Are you passionate about using innovative technology to solve real-world business challenges? Do you enjoy working with cutting-edge, scalable services in a collaborative team environment? If you have a keen interest in software development and aspire to work with one of the world’s most beloved brands, Amazon is offering a unique opportunity for you to kickstart your career through their Amazon Recruitment Bursary program.
Program Overview: Empowering the Future of Tech Talent
Amazon, renowned for its customer-obsessed culture, is looking for talented individuals who are eager to drive technological innovation and tackle some of the most complex technical challenges in the world. To help students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to opportunities in software development, Amazon introduced the Amazon Recruitment Bursary in 2018.
This bursary is designed to support talented South African students pursuing degrees in fields related to computer science, software engineering, and IT, and it provides a pathway to a career as a Software Development Engineer (SDE) at Amazon.
Bursary Funding Details: A Comprehensive Support Package
The Amazon Recruitment Bursary offers a comprehensive funding package designed to ensure that students can focus on their studies without financial stress. Successful applicants will receive funding to cover the following costs:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage of academic tuition.
- Accommodation: Includes residence fees or private accommodation expenses.
- Subsistence: Living expenses while studying.
- Stationery and Books: Essential study materials.
- Personal Computer: A laptop or computer necessary for coursework and projects.
- Transport: Costs related to commuting and travel.
This funding support is vital for students, allowing them to concentrate on their studies and academic success without the burden of financial constraints.
Software Development Engineer (SDE) Role: Shaping the Future of Technology
At Amazon, Software Development Engineers are the backbone of its technical success. SDEs work on real-world problems with a global impact, using cutting-edge technologies to design, build, and test high-quality software solutions. They own systems end-to-end and contribute to shaping Amazon’s technological landscape.
As a Software Development Engineer (SDE) at Amazon, you’ll have the opportunity to work on high-scale systems and contribute to solving complex challenges in distributed systems, data mining, automation, optimization, scalability, and security. The impact you’ll have on Amazon’s customers is vast, and your work will help improve the experiences of millions around the world.
In addition to their role as full-time employees, Amazon recruits SDE interns to take on meaningful projects. During the internship, interns are given real software development tasks that contribute directly to solving complex technical challenges. The internship serves as an extended interview, with the possibility of a full-time permanent offer following successful completion.
Amazon SDE Internship: A Gateway to a Permanent Role
One of the most exciting aspects of the Amazon Recruitment Bursary is the opportunity to participate in a paid internship during the summer vacation, where candidates are assessed for a full-time permanent role post-graduation. This internship isn’t just a learning experience—it’s a chance to make a direct impact on the company’s products and systems.
As an intern, you will:
- Own and deliver impactful projects that solve real-world problems.
- Engage with industry professionals and expand your network.
- Participate in training sessions, workshops, and social events aimed at personal and professional growth.
- Contribute to projects in cutting-edge fields like data mining, machine learning, and cloud computing.
The internship will give you hands-on experience in software engineering, and if you excel, Amazon may offer you a permanent position to start upon completion of your studies. For those who dream of a long-term career at Amazon, this internship serves as the perfect stepping stone.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The Amazon Recruitment Bursary is open to South African undergraduate students who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Field of Study: Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate degree in fields such as Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or Information Systems. Specializations in Data Science, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence are also eligible.
- Academic Achievement: Candidates must be consistently achieving an average of 65% and above.
- Education Completion: The bursary is open to students entering their final year of a three-year degree or the third year of a four-year degree in 2026. Applicants should plan to complete their Honours degree (NQF Level 8) by the end of 2027.
- Availability: Applicants must be willing to start full-time permanent employment at Amazon in January 2028 (subject to internship assessment and job offer).
- South African Universities Only: The bursary is open to students currently enrolled at South African universities.
- Citizenship: Only South African citizens are eligible to apply.
- Career Plans & Motivation: Applicants must show a strong interest in Amazon and software development engineering, and be open to pursuing a full-time role at Amazon post-graduation.
Important: Master’s level students are not eligible for this program.
Obligations and Commitments
In return for the funding and opportunities provided by Amazon, successful bursary recipients must commit to:
- Completing the internship: Participate in a paid internship during summer vacations. The internship will involve real-world, hands-on projects and serve as an extended evaluation for a full-time position.
- Acceptance of Full-Time Position: If offered a permanent position at Amazon after the internship, candidates must be willing to accept and commit to working with Amazon for a period equal to the number of years they received the bursary.
This commitment is part of the deal, as Amazon seeks individuals who are dedicated and passionate about building long-term careers within the company.
How to Apply for the Amazon Recruitment Bursary
Applications for the Amazon Recruitment Bursary opened on May 1, 2025, and will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Interested candidates should submit their applications through StudyTrust’s online platform. After submitting your application, shortlisted candidates will undergo an additional assessment with Amazon to determine their suitability for the bursary.
The process involves the following steps:
- Submit your application: Complete your application on the StudyTrust platform.
- Additional assessment: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for further assessment with Amazon.
- Review the bursary instructions: Be sure to read through all instructions carefully on the Bursary Applications page before applying.
For more detailed instructions on how to apply and to submit your application, visit StudyTrust’s online platform.
The Amazon Recruitment Bursary offers a life-changing opportunity for students who are passionate about technology and software development. It provides financial support for tuition and academic costs, an invaluable internship experience, and the potential for a full-time, permanent role with Amazon after graduation.
With Amazon’s focus on customer obsession and innovation, this bursary is the perfect gateway for aspiring software engineers to join a global leader in tech and make a real-world impact.
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