Amazon opens applications for 2027 SDE Recruitment Bursary for South African tech students (deadline 30 Sept 2026)

Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies related to the following fields:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Machine Learning
• Software Engineering

The Amazon SDE Recruitment Bursary was launched by Amazon Development Centre in 2018, with the aim of providing funding for students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, to further their studies.

The bursary will provide cover for the following expenses, up to a capped amount: tuition fees, stationery, books, personal computer, accommodation in residence or private accommodation, transport and general living expenses.

Paid internship

Bursary recipients will also partake in a paid internship programme (during summer vacation), which will allow the company to assess students for potential full-time permanent employment in the role of Software Development Engineer (SDE), after graduation.

The internship will allow for candidates to demonstrate their skills and add real value through the ownership and delivery of an impactful project that is essential to their customers. Interns will engage and learn from other Amazonians, as well as expand their network, and have access to training opportunities and social events for personal and professional development.

Service obligation

Bursary recipients may be required to work for Amazon after graduation (if a position is available), for the equal duration of funding received.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, throughout the application period. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by StudyTrust and required to undergo an additional assessment with Amazon.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your 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, within one of the fields listed above
• You must be entering your final year of a 3-year degree OR the third year of a 4-year degree, in 2027
• You must continue studying towards an Honours degree after completing the Amazon internship
• You must intend on completing your studies (up to Honours level or NQF level 8) by the end of 2027
• You must be available to start full-time permanent employment with Amazon in January 2028, dependent on receiving a job offer after the internship assessment
• You must have achieved and maintained a minimum overall 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 Amazon paid internship programme, during summer vacation
• You must be willing to participate in training opportunities at Amazon

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online at: Amazon Bursary Application 2027

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Amazon bursary.

Applicants must read the StudyTrust bursary instructions page before applying.

Required documents

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• South African ID document (certified copy)
• Matric certificate (certified copy)
• Full academic record/ transcripts (certified copy)
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips or letter from employer if employed, latest financial statements if self-employed, affidavit if unemployed) (certified copy)
• 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)
• Profile picture (clear head and shoulders photo)
• Proof of address (certified copy)

Deadline

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

Contact details

For any queries related to these bursary programmes, please contact StudyTrust (the administrators for this bursary) directly on:Tel: +27 (0)11 403 1632Email: az.gro.tsurTydutS@ylppaContact page: https://studytrust.org.za/contact-us/

Please do NOT contact StudyTrust or Amazon if this bursary has already closed.