For many South African students pursuing careers in technology, the biggest challenge is often not talent or ambition—it is funding. University fees, accommodation, textbooks, transport, and living expenses can place enormous pressure on students and their families.
Check if you Qualify for this Bursary Before you Apply
The Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme aims to remove those barriers while creating a direct pathway into one of the world’s leading technology companies. More than just a bursary, this programme combines financial support, practical work experience, mentorship, and the opportunity to secure permanent employment after graduation.
If you are studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related technology field and have a passion for coding, this could be one of the most valuable opportunities available to South African students.
Quick Overview
- Programme: Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027
- Administered by: StudyTrust on behalf of Amazon
- Application Period: 01 June to 30 September
- Target Students: Undergraduate students entering their final academic years in 2027
- Fields Covered:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Related Science and Engineering programmes with strong coding skills
- Citizenship Requirement: South African citizens only
- Minimum Academic Requirement: Average of 65% or higher
- Universities: South African universities only
- Internship Requirement: Mandatory paid Amazon internship
- Employment Opportunity: Potential full-time Software Development Engineer role from January 2028
- Funding Includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Subsistence allowance
- Books and stationery
- Personal computer
- Transport
What Does the Amazon Bursary Cover?
The bursary provides comprehensive support to reduce the financial burden of studying.
Funding may cover:
Tuition Fees
The bursary assists with university tuition costs, helping students focus on academic performance rather than financial stress.
Accommodation
Funding may cover:
- University residence accommodation
- Approved private accommodation
This support helps students access safe and suitable living arrangements while studying.
Subsistence Support
Students may receive assistance with day-to-day living expenses.
Books and Stationery
Academic resources are essential for success in technology-related programmes. The bursary helps cover:
- Prescribed textbooks
- Learning materials
- Stationery requirements
Personal Computer
Software engineering students require reliable computing equipment.
The bursary includes support for obtaining a personal computer needed for studies and coding projects.
Transport
Funding may assist with transportation expenses related to academic activities.
Understanding the Software Development Engineer (SDE) Career Path
One of the most exciting aspects of this bursary is the direct link to Amazon’s Software Development Engineer career pathway.
Software Development Engineers at Amazon:
- Design scalable systems
- Build software solutions
- Solve complex technical problems
- Develop customer-focused technologies
- Work on large-scale global platforms
- Improve system performance and security
- Collaborate with engineering teams worldwide
Rather than simply maintaining software, Amazon engineers are responsible for designing and creating products that impact millions of users.
Students who enjoy coding, problem-solving, mathematics, algorithms, systems design, and innovation may find this career path highly rewarding.
Amazon SDE Internship Programme
A major component of the bursary is participation in a paid internship.
The internship provides an opportunity to work alongside experienced Amazon engineers and gain practical exposure to real-world software development environments.
During the internship, students may:
- Write production-level code
- Participate in software design discussions
- Work on engineering projects
- Collaborate with technical teams
- Learn Amazon development practices
- Solve business and customer challenges
Interns are treated as contributors rather than observers, making the experience particularly valuable.
Internship Assessment and Employment Opportunities
Amazon uses the internship as an opportunity to identify future engineering talent.
Throughout the internship, participants are assessed on:
- Technical capability
- Coding skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Communication skills
- Teamwork
- Ownership and accountability
Successful interns may receive offers for permanent Software Development Engineer positions after completing their studies.
This means the bursary can potentially lead directly to a long-term career at Amazon.
Who Can Apply?
StudyTrust invites applications from students who meet the eligibility requirements.
Applicants should be entering:
- Final year of a three-year degree in 2027, OR
- Third year of a four-year degree in 2027
Students should also intend to continue with Honours-level studies after their undergraduate programme.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applications are encouraged from students studying:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
Students enrolled in other science and engineering programmes may also be considered if they demonstrate strong coding ability and technical aptitude.
Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be currently studying at a South African university
- Maintain an academic average of at least 65%
- Demonstrate strong academic performance
- Show potential for success in software development engineering
Academic consistency is important because software engineering roles require strong analytical and technical skills.
Citizenship Requirement
Only South African citizens are eligible to apply.
Applicants should ensure that all supporting documentation confirms their citizenship status before submitting an application.
Who Cannot Apply?
The following individuals are not eligible:
- Master’s degree students
- Students studying outside South Africa
- Non-South African citizens
- Students who do not meet the academic requirements
Important Commitments for Successful Candidates
Applicants should understand that the bursary comes with important obligations.
Successful candidates must:
- Complete a paid Amazon internship
- Participate in Amazon training opportunities
- Demonstrate commitment to software engineering
- Remain available for internship assessment activities
Candidates receiving funding are expected to be open to accepting a permanent Amazon role if offered following successful internship performance.
This commitment helps ensure that the programme develops future technology professionals who can contribute to Amazon’s engineering teams.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Competition for technology bursaries is often intense.
To improve your chances:
Highlight Coding Experience
Use your Personal Statement to discuss:
- Programming languages you know
- Coding projects completed
- GitHub repositories
- Hackathons attended
- Mobile or web applications developed
- Open-source contributions
Demonstrate Passion for Technology
Explain:
- Why software engineering interests you
- Your long-term career goals
- Technologies you enjoy working with
- How Amazon aligns with your ambitions
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Provide examples of situations where you:
- Solved technical problems
- Built software solutions
- Learned new technologies independently
Maintain Strong Academic Results
Your academic performance remains one of the most important selection factors.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through StudyTrust’s online platform.
Step 1: Visit the StudyTrust bursary application platform.
Step 2: Create or log into your profile.
Step 3: Complete all required personal and academic information.
Step 4: Upload supporting documents.
Typical documents may include:
- South African ID
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of registration
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Step 5: Complete the Personal Statement section carefully.
This section is especially important because Amazon uses it to evaluate your coding skills, technical interests, and motivation.
Step 6: Submit your application before the closing date.
Step 7: If shortlisted, participate in additional Amazon assessment processes.
Related Articles:
Bursary Application Calendar for South African Students: When to Apply and Never Miss a Deadline
How to Prepare for Bursary Interviews: A Complete Guide for South African Students
What Happens After You Apply for a Bursary? Understanding the Selection Process
How to Find Fully Funded Bursaries in South Africa: A Complete Guide for Students
Common Reasons South African Bursary Applications Get Rejected (And How to Avoid Them)
NSFAS vs Bursaries vs Scholarships: What Is the Difference?
How to Write a Professional Student CV for Bursary Applications
How to Write a Winning Bursary Motivational Letter (With Examples)
How to Appeal an NSFAS Application Rejection (Step-by-Step Guide) 2026
How to Create a myNSFAS Account for 2026 Applications
How to Check NSFAS Application Status: A Detailed Guide
How to Apply for NSFAS: A Step-by-Step Application Process
Edupstairs Advice
If your dream is to build a career in software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, or large-scale technology systems, the Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 should be high on your application list.
Start preparing early by:
- Improving your coding skills
- Building personal software projects
- Maintaining strong academic results
- Creating a professional CV
- Developing a strong Personal Statement
Remember that Amazon is looking for future engineers who demonstrate both technical potential and a passion for solving complex problems. Use your application to showcase not only your marks but also your curiosity, creativity, and commitment to technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When do applications open?
Applications open on 01 June and close on 30 September.
- What minimum average is required?
Students should maintain an average of at least 65%.
- Can Computer Science students apply?
Yes. Computer Science is one of the primary fields supported by the bursary.
- Can Artificial Intelligence students apply?
Yes. Students specialising in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are eligible.
- Is the internship compulsory?
Yes. Successful bursary recipients must participate in the paid Amazon internship programme.
- Does the bursary guarantee a job?
No. However, successful interns may receive offers for permanent Software Development Engineer positions after assessment.
- Can Master’s students apply?
No. Master’s level students are not eligible.
- Can students from any university apply?
The bursary is open to students studying at South African universities.
You can also:
- View latest Internships
- View latest Learnerships
- View Latest Bursaries
- View latest Government jobs
- View latest Company Vacancies
- View latest Municipality vacancies
- Visit the Edupstairs blog for daily updates
Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)
No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.
Have you applied for this opportunity?
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Applicants should always verify programme details, eligibility requirements, funding conditions, assessment processes, and closing dates through the official StudyTrust and Amazon application platforms before applying.
EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY