The Department of War (DoW) Cyber Service Academy (CSA) (formerly the Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program) is both a scholarship program for the DoW, and a capacity-building tool for the nation. The program is a result of commitment from DoW and Congress to support higher education as a means to prepare the DoW workforce to deal with threats against the Department’s critical information system and networks..
What is the DoW Cyber Service Academy (DoW CSA)?
Application Deadline: February 17, 2026, at 12 p.m. EST
How to Apply for the DoW Cyber Service Academy Scholarship?
The 2026 DoW CSA New Student Application:
Apply using a two-part application and submit the following documents using the instructions below.
Documents Needed:
- Unofficial Transcripts: Applicants will submit unofficial transcripts to the DoW CSA Program Office directly.
* Due date: 12 p.m. EST on February 17, 2026.
* Email Subject Line Format: Applicant Full Name – Institution Name – Unofficial Transcripts
* Email Address: osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.dod-csa@mail.mil - One (1) Letter of Recommendation: Must be sent directly to the DoW CSA Program Office by the author not the applicant. The letter should come from a current or most recent faculty member or supervisor who can speak to your potential for academic success and your cyber-knowledge and ability. The applicant is responsible for contacting the author and ensuring the letter is sent by the deadline. Letters sent by the applicant will not be accepted.
* Due Date: 12 p.m. EST on February 17, 2026.
* Email Subject Line Format: Applicant Full Name – Institution Name – Letter of Recommendation
* Email Address: osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.dod-csa@mail.mil - Competitions / Cyber Exercises / Capture-the-Flag Documentation:
Applicants will submit any cyber competition data directly to the DoW CSA Program Office via email.
* Due Date: 12 p.m. EST on February 17, 2026.
* Email Subject Line Format: Applicant Full Name – Institution Name – Competition Documentation
* Email Address: osd.mc-alex.dod-cio.mbx.dod-csa@mail.mil
