Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) Bursaries 2026: Programme Overview, Requirements, and Career Value

The Armscor Bursaries 2026 support full-time studies in priority science and engineering fields aligned to South Africa’s defence industry, covering academic and living costs for eligible students.

Armscor Bursaries 2026 Overview

The Armaments Corporation of South Africa offers bursaries for the 2026 academic year in partnership with the South African defence industry. The bursary programme is designed to develop scarce and critical skills by supporting academically strong students who intend to pursue careers aligned with the country’s defence, engineering, and technology needs.

Funding is available for full-time study at recognised public tertiary institutions in South Africa and is focused on disciplines that are essential to the future capability of the defence sector.

Purpose of the Armscor Bursary Programme

The Armscor Bursary Scheme aims to address skills shortages in specialised science and engineering fields that are vital to national defence and advanced technology development. By investing in talented students, the programme supports long-term capacity building within the defence industry while creating meaningful opportunities for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

The bursary allows recipients to focus on their academic progress while gaining exposure to an industry that demands high levels of technical competence, ethics, and responsibility.

Fields of Study Funded

Bursaries are awarded for full-time studies in disciplines aligned with defence and advanced technology requirements, including:

Engineering and Applied Sciences

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Naval Engineering
• Marine Engineering

Science and Technology

• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Physics and Astrophysics
• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Cyber Security
• Artificial Intelligence

Human Performance and Ergonomics

• Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Science

Only studies within these listed fields are considered for funding.

Expenses Covered by the Bursary

The Armscor bursary provides comprehensive financial support to reduce the financial burden on students and their families. Coverage includes:

• Tuition fees
• Prescribed textbooks
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Living allowance
• Vacation work opportunities, where available

This level of support enables students to concentrate fully on their studies and professional development.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the minimum requirements to be considered for the bursary.

Citizenship and Academic Status

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• Must be studying or planning to study full-time in 2026

Academic Performance

• Minimum achievement levels of 5, 6, and 7 in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English
• A strong overall academic record

Study Institution

• Must be studying or intending to study at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa

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Financial and Background Criteria

• Demonstrated financial need, with a combined household income not exceeding R1 million per year
• Interest in pursuing a career in the defence industry
• Applicants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds are encouraged to apply

Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in the application not being considered.

Supporting Documents Required

Applicants must submit clear, certified copies of the following documents:

• South African identity document
• Matric mid-year results, if currently in Matric
• Matric certificate, if Matric has been completed
• Full academic record for applicants already studying at tertiary level
• Parents’ or guardians’ identity documents, or death certificates where applicable
• Proof of parents’ or guardians’ income, such as recent payslips, affidavits for unemployment or informal trading, proof of social grant income, or death certificates where relevant

Applications submitted without all required documents may be disqualified.

Application Submission Methods

Completed application forms and supporting documents must be submitted using one of the official submission methods provided by Armscor.

Click here to download the Armscor Bursary Application Form 2026

Email Submission

Applications may be submitted by email to:
bursaries@armscor.co.za

The email subject line must clearly state the bursary name and the full qualification being applied for.

Postal Submission

Applications may also be submitted by post to the Senior Manager responsible for Learning and Organisation Development at Armscor’s Pretoria office.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are submitted correctly and on time. The bursary application closing date is 26 February 2026.

Shortlisting and Further Requirements

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks after the closing date. If no feedback is received within this period, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.

Candidates who are shortlisted may be required to submit additional documentation, including final Matric results, proof of university acceptance or registration, a student number, and an official fee statement if already registered.

Career Value of the Armscor Bursary

The Armscor bursary provides access to funding for scarce and high-demand qualifications while offering exposure to South Africa’s defence and engineering environment. Graduates supported through this programme are well positioned to build long-term careers in advanced engineering, science, and technology roles that contribute to national development and security.

The combination of financial support and industry alignment creates a strong foundation for professional growth and employability.

Conclusion

The Armaments Corporation of South Africa Bursaries 2026 offer a valuable opportunity for academically strong students who aspire to contribute to South Africa’s defence and technology capabilities. By funding critical fields of study and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the programme plays an important role in developing future technical professionals.

For students committed to excellence in science and engineering and interested in a career within the defence industry, this bursary provides both financial stability and a pathway into a highly specialised professional sector.