive at least a 50% tuition scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be rising college seniors (typically third-year undergraduates entering their final year of study).
- Be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
International applicants without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency are not eligible.
Application Process
Applicants are required to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Essays
- Résumé
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Selected candidates are typically notified by mid-April 2026.
Given the competitive nature of the programme, applicants are encouraged to prepare strong, well-articulated essays and supporting documents that clearly demonstrate their academic strengths, career interests, and commitment to cybersecurity and policy.
Why Apply?
The IT Lab: Summer Cybersecurity Fellowship 2026 provides:
- Advanced exposure to cybersecurity and IT policy
- Access to a world-renowned research institution
- Professional development and industry engagement
- A pathway to potential graduate funding
For students aiming to build careers at the intersection of technology, security, and public policy, this fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity.
