Applying for CyberMACS: What I Learned and What You Should Know
When I first started preparing my CyberMACS Erasmus Mundus application, I had more questions than answers.
What makes a motivation letter stand out?
Do grades matter more than experience?
Which English test should I take?
Months later, I’ve found myself on the other side — studying Applied Cybersecurity under CyberMACS — and, unexpectedly, getting many of those same questions from new applicants. So instead of replying one message at a time, I decided to write everything I’ve learned here.
This isn’t an official guide. It’s simply what helped me, what I wish I had known, and what I’ve seen matter most for others.
🎓 What CyberMACS Really Is
CyberMACS (Cybersecurity Management and Analytics Master’s) is a two-year Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) in Applied Cybersecurity. It’s offered by a consortium of three universities:
- 🇹🇷 Kadir Has University, Istanbul – the coordinating institution
- 🇲🇰 Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM), Skopje
- 🇩🇪 SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Berlin
The structure is simple but exciting: two years, three universities, two degrees.
Students study at two of the partner universities and graduate from both.
What makes it special isn’t only the international mobility but the combination of technical depth, management insight, and hands-on exposure through industry partners who offer internships, company visits, and guest lectures.
It’s part of the Erasmus+ Programme and counts among Europe’s top-quality Master’s courses.
🧭 Before You Apply
If you’re reading this, you’re probably somewhere between curiosity and decision.
You’ve checked the website, maybe opened the application portal — and now you’re wondering how to make yours strong enough.
Here’s what I learned early on:
- The process is competitive but not impossible.
- There’s no “perfect” applicant.
- What matters is clarity of purpose, consistency across documents, and authentic motivation.
Each year’s call for applications lists the same core requirements.
Here’s what you’ll prepare:
| Document | What It Is & How to Approach It |
|---|---|
| Motivation Letter / Cover Letter | Use the Europass CV . Keep it to one or two pages. Focus on relevant experiences — academic, professional, or volunteer. |
| Bachelor’s Degree or Attestation | If you’re awaiting graduation, an attestation showing your completion date works until your diploma is ready. |
| Transcript of Records | Official list of courses and grades. |
| Passport / National ID | Must be valid through your studies. |
| Two/Three Recommendation Letters | Choose professors or supervisors who know your work. Signed and dated letters on letterhead look best. |
| High School Diploma | Occasionally required for background verification. |
| Cybersecurity Certificates / Work Experience | Any relevant training, internships, or projects. |
| English Proficiency Certificate | See accepted tests below. |
| Proof of Residence | A certificate or recent utility bill (in English or officially translated). |
| Publications (optional) | Include abstracts if not in English. |
💡 Tip: Name files clearly — Firstname_Lastname_DocumentType.pdf.
✍️ The Motivation Letter
This is where many people overthink — or underestimate — the importance of being personal.
When I wrote mine, I focused less on impressing and more on explaining.
Why cybersecurity? Why now? Why CyberMACS?
The committees read hundreds of letters. The ones that stand out aren’t grand; they’re genuine.
What to include
- Your story. What first made you curious about cybersecurity?
- Your preparation. Coursework, research, or experiences that led here.
- Why CyberMACS. Mention the programme’s international setup and applied focus — show that you actually read about it.
- Your goals. How will you use what you learn?
- Closing reflection. Gratitude and a confident but humble tone.
Avoid
- Copy-paste templates.
- AI-generated essays (they’re checked, and many were disqualified).
- Empty statements like “I’m passionate about cybersecurity.” Instead, show how that passion grew.
If you’re unsure where to start, think of one experience that made you say, “This is the kind of work I want to do.” Build from there.
🧾 Recommendation Letters
Ask early — two to three weeks before submission.
Provide your referees with your CV and a short summary of what CyberMACS is so they can tailor their letters.
Choose people who can speak about your growth and curiosity, not just your grades.
CyberMACS accepts these tests (valid for two years):
Preparation resources
If you’re in Cameroon, AnB Testing Centre offers reliable preparation and testing support.
💬 The Questions Applicants Ask Most
Over time, I’ve noticed that almost everyone worries about the same things.
“My GPA isn’t first-class. Should I still apply?”
Yes. There’s no application fee — and CyberMACS looks at the whole picture. A clear sense of direction can weigh more than numbers.
“Which English test should I take?”
Choose what’s accessible and recognised in your country. All accepted tests carry equal weight.
“I’m entry-level in cybersecurity. Do I still stand a chance?”
Absolutely. Many students enter from computer science or engineering backgrounds without prior work experience. Highlight curiosity and transferable skills — problem-solving, teamwork, research.
“How do I talk about the universities?”
CyberMACS involves three partners, and you’ll study at two. Mention this in your letter to show you understand the programme’s mobility path. Reflect on how studying across countries will shape you professionally and personally.
“What about the test and interview?”
Shortlisted candidates usually take a 30-minute multiple-choice quiz (about 60 questions) covering cybersecurity basics, Python / C fundamentals, and maths. The interview that follows focuses on your motivation, background, and critical thinking — not on catching you off guard.
| ❌ Don’t | ✅ Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Wait until the last week | Apply early; servers get busy. |
| Use one generic essay for all programmes | Personalise it for CyberMACS. |
| Submit partial or blurry scans | Upload clean, translated PDFs. |
| Ignore word limits | Stay concise and focused. |
| Depend on AI tools | Write in your authentic voice. |
🌍 Best Practices for Erasmus Mundus-Style Applications
These habits help with CyberMACS and almost any international scholarship:
- Start early. Gathering documents takes longer than you think.
- Stay organised. Keep one labelled folder with backups in cloud storage.
- Research deeply. Know each partner university’s role and modules.
- Be consistent. Your CV, letter, and recommendations should tell the same story.
- Communicate professionally. Every email reflects you.
- Prepare mentally. Studying abroad tests your adaptability as much as your academics.
📬 After You Submit
You’ll receive a confirmation email once your application is in.
Eligible files go through an academic evaluation; shortlisted candidates are invited for the test and interview.
Successful applicants later receive an Admission Letter and, if selected, an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Award Letter.
Then comes the fun part — visas, housing, travel, and a new chapter ahead.
💡 Final Thoughts
Applying for CyberMACS was one of those rare experiences that felt both terrifying and transformative.
You spend weeks rewriting paragraphs, rechecking attachments, and wondering if your story is enough.
It usually is.
If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: clarity and honesty go farther than perfection.
Your application is not just paperwork, it is the first reflection of the professional you’re becoming.
So take your time, give it heart, and send it off proudly.