DoW CYBER SERVICE ACADEMY (CSA) RECRUITMENT 2026-2027

Fall 2026 application deadline:
February 17, 2026 at noon ET

The US Department of Defense is seeking rising junior and senior (third and fourth year) undergraduate and graduate/doctoral students who are interested in full-ride scholarships for concentrated studies in cybersecurity. Students selected for the program will receive full scholarships. This requires the student to agree to serve one year of service to the DoW, upon graduation, for each year of scholarship received, in addition to the internship identified below.

Eligibility requirements

  • 18 years of age or older and a citizen of the United States at the time of application.
  • Enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) in one of the identified NCAE-C colleges or universities, or enrolled (or accepted for enrollment) at an institution selected by a NCAE-C as a collaborative partner.
  • You must have completed (by Aug 2026) the first year of an associate's degree; or the first two years of an undergraduate degree program; or a bachelor's degree, or a master's degree.

CYSP logo>    DoW CSA requirements </h3> <ul> <li> Students must attend classes full-time. </li> <li> </a> Students selected as DoW CSA Scholars will receive the full cost of tuition, books (from the institution/degree specific required book list, not books which are optional for the class), required fees (including institutionally provided health care), a one-time laptop/computer purchase, travel support to attend a cyber-related conference, and a stipend to cover room and board. </li> <li> The stipend levels are $29,000 for undergraduate students and $34,000 for graduate (Master's/PhD) students. </li> <li> Disabled students may receive additional allowances. </li> <li> There are no allowances for dependents. </li> <li> Scholarships require the student to agree to serve one year of service to the DoW, upon graduation, for each year or partial year of scholarship received, in addition to the internship identified below. </li> <!-- <li> An opportunity also exists for scholarship payback through military service. Individuals choosing to enlist or accept a commission to serve on active duty in one of the Military Services shall incur a service obligation of a minimum of 4 years on active duty in that Service upon graduation (details for this option are available at: <a href= DoW CAE Program ). -->
  • During breaks in their academic studies, DoW CySP Scholars will receive progressive, hands-on experience through internships with their selecting DoW Agency.
  • In return, scholars must agree to some restrictions and obligations regarding curriculum, GPA, and pre- and post- program employment.
  • If all conditions are met, DoW CySP Scholars will receive full-time conditional/permanent positions in Components of the DoW upon program completion.

    • Flyer for the DoW Cybersecurity Scholarship Program (CySP-2025) .

    Scholarship Benefits

    • Students selected for the CAE Program will receive the full cost of tuition, books, required fees (including institutionally provided health care), and a stipend to cover room and board. The stipend levels are $29,000 for undergraduate students and $34,000 for graduate (Master's/PhD) students.
    • Additional years of scholarship awards are dependent upon satisfactory academic progress, internship performance, if applicable, and the availability of funds.
    • Returning students will be given first priority over new students to the program as long as they continue to meet the CAE requirements and appropriate funding is available.
    • Scholarship recipients who successfully complete the terms of an initial one or two year scholarship (for example, complete an undergraduate degree), may apply for a second scholarship of up to three years for completing an advanced degree, if the sponsoring agency agrees. When funding allows, students may be provided funding to attend one cybersecurity related conference - USA-based only. No foreign travel authorized.

    Note: This scholarship is only available to U.S. citizens!

    How & When to Apply

    Applications for the Fall 2026 academic year will be considered in February 2026. The application deadline for 2026 is on February 17 , 2026, noon.


    Each new applicant should apply through the New Online Application tool (Link is currently broken) Your application and all materials must be submitted by noon 2/17/2026. You will need:

    • A Transcript (unofficial will do, we shall send the Official one) of all your college work.
    • Statement of purpose and description of goals in the field of computer and cyber security.
    • Recommendation letters from at least two faculty members or employment managers familiar with your background.
    • Official acceptance into Florida State University.

    For more information, or to submit your application please contact either one of:

     

    Last Updated: Feb 4, 2026
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