FAQ: Department of Defense Cyber Scholarship Program

Q: Will I need to be able to obtain security clearance upon being accepted into the scholarship program?

A: Yes, you must have the ability to obtain security clearance. You must be able to obtain the required security clearance for the position selected. You may be required to undergo certain tests, including drug and polygraph tests, to obtain and maintain a clearance. Before you may be awarded a scholarship or hired by DoD, you will be required to complete certain forms to initiate the security clearance process.

Q: I am an active duty military member. Am I able eligible to apply?

A: Current DoD/Federal Employees, Active Duty Military/Reserves/Guard, or students with an existing service obligation are not eligible for this program. 

DoD civilian or active duty military members may be eligible for the Retention Scholarship program, which is a different program than the one advertised here by NYU. 

Q: I am a part-time student, am I eligible for the scholarship?

A: No. You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the time of receiving the scholarship.

Q: When can I expect to hear if I have been selected to receive the scholarship?

A: Scholarship notifications for students are expected to be announced around May 15, 2023. Scholarships are awarded for a period of one academic year (2023-2024), with awards expected to be made by August 1, 2023.

Q: Is there a post-graduate employment commitment for the DoD Scholarship?

A: Yes. Scholarships require the student to agree to give one year of service to the DoD, upon graduation, for each year or partial year of scholarship received, in addition to the internship identified below.

Q: Do scholars get to choose where they intern and work after graduation? 

A: No. Students will be assigned to a DoD agency based on preferences they select during the application process. The DoD does not guarantee that your preferences can be honored, but they are considered, along with other factors.