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The Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme

Aerospace, Mechanical, Cyber Security, Electrical.

The Defence STEM Undergraduate Scheme (DSUS)
Learn more about the RAF's DSUS Scheme.

  • For those who plan to join the RAF as an Engineer/Cyberspace Officer
  • £5,000 per academic year
  • Tuition fees (Government National Limit)
  • Plus up to £55 per day for up to 30 days of training per year

You must be studying a suitable Engineering/Cyberspace course. All selected DSUS students will become a member of their local University Air Squadron, if they aren’t already.

You’re encouraged to apply to join your local UAS on arrival at University, as being a UAS member allows you to be fast tracked through the RAF Bursary selection process. Being a part of the DSUS will give you unique, hands-on experiences that will prepare you for life beyond university, and in your future career.

If you have any questions about this scheme, please contact the Sponsorship team direct at crn-recruitselect-sponsorship@mod.gov.uk. 

You should apply between September and March, but the sooner the better! You will have to pass a few hurdles such as a medical, fitness test and then attend an Officer selection board at RAF Cranwell.

If you are someone who has an interest in Engineering or Computing and wants to work on the latest cutting-edge technology and likes to work as part of a team, then this could be the job for you!

All selected DSUS Bursars will become a member of their local UAS; students are encouraged to apply to join a local UAS on arrival at university, as being a UAS member will enable you to be fast-tracked through the RAF Bursary selection process.

Read Josephine’s story here.

Joining as an RAF Engineer officer will also give you benefits including:

  • Subsidised housing
  • Sporting Opportunities - E-Sports
  • Free Dental & Medical Cover
  • Worldwide Travel
  • Free Pension
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How to Apply

Apply below for sponsorship to start in the next academic year. Applications are open between 1st September and 31st March, but you’re strongly advised to apply by December as this ensures we can get you through the application system and selected in time, ready to receive your sponsorship in time for the start of your course.

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Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    November 30th, 2026
  • Hiring Multiple Candidates
    Yes
  • Salary
    £5,000 Bursary and tuition fees up to £9,250 + benefits
  • Degree required
    Bachelor's
  • Duration
    Year-long
  • Location
    Multiple UK Locations
Preferred Disciplines...
  • Aerodynamics
  • Aeronautics
  • Aerospace
  • Avionics
  • Computer Science
  • Cyber Security
  • Electronic/Electrical
  • Information Technology
  • Marine/Naval Architecture
  • Mechanical
  • Mechatronics/Robotics
Also Accepting...
  • AI/Machine Learning
  • Accountancy
  • Acoustics
  • Analytics/Statistics
  • Architecture
  • Automotive
  • Bioengineering/Biotechnology
  • Biology/Biomedical
  • Building Services
  • Building Surveying
  • Business
  • Chemical/Process
  • Chemistry
  • Civil/Infrastructure
  • Construction/Project Management
  • Control & Instrumentation
  • Data Science
  • Ecology/Environmental
  • Economics
  • Energy/Renewables
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • FinTech/Finance
  • Fire
  • Geography
  • Geology/Minerals
  • Geophysics
  • Geotechnical
  • Hardware
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing/Communications
  • Materials/Metallurgy
  • Maths
  • Microelectronics
  • Nuclear
  • Pharmacology
  • Physics
  • Product Design
  • Project Management
  • Quantity Surveying
  • Software/Systems
  • Structural
  • Supply Chain & Logistics
  • Town Planning/Real Estate
  • Transport Planning
  • Water/Hydrology
  • Web Development
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