Program Description
Amazon Bursary: Do you want to use cutting-edge technology to address business problems? Do you like working in a team setting on innovative, scalable services technology? Do you enjoy working on projects that change the industry and make a difference?
The brightest minds in technology are employed by Amazon to invent and create products for their clients. Customer passion is ingrained in their company DNA, which explains why they are among the most adored brands in the world.
In 2018, the Amazon Development Center introduced the Amazon Recruitment Bursary, which is intended for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. The money that Amazon provides to successful applicants will go toward paying for their tuition, housing, and other educational expenses.
Successful candidates must also commit to doing a paid summer internship with Amazon, where they will be evaluated for full-time permanent Software Development Engineer (SDE) positions that begin after graduation. Motivated workers flourish at Amazon, where a culture of ownership and accountability produces significant outcomes.
The following expenses will be reimbursed (capped) by the Amazon Recruitment Bursary:
- Residential/private housing
- Tuition
- Maintenance
- Books and stationery
- An individual computer
- Transport
Software Development Engineer (SDE) Role
SDEs at Amazon use cutting edge technology to solve real-world issues on a worldwide scale while creating essential goods for their clients. SDEs are end-to-end system owners. They also create, develop, and test superior software solutions and have a say in the path of technology that benefits hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Interns at Amazon SDE build real software; their design, coding, and inherent intelligence help to solve some of the trickiest technical problems in the fields of security, scalability, automation, data mining, distributed systems, and optimization.
Amazon SDE Internship
You will get the opportunity to showcase your abilities and provide genuine value as an Amazon SDE intern by taking charge of and completing a significant project that matters to their clients. SDE interns work on some of the most difficult technological problems in the fields of distributed systems, data mining, automation, optimization, scalability, and security, to mention a few. They design, code, and contribute to these efforts.
You will interact with and pick up knowledge from other Amazonians during the internship, grow your network, and get access to social events and training opportunities for your personal and professional growth. Upon completion of your education, Amazon may offer successful interns a full-time permanent position after evaluating your performance during the internship.
Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria
Current undergraduate students who will be starting their last year of a three-year degree OR their third year of a four-year degree in 2025 are invited to apply for this bursary via StudyTrust on behalf of Amazon. After finishing the internship, applicants should plan to continue their education for an honors degree in 2026. They should also be very interested in software development engineering and Amazon.
Important: Before submitting your application, please make sure you match the following eligibility requirements:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Study Subject: Candidates must be pursuing undergraduate degrees in information technology, computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, or information systems. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science specializations are also acceptable.
- Education Completion: By the end of 2026, candidates should aim to have finished their tertiary education up to the Honours or NQF level 8 levels.
- Master’s Level: Students enrolled in master’s programs are not eligible to apply.
- Availability: Upon obtaining a job offer following the internship evaluation, candidates must be available to begin full-time permanent employment with Amazon in January 2027.
- Career Plans & Motivation: Candidates must demonstrate a strong interest in software development engineering and Amazon. After their studies are over, they have to look for a chance to be evaluated for a permanent full-time position with Amazon.
- Universities Only in South Africa: Students from universities in South Africa may apply for the bursary.
Academic Achievement: Currently enrolled students that routinely earn a grade of 65% or higher. - Citizenship: Applications from nationals of South Africa alone will be taken into account.
Obligations:
The successful candidates must be willing to enroll in training programs offered by Amazon and finish a paid internship during the summer.
Candidates who obtain an award must be willing to take a full-time, permanent post for a period of time equal to the number of years they won the bursary, provided they receive a job offer following the internship evaluation. Otherwise, they will not be eligible to receive 100% of the bursary funds.
How to Apply
- The application period opens on May 1 and closes on September 15. All applications will be reviewed continuously during the aforesaid application period.
- Before the deadline of September 15th, submit your application through StudyTrust’s online platform to be eligible for a bursary that will start in 2025.
- Those who make the short list after submitting an application through StudyTrust will take an additional test with Amazon.
- Before starting your application, carefully read the guidelines on the Bursary Applications page.
