The Amazon Recruitment Bursary 2027 is available for software development engineering students who want to build a rewarding career with this leading global company.
Applications are now open for the Amazon Recruitment Bursary 2027, offering funding and career development opportunities to talented South African students pursuing studies in software development and related technology fields.
The bursary programme, launched by Amazon Development Centre in 2018, is aimed at supporting students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds while creating a pathway into a career with one of the world’s leading technology companies.
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive bursary funding and the opportunity to complete a paid internship with Amazon, which could lead to permanent employment after graduation.
About The Amazon Recruitment Bursary
The Amazon Recruitment Bursary is designed for high-performing university students who are passionate about software development, computer science and technology innovation.
The programme combines financial support with practical industry experience, allowing students to gain exposure to real-world software engineering projects while building valuable professional skills.
Students selected for the bursary will be assessed during their internship for a potential full-time Software Development Engineer (SDE) position upon completion of their studies.
What The Amazon Bursary Covers
The bursary provides financial support for a range of study-related expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- University residence or private accommodation
- Living expenses (subsistence)
- Stationery and textbooks
- A personal computer
- Transport costs
Funding is subject to approved caps and programme conditions.
Career Opportunities As A Software Development Engineer
Software Development Engineers at Amazon work on large-scale technology solutions that impact millions of customers around the world.
SDEs are involved in:
- Designing software systems
- Developing and testing applications
- Solving complex technical challenges
- Building scalable technology solutions
- Improving automation and optimisation processes
- Working with data, security and distributed systems technologies
The role provides exposure to cutting-edge technologies and global software development projects.
Amazon Software Development Engineer Internship
As part of the bursary programme, successful candidates will be required to complete a paid Amazon internship during their summer vacation period.
The internship offers an opportunity to:
- Apply coding and software engineering skills in a professional environment
- Work on meaningful technology projects
- Collaborate with experienced software engineers
- Gain mentorship and professional development support
- Build a network within the technology industry
- Access training opportunities and career development programmes
Performance during the internship will be assessed, and outstanding interns may receive an offer for permanent employment with Amazon after completing their studies.
Who Can Apply?
StudyTrust, on behalf of Amazon, is inviting applications from undergraduate students studying at South African universities who will be:
- Entering the final year of a three-year degree in 2027; or
- Entering the third year of a four-year degree in 2027.
Applicants should also intend to continue with an Honours qualification in 2028 after completing the internship.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Amazon Recruitment Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Field Of Study
Applicants must be studying one of the following:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
Students enrolled in other science or engineering programmes with strong coding skills may also be considered.
Academic Performance
Applicants must consistently maintain an academic average of at least 65%.
Citizenship
Only South African citizens are eligible to apply.
University Requirements
Applicants must be studying at a recognised South African university.
Study Completion
Candidates should be on track to complete an Honours qualification or NQF Level 8 qualification by the end of 2027.
Employment Availability
Applicants must be available to commence full-time employment with Amazon in January 2028, should they receive an offer following the internship assessment process.
Exclusions
Master’s degree students are not eligible to apply for the bursary.
Bursary Recipient Obligations
Successful applicants will be required to:
- Complete a paid Amazon internship during the summer vacation period
- Participate in Amazon training and development opportunities
- Remain open to accepting a permanent employment offer from Amazon if one is made following the internship assessment
To qualify for 100% bursary funding, recipients must be willing to accept a full-time permanent position with Amazon for a period equal to the number of years they received bursary funding, subject to receiving a job offer.
How To Apply
Applications for the Amazon Recruitment Bursary are open from 1 June to 30 September.