Q: What is the Cyber Security Academy (CSA)?

A: The Cyber Security Academy (CSA) is a prestigious, week-long program held in Prague that brings together 25 outstanding university students and young professionals, who are keen to explore cyber security through a lens of diplomacy, strategy, current trends, and public policy.

Since 2018, CSA has been conducted under the auspices of the Czech National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB), offering a highly selective training experience focused on today’s key cyber challenges and emerging threats in the digital environment.

 

Program

Q: What is included in the CSA’s program?

A: CSA offers a tailored curriculum that features more than fifteen 90-minute expert lectures, practical workshops, as well as a guided international cyber crisis simulation with live developments. The highlight of CSA is an exclusive reception hosted by the British Embassy in Prague.

Q: Who are the speakers at CSA?

A: CSA sessions are led by senior policy decision-makers, government and military officials, and experts from academia or the private sector from the Czech Republic and abroad.

You can see the program of the 2025 Cyber Security Academy here.

Q: What topics will be covered at the 2026 Cyber Security Academy?

A: CSA encompasses a wide range of topics related to cyber security in order to provide a complex understanding of the domain. The topics to be covered in the 2026 edition include foundations of cyber security, cyber diplomacy, military and intelligence cyber capacities, hybrid threats, and applied cyber security (e.g., in the financial sector, etc).

Q: In what language is CSA conducted?

A: Given the international nature of the participant cohort, the entire program of CSA is conducted in English.

 

Eligibility, Application and Selection Process

Q: Who is eligible to apply for CSA?

A: University students in international relations, political science, security studies, public policy, crisis management, cyber/tech fields, and related areas, as well as young professionals at the early stages of their careers. Proficiency in English is required as the entire program is conducted in English.

Q: How can I apply?

A: To apply, fill out our application form. Make sure to submit your application before the deadline (August 2, 2026).

Q: What are the criteria in the selection process?

A: The selection process is highly competitive and based primarily on the relevance of your academic background or professional experience to the program’s themes, but also on your motivation. We aim to ensure a diverse and highly motivated group of participants to enrich discussions and learning outcomes.

 

Fees & Venue

Q: How much does it cost to attend CSA?

A: The participant fee varies and depends on whether you are still a student or not, as well as on when you submit your applications – the sooner you apply, the cheaper it gets. See the bottom of the open call website for this year’s pricing.

Q: What does the participant fee include?

A: The participant fee covers participation in the whole program; access to all lectures, workshops, and study materials; participation in the cyber crisis simulation; coffee breaks and a goodie bag; as well as an invitation to an exclusive reception at the British Embassy in Prague.

Q: Is there anything that the participant fee does not include?

A: While we do our best to prepare a carefree and enjoyable experience, it is, unfortunately, not within our capacities to provide accommodation, meals, or transportation within Prague. We will, however, provide you with an information package and recommendations.

Q: Where is CSA held?

A: The event takes place on the banks of the Vltava River in Prague 8-Karlín, in the heart of Prague’s IT and cyber hub. It is easily accessible by multiple tram lines and the metro line B.

Q: Will I ever go hungry at CSA?

A: Impossible! The participant fee includes coffee breaks every morning and afternoon between lectures. For lunch, there are plenty of options nearby, offering a wide range of cuisines at reasonable prices – we certainly won’t spare you our best recommendations.

 

Additional information

Q: Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available for participants?

A: Unfortunately, at this time, we do not offer any funding options for scholarships or financial aid. However, we encourage participants to seek sponsorship or support from their academic institutions or employers. Please contact us for a letter of support or any additional documentation you might need for such requests.

Q: What do I receive upon completing CSA?

A: All participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Completion. This certificate is a testament to your commitment and will be a valuable addition to your professional and academic portfolio.

Also, by completing CSA, you will automatically become a member of PSSI Alumni, a club encompassing previous participants of all our educational programs that currently counts more than a thousand members.

 

For any further questions or clarifications, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to an enriching and insightful experience at the 2026 Cyber Security Academy.