South Africa’s defence industry is quietly facing a skills gap — especially in engineering, science, and advanced technology.
The Armscor Bursary South Africa 2026 is aimed at students who want to study these critical fields and build careers that directly support national defence, security, and advanced research. With applications closing in February 2026, this bursary is particularly relevant for strong Matric learners and current university students planning ahead.
WHO ARMSCOR IS — AND WHY THIS BURSARY EXISTS
The Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) was established in 1968 and today operates as the South African Department of Defence’s official arms procurement agency. While many people associate Armscor only with military equipment, its role is much broader.
Armscor works closely with government departments, state-owned entities, and defence industry partners across South Africa and parts of Africa. Its work depends heavily on engineers, scientists, technologists, and researchers — skills that are increasingly scarce.
This bursary exists to address that shortage. Rather than recruiting skills from outside the country, Armscor invests in South African students, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, who have the academic potential to contribute to the defence and security sector long-term (Find more information here).
FIELDS OF STUDY SUPPORTED BY THE ARMSCOR BURSARY
The Armscor Bursary Programme for 2026 focuses on qualifications that align with the future technical needs of the defence industry. These are not general study fields — they are specialised, demanding disciplines that feed directly into national capability.
Supported fields include:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering
- Naval Engineering / Marine Engineering
- Computer Science, IT, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence
- Physics and Astrophysics
- Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physics
- Human Kinetics and Ergonomics Science
These fields are academically challenging, but they also offer structured career paths within defence manufacturing, research institutions, and technology development environments.
WHAT THE BURSARY COVERS — AND WHAT TO EXPECT
The Armscor bursary is comprehensive compared to many other funding options.
It covers:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Living allowances
- Vacation work opportunities (where available)
In return, bursary holders are expected to maintain a strong academic record and show genuine interest in building a career within the defence industry. This is not a “no-strings-attached” bursary — it is an investment in future professionals.
Shortlisted candidates are usually contacted within two weeks after the closing date. If you do not hear back after that period, your application was unfortunately unsuccessful.
WHO CAN APPLY (Eligibility explained simply)
To qualify for the Armscor Bursary South Africa 2026, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently in Matric (2025) or have completed Matric
- Achieve strong results in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English
- Intend to study full-time in 2026
- Study or plan to study at a recognised public university in South Africa
- Demonstrate financial need (household income not exceeding R1 million per year)
- Be from a previously disadvantaged background
- Show a clear interest in a defence-related career
This bursary is best suited for students who are academically disciplined and comfortable with high-pressure, technical environments.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ARMSCOR BURSARY 2026
Applicants must download and complete the Armscor Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF).
When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter:
www.dailyfeed.co.za
Required supporting documents
Submit certified copies of the following:
- South African ID document
- Matric mid-year results (if currently in Matric)
- Matric certificate (if completed)
- Full academic record (if already studying)
- Parents’ or guardians’ ID documents
- Proof of household income or affidavits (as applicable)
Shortlisted candidates will later be required to submit final Matric results, proof of university acceptance, a student number, and a fees statement.
Submission methods
Email:
📧 bu*******@********co.za
Subject line: Armscor Bursary Application – Full Qualification Name
Or post to:
Senior Manager: Learning & Organisation Development
Armscor LTD
Private Bag X337
Pretoria
0001
CLOSING DATE (Do not miss this)
🗓 26 February 2026
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
SEE ALSO: The Inspiring Minopex Engineering Bursary Programme 2026
SEE ALSO: N3TC Touching Lives Community Bursary 2026
CONTACT DETAILS
For bursary-related queries only:
- Thulisile Sibeko
Tel: 012 428 2456
Email: Th********@********co.za - Tsogo Moeketsi
Tel: 012 428 3105
Email: Ts****@********co.za
Please do not contact Armscor if the bursary has already closed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Is the Armscor bursary only for engineering students?
No. While engineering dominates, science, IT, cyber security, and physics-related fields are also supported.
Does Armscor require work-back after graduation?
In many cases, yes. This is an industry-linked bursary, not a general scholarship.
Can private university students apply?
No. Applicants must study at a recognised public tertiary institution.
How competitive is this bursary?
Very competitive. Strong academic performance and financial need are both essential.
FINAL NOTES
The Armscor Bursary South Africa 2026 is not an easy option — but for the right student, it can open doors into one of the country’s most specialised and strategic industries.
If you are serious about science, engineering, and national development, this bursary is worth the effort.
About The Author
