Do you want to solve business challenges through innovative technology? Do you enjoy working on cutting-edge, scalable services technology in a team environment? Do you like working on industry-defining projects that move the needle? If you answered yes to these questions, the Amazon Bursary for Software Development Engineering could be your gateway to a transformative career.
The Amazon Bursary was launched in 2018 by the Amazon Development Centre to support people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. Successful applicants will receive funding from Amazon to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and additional academic costs.
Additionally, successful applicants must be committed to completing a paid Amazon internship (during summer vacation), during which they are assessed for a full-time permanent Software Development Engineer (SDE) role to start upon graduation. Amazon is a place where motivated employees thrive and where employee ownership and accountability lead to meaningful results.
Enjoy Comprehensive Funding with the Amazon Bursary
The Amazon Bursary for Software Development Engineering will cover the following costs (capped):
- Tuition
- Residence/private accommodation
- Subsistence
- Stationery and books
- A personal computer
- Transport
Role of a Software Development Engineer at Amazon
SDEs at Amazon work on real-world problems on a global scale with cutting-edge technology, and develop critical products for their customers. SDEs own systems end-to-end; they design, build and test high-quality software solutions, and help influence the direction of technology that delights hundreds of millions of customers around the world.
Amazon SDE interns write real software – interns’ design, code, and raw smarts contribute to solving some of the most complex technical challenges in the areas of distributed systems, data mining, automation, optimization, scalability, and security – just to name a few.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria
StudyTrust, on behalf of Amazon, invites current undergraduate students who will in 2025 be entering into their final year of a three-year degree OR the third year of a four-year degree, to apply for this bursary. Applicants should intend to continue studying for an Honours degree in 2026 (after completing the internship) and have a keen interest in Amazon and software development engineering.
Eligibility Criteria
- Field of Study: Applicants must be pursuing Undergraduate Degrees in fields related to Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or Information Systems. Specializations in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence are also eligible.
- Education Completion: Candidates should plan to complete their Tertiary education (up to Honours level or NQF level 8) by the end of 2026.
- Master’s Level: Master’s level students are not eligible to apply.
- Availability: Applicants must be available to start full-time permanent employment with Amazon in January 2027, contingent upon receiving a job offer after the internship assessment.
- Career Plans & Motivation: Applicants must display a keen interest in Amazon and the field of software development engineering. They must seek an opportunity to be assessed for a full-time permanent role with Amazon to start upon completion of their studies.
- South African Universities Only: The bursary is open to students from South African universities.
- Academic Achievement: Current students who are consistently obtaining an average of 65% and above.
- Citizenship: Only applications from South African citizens will be considered.
Obligations:
Successful applicants must be committed to completing a paid Amazon internship (during summer vacation), and participate in training opportunities at Amazon.
To qualify for 100% of the bursary funding, candidates who are awarded must be open to accepting a full-time, permanent position for a duration equal to the years of bursary received, contingent upon receiving a job offer after the internship assessment.
How to Apply
- Applications open on 1 May and close on 15 September.
- Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, throughout the application timeline above.
- Complete your application on StudyTrust’s online platform before the closing date of 15 September to be considered for a bursary to begin in 2025.
- After submitting an application via StudyTrust, shortlisted candidates will undergo an additional assessment with Amazon.
- Carefully read the instructions on the Amazon Bursary Applications page before beginning your application.
Amazon SDE Internship
As an Amazon SDE intern, you will have the chance to demonstrate your skills and add real value through the ownership and delivery of an impactful project that matters to their customers. SDE interns design, code, and contribute to solving some of the most complex technical challenges in the areas of distributed systems, data mining, automation, optimization, scalability, and security – just to name a few.
Throughout the internship, you will engage and learn from other Amazonians, expand your network, and have access to training opportunities and social events for both your personal and professional development. Amazon will assess your performance throughout the internship with the potential opportunity to offer successful interns a full-time permanent role to start upon completion of your studies.
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By focusing on the Amazon Bursary for Software Development Engineering, you can unlock opportunities to work on industry-defining projects, gain invaluable experience, and pave the way for a successful career in technology. Apply today and take the first step towards an exciting future with Amazon.