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Cyber Specialist (CySpec)
Explore MINDEF’s Cyber Work-Learn Scheme, a 3 or 4 year programme for NS pre-enlistees with skills in programming, network security, cryptography, or malware analysis.
Last updated 7 July 2025
Cyber Specialists are trained to deal with advanced cyber threats, engage in real-world cybersecurity operations and contribute to the nation’s cyber ecosystem.
Their roles range from threat monitoring and assessment, to cyber forensics, incident response, malware analysis, and penetration testing.
Vocational training, on-the-job training and academic training will equip CySpecs with vocational knowledge and skills that will prepare them well for a future in the cybersecurity industry.
The Cyber Specialist Award
Specialised cybersecurity operations
Cyber Specialists will conduct specialised real-world cybersecurity operations in areas such as:
Cyber Forensics
Incident Response
Malware Analysis
Penetration Testing
Developmental opportunities
Cyber Specialists will have opportunities to develop their cybersecurity skills through: (a) vocational training; (b) On-the-Job Training (OJT); and (c) academic training. Vocational training will equip them with vocational knowledge and skills that include how cybersecurity fundamentals are applied in MINDEF/SAF’s context.
Following vocational training, they will commence OJT, where they will train on specific systems, and learn tasks and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the specific units they are deployed to, and hone their skills through specialised cybersecurity operations. They may also have the opportunity to gain professional certifications as they continue to develop and upgrade their cybersecurity skillsets.
MINDEF has also partnered local universities to offer an undergraduate work-learn programme for Cyber Specialists to continuously upgrade their skills and competencies. Cyber Specialists will take cybersecurity modules on a part-time basis at either the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU) or Nanyang Technological University (NTU), earning academic credits in the process that can contribute towards the eventual completion of the degree.
The work experience and qualifications gained will position Cyber Specialists well for a career in the cybersecurity industry.
*Cyber Specialists can complete their degree programmes at the same time as their peers who serve two years of full-time NS. For those interested in having MINDEF/SAF sponsorship for their remaining years of study, they may consider taking up a career in MINDEF/SAF where there are uniformed and non-uniformed options for cybersecurity vocations.
Salary and benefits
After a minimum period of service, Cyber Specialists will receive competitive Regular salary and will be entitled to Regular benefits such as leave and medical coverage.
Application and selection process
All National Service (NS) pre-enlistees are eligible to apply. Applicants are expected to possess baseline knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. Interested pre-enlistees may register their interest by filling out the application form (Please note that the application form will not be available outside of the application window).
The selection process will commence one year ahead of your enlistment. Shortlisted applicants will be put through rigorous selection tests assessing aptitude and cybersecurity skills. Prior experience and knowledge of programming, network security, cryptography and malware analysis will be useful! Selected individuals will be offered the Cyber Specialist Award before your enlistment while others may serve as Cyber Operators. Those who accept the Cyber Specialist Award may choose between a 3 or 4-year scheme.
Application window
Interested pre-enlistees may apply for the Cyber Work-Learn Scheme one year before enlistment.
Application windows sorted by graduating year and course type
Type of Course | Graduating Year | ||
|---|---|---|---|
2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |
| 1 Jun – 31 Aug 2025 | 1 Jun – 31 Aug 2026 | 1 Jun – 31 Aug 2027 |
| 1 Dec 2025 – 28 Feb 2026 | 1 Dec 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 | 1 Dec 2027 – 28 Feb 2028 |
Only shortlisted applicants will be notified.
Register your interest for the Cyber Specialist (CySpec) Work-Learn Scheme!
FAQs
Cyber vocations
Q1. What is the difference between a Cyber Operator and a Cyber Specialist?
A Cyber Operator will perform basic roles such as threat monitoring and assessment during his 2-year full-time NS.
A Cyber Specialist will undergo specialised training and participate in a 3-year or 4-year undergraduate work-learn programme to perform specialised roles such as incident response, cyber forensics, malware analysis, and penetration testing. Cyber Specialists will also receive Regular pay and benefits after serving a minimum period of service.
Comparison of cyber operator tracks and training features
- | 2-year Cyber Operator | 3-year Cyber Operator | 4-year Cyber Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
Cyber vocation | Enlistee | Specialist | Specialist |
Threat monitoring and assessment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Cyber forensics | - | ✅ | ✅ |
Incident response | - | ✅ | ✅ |
Malware analysis | - | ✅ | ✅ |
Penetration testing | - | ✅ | ✅ |
University Work-Learn Programme | - | Up to 36% of academic credits | Up to 55% of academic credits |
Professional certification | - | Intermediate | Advanced |
Regular pay and benefits (after minimum period of service) | - | ✅ | ✅ |
Work-Learn Programmes (WLPs)
Q1. What are the WLPs available for Cyber Specialists?
Cyber Specialists can choose among the four WLPs available.
Comparison of university Work-Learn Programme (WLP) structures and degree offerings
- | SIT-WLP | NUS-WLP | SMU-WLP | NTU-WLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Modality | Up to 2 days a week attending modules (SMU-WLP students may be required to take classes on 2 half-days for certain semesters, depending on the school’s curriculum.) | 1 semester per year attending modules | ||
Contract duration | 3 or 4 years | 3 years | 4 years | 4 years |
Credit accumulation | Up to 33% (3 years) or 50% (4 years) | Up to 25% | Up to 50% | Up to 50% |
Degree Programme(s) |
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Q2. Can I choose which university to undergo the WLP with?
You may choose the university you wish to undergo the WLP with. To be placed on the WLP with SIT, you must be offered the Cyber Specialist Award. If you wish to complete your degree at SIT after the WLP, you are still required to apply to SIT's Information Security Programme and gain admission based on your own merit. To be placed on the WLP with NUS, SMU and NTU, you must be offered the Cyber Specialist Award, and the university must offer you a place in their degree programme by the end of your BMT.
Q3. Are there any differences between the university's WLP?
The programmes are similar. Cyber Specialists will undertake the same operational duties. The difference in admission criteria is based on the respective university’s policy.
Q4. Can I apply for the CySpec Scheme / Will I be eligible for the WLP even if I haven’t decided whether to apply to NUS, SMU or NTU and which programme to apply for?
Yes, you are still encouraged to apply for the CySpec Scheme. The online application is only an indication of interest to be considered for the scheme.
Q5. Can I apply for the CySpec Scheme / Will I be eligible for the WLP even if I don’t intend to pursue a degree in Information Security?
Yes, you are still encouraged to apply for the CySpec Scheme as long as you are interested in any Computing/Computer Science/Computer Engineering-related degree. The online application is only an indication of interest to be considered for the scheme.
Q6. What are the arrangements like for the WLP?
MINDEF/SAF will work with the universities to schedule your operational duties and part-time studies.
Q7. Can I complete my cybersecurity degree in other universities? Are the credits earned at SIT, NUS, SMU and NTU transferable to another university?
You can apply to any university to continue your studies through their normal admission processes. Cyber Specialists who have earned academic credits at SIT, NUS, SMU and NTU may be eligible for credit transfer to other universities. Transfers of academic credits to another university is subject to the academic policy of the respective universities.
Q8. Will MINDEF/SAF sponsor the remaining studies to complete the undergraduate degree?
If you are interested in MINDEF/SAF sponsorship for your remaining studies, you may wish to consider a career in MINDEF/SAF. There are uniformed and non-uniformed options for service in cybersecurity vocations.
Q9. Does acceptance of the Cyber Specialist Award into the SIT WLP guarantee admission into SIT's undergraduate programmes?
After the completion of the SIT WLP as a Cyber Specialist, admission to any of SIT's undergraduate programmes is not guaranteed and is subject to SIT's admission requirements and policies. Being on the SIT WLP provides the opportunity to read modules that accrue credits towards fulfilling an undergraduate programme, which can be utilised, if the individual is able to attain admission into SIT.
Administration
Q1. If I apply now, can I still change my mind?
The online application is only an indication of interest to be considered for the scheme. You will be scheduled to undergo selection tests to determine your eligibility. If found suitable for the Cyber Specialist Award, you will be offered a contract before your enlistment. You can choose whether or not to accept the contract. However, once the contract has been signed, you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the contract.
Q2. If I accept the Cyber Specialist Award, do I have to pay for any costs during the programme?
MINDEF/SAF will pay the tuition fees of the academic programme at the respective universities for the contract duration.
Q3. Is there a bond for being in this scheme?
There is no bond period for Cyber Specialists beyond the contract.
Q4. Can I extend or shorten my Cyber Specialist contract subsequently?
The maximum duration for the CySpec Scheme is 4 years. Hence, no extension is available for those who opt for 4 years of service. Cyber Specialist on the 3-year scheme may opt to switch to the 4-year scheme before they graduate from the Cyber Specialist Cadet Course (CSCC), depending on your performance and MINDEF/SAF's operational requirements.
Once the contract is in effect, you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the contract. Cyber Specialists on the 3-year or 4-year scheme are expected to remain committed to their training and operational roles for the duration of their contract.
Cyber Specialists who are interested to continue serving in MINDEF/SAF may wish to consider a career in MINDEF/SAF. There are uniformed and non-uniformed options for service in cybersecurity vocations.
Q5. Does it matter what my Physical Employment Status (PES) is?
All servicemen, regardless of PES, will be eligible for selection to be 3-year or 4-year Cyber Specialists.
Q6. Where will I be deployed to?
Deployment is based on MINDEF/SAF's operational requirements. You will be informed of your posting upon completion of BMT.
Q7. Must I do shift work?
You may be required to perform shift work and stay in, depending on the unit's operational requirements.
Q8. Am I required to pass the Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) and meet the Body Mass Index (BMI) requirements?
You are required to attempt and pass the IPPT annually if you are eligible to take IPPT based on your medical status. You will also need to meet BMI requirements.
Q9. If I am interested to take up a scholarship with MINDEF/SAF, should I sign up for this scheme?
As this application is only an indication of interest, all interested pre-enlistees should sign up for this scheme. Your NS performance will be taken into considerations when applying for MINDEF/SAF scholarships.
Q10. If I have an existing scholarship/award that comes with a bond, can I still apply for this scheme?
Yes, you may apply for this scheme as this application is only an indication of interest. If found suitable for the Cyber Specialist Award, you will be offered a contract before your enlistment. On your end, you should engage your scholarship award agency to clarify the terms and conditions of your bond.
Q11. What happens if I am not successful in my application for the scheme?
You will continue to be enlisted according to standard enlistment procedures.
For any enquiries, please contact us!