Get real cybersecurity experience while you study
MaaSec is a volunteer-run non-profit association from Maastricht. Our volunteer cybersecurity specialists protect small organisations that can't afford professional security, and we run talks, workshops and capture-the-flag events. Students from Maastricht University, Zuyd and other schools in the city can join a team, whatever their experience.
- Unpaid volunteer roles, flexible around your studies
- No experience or CV needed
- An English-speaking, international team
Apply in 30 seconds
Pick a team and tell us a little about yourself. We reply by email, usually within a week.
What MaaSec does
MaaSec protects small businesses, non-profits and community organisations that can't afford professional cybersecurity. Our volunteers carry out free security reviews and AI-assisted penetration tests, give practical advice, and run awareness training.
We also organise public talks, hands-on workshops and capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions, and our CTF team competes internationally. Everyone involved is a volunteer, and all income goes back into these activities.
Choose your team
All roles are volunteer and unpaid. They're not internships, and they don't come with pay or university credit. What they do come with is real work on real projects.
CTF team
Capture-the-flag competitions: solve hacking challenges in web security, cryptography, reverse engineering and forensics, and learn offensive and defensive security from your teammates, starting from zero if you need to.
Consultancy & security reviews
Help carry out free AI pentests and security reviews for small organisations. You work on real websites, and experienced members check everything before it goes to the organisation.
Software development
Build MaaSec's own security tools in a small team where your code actually gets used.
Marketing & outreach
Find small organisations and non-profits that need free security help, build partnerships, and run our social media.
Events
Organise talks, workshops and CTF events: book speakers, plan the day and bring people together.
What you get
- Hands-on experience with real security work, not just coursework
- Real projects you can put on your CV and LinkedIn
- A team of people who share your interest, from beginners to experienced players
- Talks, workshops and CTF events throughout the year
How much time it takes
You decide. The application asks how many hours a week you can give, from under five upwards, and the work is flexible around exams and deadlines. If you're busy for a few weeks, just tell your team lead.
How it works
- 01
Apply in 30 seconds
Your name, email and the team you're interested in. No CV needed.
- 02
Have a 15-minute chat
A short call with the team lead about your interests and experience.
- 03
Onboard and start
Meet the team and pick up your first task.
Questions
Do I need experience?
No. Many members start without any security background. The CTF team trains people from zero, and every team has experienced members to learn from. Curiosity and a few hours a week matter more than a CV.
Is it paid?
No. All roles at MaaSec are volunteer and unpaid, and they aren't internships or a route to university credit. MaaSec is a non-profit: all income is reinvested in our activities.
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No. MaaSec works in English and many members are international students. Dutch helps when reaching out to local organisations, but it's never a requirement.
Which students can join?
Students at Maastricht University, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and other schools in and around Maastricht, including international and exchange students, from any study programme.
Ready to get started?
Applying takes 30 seconds. We reply by email, usually within a week.
Apply now