Amazon Bursary 2027

## About the Provider Amazon.com is an American multinational company focused on e-commerce, cloud computing, digital streaming, and artificial intelligence. The company sells a vast range of goods, including books, music, movies, housewares, electronics, toys, and many other items. What began as an online bookselling company has grown into the biggest online retailer and a prominent cloud service provider in the world. Amazon is widely regarded as one of the leading technology companies globally. As a technology giant, Amazon depends heavily on highly skilled software development engineers and other technology professionals to build and maintain the systems that power its operations. The company operates at an enormous scale, serving millions of customers and running complex digital services, which means it has a constant need for talented engineers who can develop and improve its technology. In South Africa, the Amazon Development Centre launched a Software Development Engineer Recruitment Bursary in 2018. The programme was created with a clear purpose: to provide funding for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to further their studies, while also building a pipeline of talented engineers who could potentially join the company. This dual purpose makes the bursary both a social investment and a recruitment tool. What sets this programme apart is its close connection to employment. Unlike many bursaries that simply fund studies, the Amazon Bursary is designed to lead towards a career at Amazon. Recipients take part in a paid internship, gaining real experience and the chance to demonstrate their abilities. For those who excel, the programme offers a route to full-time permanent employment as a Software Development Engineer. This makes the bursary a genuine pathway from study into a world-class technology career. The programme also reflects Amazon's commitment to transformation and inclusion. By focusing on students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, the company helps to widen access to technology careers and to build a more diverse engineering workforce. This commitment is especially important in a field where talented individuals from all backgrounds can make a significant contribution. For learners who are passionate about software development and dream of working at a leading global technology company, the Amazon Bursary represents an exceptional opportunity. It offers comprehensive funding, valuable work experience through a paid internship, and a clear route to employment. Through this programme, Amazon invests in talented young people, helping them build the skills and experience needed to launch successful careers in technology while strengthening its own pipeline of engineering talent.

## About the Program The Amazon Software Development Engineer Recruitment Bursary funds undergraduate studies for the 2027 academic year, focusing on fields related to software development and technology. The programme covers Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Machine Learning, and Software Engineering. These fields reflect the technical skills that Amazon and the wider technology industry need. The bursary was launched by the Amazon Development Centre in 2018, with the aim of providing funding for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to further their studies. It is closely tied to Amazon's recruitment needs, which means it offers more than just funding; it provides a genuine pathway towards employment with the company. The bursary covers a comprehensive range of expenses, up to a capped amount. These include tuition fees, stationery, books, a personal computer, accommodation in a residence or private accommodation, transport, and general living expenses. This broad cover removes much of the financial pressure on students and allows them to focus on their studies. A distinctive feature of the programme is the paid internship that recipients undertake during the summer vacation. This internship allows Amazon to assess students for potential full-time permanent employment as Software Development Engineers after graduation. During the internship, students can demonstrate their skills, take ownership of impactful projects, engage with and learn from Amazon employees, expand their networks, and access training opportunities and social events for personal and professional development. The programme has specific requirements around the stage of study. Applicants must be entering the final year of a three-year degree or the third year of a four-year degree in 2027, and must continue towards an Honours degree after completing the internship. They must intend to complete their studies up to Honours level by the end of 2027 and be available to start full-time permanent employment with Amazon in January 2028, subject to receiving a job offer after the internship assessment. Applicants must have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65% and must be studying at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa. They must also be genuinely interested in software development engineering and in pursuing a career at Amazon. The programme is administered by StudyTrust. By combining comprehensive funding with a paid internship and a clear route to employment, the Amazon Bursary offers a powerful opportunity for talented students who dream of a career in software development.

## Bursary Benefits The Amazon Bursary is a comprehensive award that covers a wide range of study-related costs and offers a unique pathway towards employment. This makes it a particularly valuable opportunity for students aiming for a career in software development. The bursary covers the following expenses, up to a capped amount: - **Tuition fees** - **Stationery and books** - A **personal computer** - **Accommodation** in a residence or private accommodation - **Transport** - **General living expenses** In addition to the financial cover, recipients take part in a **paid internship** during the summer vacation. This internship allows students to: - Demonstrate their skills through the ownership and delivery of an impactful project - Engage with and learn from Amazon employees - Expand their professional networks - Access training opportunities and social events for personal and professional development The internship also allows Amazon to assess students for potential full-time permanent employment as Software Development Engineers after graduation. This combination of comprehensive funding, a personal computer, paid work experience, and a clear route to employment sets the Amazon Bursary apart from many other programmes. For students who perform well, it can be the first step towards a career with one of the world's largest technology companies.

## Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered. - You must be a **South African citizen** - You must have **completed Matric** - You must be studying towards an undergraduate degree qualification in one of the listed fields - You must be entering the **final year of a three-year degree or the third year of a four-year degree in 2027** - You must continue studying towards an **Honours degree** after completing the Amazon internship - You must intend to complete your studies up to Honours level (NQF level 8) by the end of 2027 - You must be available to start **full-time permanent employment with Amazon in January 2028**, subject to receiving a job offer after the internship assessment - You must have achieved and maintained a **minimum overall average of 65%** - You must be studying at a **recognised and accredited university** in South Africa - You must be interested in **software development engineering** and in pursuing a career at Amazon - You must be willing to join the **paid internship programme** during the summer vacation and to participate in training opportunities

## Required Documents Submit clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents with your online application. Missing documents may lead to disqualification, so prepare them carefully before you begin. - A certified copy of your **South African ID document** - Your **Matric certificate** (certified copy) - Your **full academic record or transcripts** (certified copy) - Parents' or guardians' **proof of income** (latest payslips or letter from employer if employed, latest financial statements if self-employed, or an affidavit if unemployed), certified - Parents' or guardians' **death certificates**, if deceased (certified copy) - Parents' or guardians' **divorce certificate**, if divorced (certified copy) - Parents' or guardians' **sworn statement**, if separated (certified copy) - A **profile picture** (a clear head and shoulders photo) - **Proof of address** (certified copy) Make sure all copies are clear, legible, and properly certified. Having a complete set ready will make the online application process faster and smoother.

## How to Apply Applications for the Amazon Bursary must be submitted online through the administrator's website. Follow these steps to apply successfully: 1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily. 2. Read the bursary administrator's instructions page carefully before you begin, as it explains the process in detail. 3. Visit the online application portal for the Amazon Bursary. 4. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details. 5. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form. 6. Upload all your supporting documents, making sure each file is clear and complete. 7. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information. 8. Submit your application before the closing date. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the application period, so it is wise to apply early. Shortlisted candidates are contacted by the administrator and required to undergo an additional assessment with Amazon. Because the bursary leads to a paid internship and potential employment, make sure your academic record and your interest in software development come through clearly. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

## Tips for Success A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the Amazon Bursary. - **Apply early.** Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the application period, so applying early can work in your favour. Do not wait until the deadline. - **Confirm your year of study.** You must be entering the final year of a three-year degree or the third year of a four-year degree in 2027, and continue to Honours. Make sure you fall within this stage. - **Check your average.** You need to have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%. Confirm your results meet this before applying. - **Show your passion for software development.** The programme is for students genuinely interested in a software engineering career at Amazon. Let this interest come through clearly in your application. - **Prepare for an assessment.** Shortlisted candidates undergo an additional assessment with Amazon, so be ready to demonstrate your technical skills and motivation. - **Prepare proof of income carefully.** The programme focuses on students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, so make sure your income documents are recent and clear. - **Get documents certified in advance.** Certified copies take time to arrange, so plan a visit to a police station, post office, or Commissioner of Oaths ahead of time. - **Present a professional photo.** A clear head-and-shoulders photo with a plain background creates the right impression. - **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask someone to check it for you. - **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation. Because this bursary leads to an internship and potential employment, a complete and accurate application that clearly shows your strong results and genuine interest in software development will give you the best chance of success.

## Career Prospects The Amazon Bursary offers one of the clearest pathways from study to employment of any bursary programme, making its career prospects especially strong. Because the bursary is a recruitment bursary, it is designed to lead directly towards a career as a Software Development Engineer at Amazon. Graduates in the funded fields, including Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, are among the most sought-after professionals in the modern economy. Software development engineers design, build, and maintain the software systems that power applications, websites, and digital services used by millions of people. These skills are in extremely high demand, both in South Africa and around the world. The paid internship that comes with the bursary gives recipients real, hands-on experience working on impactful projects at Amazon. This experience is invaluable, as it allows students to apply their knowledge in a world-class technology environment, learn from experienced engineers, and build the practical skills that employers value most. The internship also helps students understand what it takes to succeed in a major technology company. For students who perform well during the internship and meet the requirements, the programme offers the possibility of full-time permanent employment with Amazon as a Software Development Engineer, starting in January 2028. Beginning a career at a company like Amazon can be a remarkable launchpad, providing exposure to cutting-edge technology, strong professional development, and opportunities for growth and advancement. Those who study fields such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning are entering some of the fastest-growing areas of technology. These specialists work on systems that analyse data, make predictions, and power intelligent applications, and their skills are increasingly important across every industry. Even beyond Amazon, the qualifications and experience gained through this programme open doors to a wide range of careers. Software and technology skills are highly portable, meaning graduates can pursue opportunities at other major companies, start-ups, or even their own ventures, both locally and internationally. For talented students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, the Amazon Bursary offers a genuine opportunity to break into the technology industry at the highest level. By combining funding, world-class work experience, and a route to employment, the programme helps recipients launch successful and rewarding careers in one of the most exciting and dynamic sectors of the global economy.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Amazon Bursary? South African citizens who have completed Matric, are studying towards a degree in one of the listed fields, entering the final year of a three-year degree or third year of a four-year degree in 2027, with a 65% average and an interest in a software engineering career at Amazon, may apply. ## What fields of study does the bursary cover? The bursary covers Artificial Intelligence, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Machine Learning, and Software Engineering. ## What expenses does the bursary cover? Up to a capped amount, the bursary covers tuition, stationery, books, a personal computer, accommodation, transport, and general living expenses. ## Is there an internship? Yes. Recipients take part in a paid internship during the summer vacation, which allows Amazon to assess them for potential full-time employment as Software Development Engineers. ## What average do I need? You need to have achieved and maintained a minimum overall average of 65%. ## When is the closing date? Applications close on **30 September 2026**, but are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so apply early. ## Could this lead to a job? Yes. Students who perform well may receive an offer of full-time permanent employment with Amazon as a Software Development Engineer, starting in January 2028. ## What stage of study must I be at? You must be entering the final year of a three-year degree or the third year of a four-year degree in 2027, and continue to Honours level afterwards. ## Who administers the bursary? The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, and shortlisted candidates undergo an additional assessment with Amazon.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 September 2026, but are reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the application period, so apply as early as possible. Late submissions will not be accepted.

About the Organization

StudyTrust (bursary administrator) Tel: 011 403 1632 Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za