If you’ve been dreaming of a true full-ride cybersecurity scholarship in the United States, the kind that doesn’t just reduce tuition but completely removes the financial burden — this is the moment to pay attention.
The Department of War Cyber Service Academy Scholarship Program (DoW CSA) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 scholarship cycle, offering one of the most powerful funding opportunities available for cyber-focused students in the U.S.
This is not a small grant or partial tuition discount. This is a full coverage scholarship + major annual stipend, designed for students preparing to become part of the nation’s next-generation cyber defense workforce.
For junior, senior, master’s, and PhD-level students ready to build a career in cybersecurity, this program could be the difference between struggling through tuition… and graduating debt-free with a guaranteed federal cyber career pathway.
What Makes the DoW CSA Scholarship a Major Opportunity in 2026?
The DoW Cyber Service Academy Scholarship is built for students who want more than just funding — it is built for those who want mission-driven cyber careers.
Starting in Fall 2026, selected scholars will receive support covering both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027, with the possibility to renew for up to five years.
In return, recipients commit to working for the Department of War as a civilian cyber professional after graduation — one year of service for each year of scholarship support received.
This is a rare chance to receive elite-level funding while stepping directly into one of the fastest-growing and most critical sectors in national security.
Benefits of Winning the DoW CSA Scholarship (Full Ride + Stipend)
Winning the DoW CSA Scholarship at UCF is like unlocking a complete cyber career launchpad.
Selected students receive:
- 100% full tuition coverage
- All required academic fees (including healthcare)
- Required cybersecurity textbooks (from the official degree list)
- A generous annual living stipend
- $29,000 per year for undergraduate students
- $34,000 per year for graduate students
- Priority renewal opportunities for returning scholars
- Direct pathway into Department of War cyber service employment after graduation
This is one of the few U.S. cybersecurity scholarships that combines full financial freedom with guaranteed workforce placement, making it one of the most competitive opportunities for Fall 2026 applicants.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the DoW CSA Scholarship, applicants must meet specific academic and citizenship criteria and eligible candidates include:
- Must be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance
- Must be a rising junior or senior (Fall 2026) or in early master’s/PhD study
- Must have one full academic year remaining (Fall 2026 + Spring 2027)
- Must be enrolled full-time at UCF in a cyber-related major such as:
- Computer Science
- IT
- Computer Engineering
- Digital Forensics
- Cybersecurity & Privacy
- Minimum GPA: 3.2+ (undergrad) or 3.5+ (graduate)
- Must agree to one year of DoW service per scholarship year after graduation
- Must not be a permanent federal employee or active-duty military
- Must be flexible to relocate within the U.S. for internships and service obligations.
Apply: https://cyber.cs.ucf.edu/csa/
Application Deadline (Last Date to Apply)
The last date to apply for the Department of War Cyber Service Academy Scholarship Program (CSA) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is February 17, 2026, with all application materials due by 12:00 PM EST (noontime).