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Applied Cryptography Course Application (Summer 2026)

Applied Cryptography is returning as an online course in Summer 2026! We are offering 50 students from Lebanese universities the chance to take the Applied Cryptography course entirely online and completely free of charge. This selective program provides full access to video lectures, course materials, problem sets, projects, and an active student community—bringing the AUB Applied Cryptography experience to motivated students across Lebanon.

See you soon in class!
— Prof. Nadim Kobeissi

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 10 May, 2026
Program Starts: 5 June, 2026

Eligibility & Selection

The program is open to students currently enrolled at any Lebanese university. Applicants will be selected based on:


Motivation: A clear interest in cryptography, security, or related fields.
Background: Familiarity with at least one programming language and basic mathematical maturity (discrete math, probability, or proof-based coursework).
Diversity: We aim to represent a broad range of Lebanese universities and academic backgrounds.

No prior cryptography experience is required. The course starts from first principles and builds up to advanced topics.

How It Works

The program runs entirely online using the following platforms:
Lectures

All lectures are delivered live as well as video recordings on YouTube, available on your own schedule. Lecture slides and required readings are available on this website.


Community & Support

A dedicated Discord server provides channels for announcements, topic discussions, project help, and general conversation with fellow students and the instructor.


Assignments & Projects

Problem sets and projects are managed through Google Classroom, which handles submission, deadlines, and grading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the program really free?

Yes. There are no tuition fees, registration fees, or hidden costs. All course materials, lectures, and tools used are freely accessible.


What are the prerequisites?

You must be registered at a qualifying Lebanese university. You should be comfortable with at least one programming language (the course uses Go and Rust) and have basic mathematical maturity. No prior cryptography knowledge is needed.


How much time should I expect to commit?

Plan for approximately 6–10 hours per week, including watching lectures, completing readings, and working on assignments and projects.


Will I receive a certificate?

Yes! You will receive a signed certificate of course completion, and high-achieving students may be eligible for personalized letters of recommendation for their applications towards graduate studies. Certificates will include a unique QR code which can be scanned to verify their authenticity against an online record.


Can graduate students apply?

Yes. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students at Lebanese universities.


What if I'm not enrolled at a Lebanese university?

This program is specifically designed for students currently enrolled at Lebanese universities. However, all course materials on this website are publicly available under a Creative Commons license for anyone to use independently.