The European Cybersecurity Fellowship is a one-year program for talented professionals in Europe aiming to advance their careers in cybersecurity policy. Organized by Virtual Routes, the fellowship provides unique opportunities for learning, collaboration, and professional development in one of the most critical fields today.

Up to 14 fellows will be selected for the program, running from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Why Apply?

Workshops with Experts

Regular online sessions led by cybersecurity specialists, covering topics like:

• Writing impactful op-eds.
• Understanding EU cyber policy.
• Analyzing technical threat intelligence.

Brussels Field Trip

Visit Brussels to engage directly with European policymakers and cyber practitioners.

Writing and Policy Support

Develop skills in policy writing, including crafting an op-ed for Binding Hook on a key cybersecurity topic.

Travel and Development Grants

Access funding to attend cybersecurity conferences and training events.

Alumni Network

Join the Virtual Routes Alumni Network for ongoing connections and opportunities.

Eligibility

Candidates must:

• Be under 35 years old and a resident of a European country.
• Live in Europe and be highly proficient in English.
• Show strong interest in cybersecurity and European policy.
• Have a track record of academic or professional achievement.
• Be ready to travel and collaborate with a diverse, international group.

Time Commitment

The fellowship requires approximately 10 hours per month, designed to fit alongside professional commitments.

How to Apply

Submit:

1. A CV (max 2 pages).
2. An essay (max 1200 words, with hyperlinks, no footnotes) answering one of these questions:
   • What’s the biggest blind spot in our understanding of cyber conflict, and why can’t we afford to ignore it?
   • Is commercial cyber threat intelligence doomed to fail or poised to thrive?
   • “There is a widening gap between the increasingly complex threats and our collective defensive capabilities [...], particularly around our critical national infrastructure.” What policies can counter this trend?

Application Deadline: February 23, 2025, at 23:59 CET.

Submit your application here.