Coursera is one of the best platforms for learning cybersecurity at an entry level. Here is how I secured a full Scholarship for Google’s cybersecurity certificate.
In May 2024, I was looking forward to how I could hone my skills and elevate my knowledge in the tech terrain, aside from my passion for climate change and advocacy. As an individual, I have always considered equipping myself with specific skills and advancing my knowledge beyond advocacy.
Getting certified by Google offers a seamless opportunity to secure cybersecurity entry-level jobs and access a wide range of Google professional certifications.
I never expected there would be a free course certificate that would shape my knowledge about security domains as I had been considering learning UI/UX design, data analysis, software engineering, etc. Despite being a curious individual eager to learn, these domain areas don’t excite me due to how demanding it is to understand them. My busy schedule at a writing agency is a burden.
In this post, I will discuss how I navigated the cybersecurity domain and share my knowledge and experience with you on how you can apply for free courses on Coursera, especially cybersecurity, and secure your internship as an entry-level security analyst. I Bagged Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate for $0 Here’s How I Did It & You Can Do the Same in 2025.
How it started!
This year, around May, I decided to equip myself with one of the leading tech skills and chose cybersecurity. As someone without a tech background, it is challenging. By then, I had yet to get a platform like Coursera to learn, which made learning so much more difficult. I started with inspiration and encouragement from a coterie of friends and a mentor.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges associated with learning cybersecurity is the need for a durable learning device like a laptop. It is challenging to learn the course with a device with low capacity in terms of memory and speed.
How I got a Google Certificate for free
One of the easier and more convenient ways to secure a Google cybersecurity certificate for free is through writing and applying to top organizations interested in sponsoring you for 6 months. I have been ignored several times, losing scores of applications to cheap excuses and failing to meet their application criteria.
3 Steps to Applying for Google Cybersecurity Application for Free
There are various steps to take to apply for Google Cybersecurity courses, but in this post, we will discuss three ways to help you secure the course.
Apply through Google Sites
Many people apply for Google Cybersecurity cybersecurity courses through Google, and you will be given two options: either you wish to pay for the course or apply for financial aid. The financial aid option comes with a 90% discount, while you must pay the remaining 10%.
Applying for financial aid means you will be taken through a different application process, highlighting your reason to be considered for it. It takes two weeks to get feedback on your approval after the application. Applying through this route can only cost you some cash.
Applying via an International Organization
Applying through NGOs that are Google partners can boost your chances of securing a scholarship. Google Identity India gave me a full scholarship to study cybersecurity for free. If you want to know how I scaled the application process and essay, I have provided a list of organizations offering free Google cybersecurity scholarships.
Apply Through a Foundation/ Organization:
There are lots of NGOs, and top firms are looking to sponsor candidates who are eager and curious to study and learn. These organizations are all over social media and can be Google searched within a second. However, you will be required to write a motivation letter for application before getting selected.
Here are a few organizations currently open for sponsor Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate, which you can apply to:
1. Google Career Certificate Cohort Scholarship Application
How to Apply Early: Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate
Click the link above to complete your application before the official launch date: December 10, 204
Application deadline: Undisclosed
2. Apply for Grow with Google Cohort 3
How to Apply Early: Google’s Cybersecurity Certificate
Click the link above to complete your application before the official launch date: Feb 2025
Timeline to Keep in Mind.
Early Access Applications Open: Now
Official Applications Launch: Monday, December 16th
Program Start Date: February 7th, 2025
Application deadline: Undisclosed
- Projects: Build your skills and showcase your expertise with real-world projects.
- Understand the importance of cybersecurity practices and their usefulness in organizations.
- Identify common risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and techniques to mitigate them.
- Use security information and event management (SIEM) tools to protect networks, devices, people, and data from unauthorized access and cyberattacks.
The Google Cybersecurity Certification equips learners with comprehensive knowledge and practical experience, including hands-on work with Google servers, real incident response documentation, and real-world projects to enhance skills and showcase expertise. Participants gain a deep understanding of cybersecurity practices and their importance in organizations.
They learn to identify and mitigate risks, threats, and vulnerabilities and protect networks, devices, people, and data using tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). The program offers valuable experience with Python, Linux, SQL, and essential network detection while covering Linux file systems, vulnerability assessment, and threat hunting, among other essential cybersecurity skills.
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