Your skills,
applied to cyber.
Whichever subject you study, take part in the 2027 UK Cyber Leaders Challenge.
The cyber strategy competition for higher-education students.
Cyber is more than coding & hackers in hoodies. It's about protecting communities, building resilient businesses and national & international collaboration.
The UK Cyber Leaders Challenge brings together government, industry & academia to support students from any background to explore a career in cyber.
Teams of four students, with support from a coach, play the role of advisors to senior-decision makers responding to an escalating cyber incident with national security implications.
Above all, this is a learning exercise. Teams are challenged to go beyond the technical details, understanding the wider societal and geo-political implications of the incident as it develops.
A cyber competition without coding.
With our focus on multidisciplinary skills, we've had previous competitors studying all these subjects and more!
How it works.
Applications & Launch Events.
Oct - Dec 2026
Form your team of 4 students, recruit a coach (usually a university lecturer or apprenticeship manager) and apply to the competition.
Register your interest to be notified about our upcoming online information sessions and in-person launch events taking place across the UK.
Downselection & Regional Qualifiers.
Jan - Early Feb 2027
In January, we'll announce up to 140 teams competing in the Regional Qualifiers, which take place across the UK and online. Your team will have around 3 weeks to prepare your response to Scenario Stage 1.
At the Regional Qualifier, your team presents a 2-page Briefing Note and 10-minute Briefing to a panel of expert judges. Alongside the main competition, there's an action-packed day of additional career development activities.
National Final.
Mid Mar 2027
The top 17 teams progress to compete in London. After two-days and 3 knockout rounds with increasing time pressure, the 2027 UK Cyber Leaders Challenge Champions will be crowned. Again, there will be a full schedule of additional activities with senior cyber leaders from government & industry.
Ongoing Community.
In April, our CV Window enables you to send your CV directly to our supporting organisations.
All competitors are invited to join the Cyber Leaders Challenge Alumni community, supporting each other to progress in our cyber careers.
Frequently asked questions.
Who is eligible to compete?
Any higher-education student at a UK institution, including university students and apprentices, that don't have significant professional experience in a related role. Get in touch if you have specific questions around eligibility.
Do I need to know how to code?
Not at all! There's no coding in the competition. All you need is an interest in the role that technology plays in the UK's national security.
What are the benefits of taking part?
We're biased but we think there's lots of reasons to take part. Developing skills in analysing complex information, operating in uncertainty and clear communication to name a few. Through competing you get the chance to connect with employers, actively looking for future talent. You get to meet with real cyber professionals, discovering the broad range of roles available. And all our events finish with a free drinks reception!
How is this different to a hackathon or CTF?
Hackathons & Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions focus on technical skills. The UK Cyber Leaders Challenge is about human-centric skills, crucial for any career. You're tasked with creating a Briefing Note and verbal Briefing for a non-technical audience - helping you to develop skills in collaboration, communication and leadership.
Does it cost to take part?
There's no direct cost to take part in the competition! Some costs may be incurred in travel & accommodation expenses for the Regional Qualifiers and National Finals. However, we offer a virtual Regional Qualifier and we run a Supporting Access Fund so that no student is prohibited from competing due to a lack of funds.
Can multiple teams from the same university take part?
Definitely! We encourage multiple teams from the same university to get involved. The friendly rivalry and community spirit build to the excitement of taking part.
Do I need previous cyber experience?
Not at all. This is a competition for students interested in exploring the world of cyber. Even if you're the only person on your course that's heard of this competition, or even thought about cyber - we encourage you to get involved (you wouldn't be the first).
Can I take part on my own?
No and yes. You need to be in a team of three to four students to compete. However, we can help you form a team with other students at your university or at other universities across the UK. In the past, we've had teams of strangers make it all the way to the Grand Final as one of the top three teams!
The national cyber strategy competition for UK higher-education students.
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