Armscor Bursary 2026 – A Chance to Study and Work in South Africa’s Defence Sector
If you’re a South African high‑school student who wants to study a science or engineering subject and eventually work in the defence industry, the Armscor Bursary Programme is a great way to get help with your tuition and living costs for the next four years. The bursary is offered by Armscor, the company that supplies the South African Defence Force, and it is aimed at students who will bring new skills into that sector.
What the bursary covers
The program pays for almost everything you need to finish your studies:
- Full tuition fees at a recognised public university in South Africa
- Official textbooks that are required for your course
- A place to live – the bursary includes accommodation
- Food and other daily expenses
- A small monthly allowance for everyday costs
- Paid summer or holiday work when it’s available
Because you get all of this, you can concentrate on your classes and on learning how the defence industry works.
Which subjects are eligible
Armscor is looking for people who can fill the gaps in the defence industry’s skills. They will give bursaries to students studying in these areas full time in 2026:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics
- Computer Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security or Artificial Intelligence
- Electronics or Electrical Engineering
- Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Science
- Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering
- Physics and Astrophysics
- Naval or Marine Engineering
If you plan to study one of these subjects at a public university in South Africa, you should read on.
Who can apply
To be considered, you must meet every requirement below. If you miss one, the application will be rejected.
- Citizen – You must be a South African citizen.
- Matric status – You’re either still in your 2025 final year of high school or you already finished it.
- Grades – You need at least level 5, 6 and 7 in Mathematics, Physical Science and English.
- Full‑time study – You plan to study full‑time in 2026 in one of the listed fields.
- Public university – Your chosen university must be a recognised public institution in South Africa.
- Academic record – You should have a strong record of grades and performance.
- Financial need – Your household income must be below R1 million per year.
- Interest in defence – You should want to work in the defence industry after you finish.
- Background – You’re from a previously disadvantaged background, which is strongly encouraged.
Missing any of these will mean your application will not be looked at.
How to apply
Deadline: 26 February 2026
You can send your application either by email or by post.
1. Download the application form
Download the Armscor Bursary Application Form 2026
Fill out the form completely and attach the required documents.
2. Supporting documents
Provide clear, certified copies of:
- South African ID
- Matric mid‑year results (if you’re still in high school)
- Matric certificate (if you’ve finished)
- Academic record if you’re already at a university
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID or death certificate (if deceased)
- Proof of your parents’ or guardians’ income – the most recent payslips, an affidavit if they’re self‑employed, proof of a SASSA grant, or a death certificate
If any of these documents are missing, you may be disqualified.
3. Submit
Email:
Send your completed application and all documents to bursaries@armscor.co.za.
Use the subject line: Armscor Bursary Application – Full Qualification Name
Postal:
Mail your application to:
Senior Manager: Learning & Organisation Development
Armscor LTD
Private Bag X337
Pretoria 0001
Make sure you get everything in before the deadline.
After you apply
Armscor will review all applications. If you are shortlisted, you’ll hear from them within two weeks. If you don’t hear back, your application is not successful.
When you are shortlisted, you will need to send a few more papers:
- Final Matric results
- Proof of university acceptance or registration
- Student number
- Official fee statement (if you’re already studying)
Why you might want the bursary
- The programme funds subjects that are hard to find and are in high demand.
- You’ll gain a look inside South Africa’s defence and engineering world.
- It builds a solid base for a long‑term career.
- It covers not only tuition but also everyday living costs.
If you’re a student who is good in science and math, who wants to study full‑time in one of the listed areas, and you come from a background where money is tight, this bursary could be the right step toward a bright future in the defence industry.
Apply before 26 February 2026 and give yourself a chance to learn, grow, and help build South Africa’s future.