Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme
Amazon (administered by StudyTrust)
The Amazon Recruitment Bursary (Software Development Engineer), launched in 2018 by Amazon Development Centre for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, funds South African students entering the final year of a Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering degree. Administered by StudyTrust, it covers capped study costs and includes a paid Amazon summer internship during which bursars are assessed for a permanent Software Development Engineer role after graduation.
- Amount
- Capped full cost of study (tuition, accommodation, subsistence, books, a computer and transport) + paid summer internship
- Deadline
- Closed 30 September 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Amazon (administered by StudyTrust) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Academic average of 65% or higher
- ✓ Enrolled at a recognised South African university
- ✓ Entering the final year of an undergraduate degree in 2027 (3rd year of a three-year or 4th year of a four-year degree), intending to progress to Honours in 2028
- ✓ Studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering (Machine Learning or AI specialisations are eligible)
- ✓ Able to demonstrate coding ability in a programming language of your choice
- ✓ Available to start full-time permanent employment with Amazon in January 2029 if offered a role
- ✓ Master's students are not eligible
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition fees (capped)
- ✓ Residence or private accommodation and subsistence
- ✓ Stationery and books
- ✓ A personal computer
- ✓ Transport
- ✓ Paid Amazon internship during the summer vacation, with training opportunities
- ✓ Assessment during the internship for a full-time permanent Software Development Engineer role
Work Commitment
Bursars must complete a paid Amazon internship during the summer vacation. To qualify for 100% of the bursary funding, they must be open to accepting a full-time permanent role for a period equal to the years of bursary received, if offered one after the internship assessment.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Amazon (administered by StudyTrust) bursary application
- 1
Read the instructions on StudyTrust's Bursary Applications page, then apply on StudyTrust's online platform during the application season (1 June to 30 September; the 2027 round closed on 30 September 2026)
- 2
Use the Personal Statement in the online form to detail your coding skills and experience
- 3
Upload your certified ID, full academic record including your latest semester results, and proof of household income
- 4
Applications are reviewed throughout the window, so early submission is strongly encouraged
- 5
Shortlisted candidates complete an additional Amazon assessment to demonstrate coding and problem-solving ability
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Official Matric/NSC results
- 📄 Full university academic record including your most recent semester results
- 📄 Proof of household income
- 📄 Recent head-and-shoulders photograph
- 📄 Personal statement (in the online form) describing your coding skills and experience
Frequently Asked Questions
- When do Amazon bursary applications open and close?
- StudyTrust's application season runs from 1 June to 30 September. Applications for bursaries starting in 2027 closed on 30 September 2026, and 2028 dates had not been announced as of 12 October 2026.
- Who administers the Amazon bursary?
- StudyTrust manages the application and selection process on Amazon's behalf. You apply through StudyTrust, not directly to Amazon. Enquiries go to apply@studytrust.org.za or 011 403 1632.
- What academic average do I need?
- You need an average of 65% or above, and you must be entering the final year of an undergraduate Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Software Engineering degree with plans to complete Honours.
- Is the internship compulsory?
- Yes. Bursars must complete a paid Amazon internship during the summer vacation, where they are assessed for a permanent Software Development Engineer role. To receive 100% of the funding, they must be open to working for Amazon for as many years as they were funded, if offered a job.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 30 September 2026.
StudyTrust runs the Amazon Recruitment Bursary application season each year from 1 June to 30 September, reviewing applications as they arrive. Applications for bursaries starting in 2027 closed on 30 September 2026; the 2028 round is expected to open around June 2027, but dates were not yet announced as of 12 October 2026.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check Amazon (administered by StudyTrust)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Amazon (administered by StudyTrust):
Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
Phone: 011 403 1632
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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