Armscor Talent and Development Programme

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 28 February 2026
Provider: Armscor
Field of study: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering
Study level: University
Academic year: 2026
Last checked: September 2026

The 2026 call for the Armscor Talent and Development Programme closed on 28 February 2026; Armscor has not published a date for the next call.

Written by Thabo MokoenaSenior Education Editor

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Closed · applications closed on 28 February 2026 Latest update ↓

Armscor, the state-owned Armaments Corporation of South Africa, takes on young graduates through a 24-month Talent and Development Programme (TDP). Armscor presents it as more than an internship: graduates sign a two-year fixed-term contract, work on defence and security projects, and receive on-the-job training and a monthly stipend. The 2026 call closed on 28 February 2026, and Armscor has not yet announced the next one.

Five qualification groups Armscor recruited in 2026

The 2026 call invited graduates with a diploma or degree in:

Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering (diploma or BEng);
Electronic or Electrical Engineering (diploma or BSc Eng);
Electrical Engineering (diploma or BSc Eng);
Geoinformatics or Geospatial science (BSc);
Computer Science, Information Science, artificial intelligence, or software engineering and development (diploma or BSc).

No work experience is needed. The advert describes the purpose as educational activities and workplace exposure that equip graduates for work, and the Armscor internship page adds that graduates work on projects addressing real problems in defence and security, and build networks with industry experts and mentors.

Under 35, willing to relocate, and security cleared

Armscor considers only South African citizens who are 35 or younger and have a clear criminal record. Applicants must also be willing to relocate. Shortlisted graduates go through reference checks, verification of personal details and security clearance before an appointment is made. In line with the Employment Equity Act, Armscor gives preference to suitable candidates from designated groups, and it encourages people with disabilities to apply.

The stipend is described as market related and set by the level of the graduate’s qualification. Armscor does not publish the amounts, and the advert says nothing about a job at the end of the contract.

Where bursars and TDP trainees end up

The TDP is also where many Armscor bursary holders start work. Armscor’s 2022/23 annual report says the programme builds a pool of technical talent for the corporation’s current and future needs, that its graduates were recruited from Armscor’s own bursary pool, and that they worked on advanced technologies at Armscor and with partners in the defence industry. In that year 32 candidates were appointed to the programme, exceeding Armscor’s target. The same report says Armscor’s Flamengro unit, which works on ballistics and weapon technology, trains young engineers as two-year trainees under the talent pool programme.

External graduates can still apply: the 2026 call was an open invitation to register on the TDP database, not a closed internal list.

An emailed application, no online portal

Applications for 2026 went by email to TDP@armscor.co.za, with a CV and certified copies of:

the matric certificate;
an academic transcript or graduation letter;
the ID.

Armscor does not send regrets: applicants who hear nothing after the closing date should take it that they were not selected. Enquiries about the 2026 call went to Ms Thuli Sibeko on 012 428 2456 or Ms Tsogo Moeketsi on 012 428 3105. The 2026 advert was posted on the Armscor website in January and closed at the end of February; watch the same internship page for the next call.

Students who have not yet graduated should look at the Armscor bursary, the most direct route into the TDP, and the Armscor provider profile. Our mechatronics engineering bursaries list covers other funders in one of the fields Armscor recruits.

FAQs

1. Do I need a degree, or will a diploma do? +

A diploma is accepted in mechanical, mechatronics, electronic and electrical engineering and in computer science or software fields. Geoinformatics and geospatial science were advertised for BSc graduates only.

2. I am 36. Can I apply? +

No. The 2026 call states that applicants must not be older than 35.

3. How much is the TDP stipend? +

Armscor pays a market-related monthly stipend based on the level of qualification but does not publish the amount.

4. Can I apply if I did not have an Armscor bursary? +

Yes. The 2026 call was open to any South African graduate in the listed fields who met the criteria. Armscor also recruits TDP trainees from its own bursary holders.

5. Why does Armscor need a security clearance? +

Armscor works on defence and security projects, and shortlisted graduates are security cleared as part of selection, along with reference and personal data checks.

Update note (checked September 2026): The 2026 call for the Armscor Talent and Development Programme closed on 28 February 2026, according to the advert on armscor.co.za. Armscor has not published a date for the next call.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

Or send your application by email:

TDP@armscor.co.za

About Armscor

State-owned company (defence acquisition)

The Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd, known as Armscor, buys and manages defence equipment for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Armscor describes its mission as empowering the SANDF and other stakeholders with world-class defence…

Read the full Armscor profile →

Address: 370 Nossob Street, Erasmuskloof, Pretoria, 0048
Phone: +27 12 428 1911
Email: info@armscor.co.za
Website: armscor.co.za