Department of War (DoW) Cyber Service Academy

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)?
https://www.cyberworkforce.mil/DoW-Cyber-Service-Academy/

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:
https://www.cyberworkforce.mil/DoW-Cyber-Service-Academy

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