For many South African students pursuing careers in technology, talent is often not the challenge—funding is. The Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 aims to remove financial barriers while creating a direct pathway into one of the world’s leading technology companies.
More than just financial support, this bursary combines funding, mentorship, practical industry exposure, a paid internship, and the potential opportunity to secure permanent employment after graduation.
Quick Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 |
| Administered By | StudyTrust on behalf of Amazon |
| Applications Open | 01 June |
| Applications Close | 30 September |
| Citizenship | South African citizens only |
| Academic Requirement | Minimum average of 65% |
| Target Group | Undergraduate students entering final academic years in 2027 |
| Internship | Mandatory paid Amazon internship |
| Career Opportunity | Potential Software Development Engineer role from January 2028 |
What Does the Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Cover?
The bursary provides comprehensive financial support to help students focus on academic success rather than financial challenges.
Funding may include:
Tuition Fees
The bursary assists with university tuition costs, reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
Accommodation
Funding may cover:
- University residence accommodation
- Approved private accommodation
This ensures students have access to safe and suitable living arrangements while studying.
Subsistence Allowance
Recipients may receive support for day-to-day living expenses during their studies.
Books and Stationery
Funding may assist with:
- Prescribed textbooks
- Learning materials
- Academic stationery
Personal Computer
Technology students rely heavily on computing equipment for programming, software development, research, and project work.
The bursary includes support towards obtaining a personal computer required for studies.
Transport Support
Funding may also assist with transportation costs linked to academic activities.
Eligible Fields of Study
Applications are encouraged from students studying:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
Students enrolled in related science and engineering programmes may also be considered if they can demonstrate strong coding ability and technical aptitude.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Study at a recognised South African university
- Maintain an academic average of at least 65%
- Be entering:
- Final year of a three-year degree in 2027, or
- Third year of a four-year degree in 2027
- Intend to continue with Honours-level studies
- Demonstrate strong interest in software engineering and coding
Who Cannot Apply?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Master’s degree students
- Students studying outside South Africa
- Non-South African citizens
- Students who do not meet the minimum academic requirements
Why This Opportunity Matters for Future Employability
Many bursaries focus solely on financial assistance. Amazon’s programme goes much further.
The bursary is designed to identify and develop future software engineers through real-world industry exposure.
Participants gain access to:
- Professional software development environments
- Engineering mentorship
- Technical training
- Exposure to large-scale global technology systems
- Industry-standard software development practices
These are highly sought-after skills in today’s digital economy.
Career Pathways After Graduation
Students who successfully complete the programme may pursue careers such as:
- Software Development Engineer
- Cloud Engineer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Artificial Intelligence Specialist
- Solutions Architect
- Backend Developer
- Full Stack Developer
- DevOps Engineer
The experience gained through Amazon’s internship programme can significantly strengthen a graduate’s employability both locally and internationally.
Understanding the Amazon Software Development Engineer (SDE) Career Path
Software Development Engineers at Amazon do much more than write code.
They:
- Design scalable software systems
- Build customer-focused technologies
- Solve complex engineering challenges
- Improve security and system performance
- Collaborate with global engineering teams
- Develop products used by millions of customers worldwide
This makes the SDE pathway one of the most exciting and rewarding careers in the technology sector.
Amazon Paid Internship Programme
A key component of the bursary is participation in a paid internship.
This internship provides practical exposure to real-world software engineering projects.
Interns may:
- Write production-level code
- Participate in software design reviews
- Collaborate with engineering teams
- Work on customer-focused projects
- Learn Amazon engineering methodologies
- Solve business and technical challenges
Unlike many internship programmes, participants are expected to contribute meaningfully to projects rather than simply observe.
Potential Employment Opportunities
Amazon uses its internship programme to identify future engineering talent.
Interns are assessed on:
- Coding ability
- Technical knowledge
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Ownership mindset
Strong performers may receive offers for permanent Software Development Engineer positions after completing their studies.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1
Visit the StudyTrust bursary application platform.
Step 2
Create an account or log into your existing profile.
Step 3
Complete all personal and academic information accurately.
Step 4
Upload all required supporting documents.
Step 5
Complete the Personal Statement section carefully.
This is one of the most important sections of the application and allows Amazon to assess your motivation, technical interests, and coding experience.
Step 6
Review all information before submission.
Step 7
Submit your application before the closing date of 30 September.
Step 8
If shortlisted, participate in Amazon’s assessment and selection process.
Required Documents Checklist
Prepare the following documents before applying:
- South African ID Document
- Latest Academic Transcripts
- Proof of Registration
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting Academic Documentation (if requested)
- Personal Statement
Having these documents ready can help avoid last-minute application issues.
RELATED: SANRAL Scholarship Programme 2027: Applications Open for South African Learners from Grade 8 to Grade 12
Martine Smith’s Expert Insight
Every year, strong students miss out on bursary opportunities because they underestimate the importance of their application quality.
1. Don’t Submit a Generic Personal Statement
Amazon wants future engineers, not generic applicants.
Clearly explain your coding experience, technology interests, projects, and long-term goals.
2. Showcase Practical Experience
Even if you have never worked professionally, include:
- Personal coding projects
- GitHub repositories
- Hackathons
- Mobile apps
- Websites you’ve built
- Open-source contributions
3. Highlight Problem-Solving Ability
Technology companies value problem-solvers.
Provide examples of challenges you have solved through coding, innovation, or independent learning.
4. Maintain Strong Academic Consistency
Many students focus only on passing.
For competitive programmes like this, consistent academic performance demonstrates discipline, technical capability, and long-term potential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do applications open?
Applications open on 01 June.
When is the closing date?
Applications close on 30 September.
What minimum average is required?
Applicants should maintain an academic average of at least 65%.
Can Computer Science students apply?
Yes. Computer Science is one of the primary fields supported by the programme.
Can Artificial Intelligence students apply?
Yes. Students studying Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are encouraged to apply.
Is the internship compulsory?
Yes. Successful bursary recipients must participate in the paid Amazon internship programme.
Does the bursary guarantee employment?
No. However, successful interns may receive offers for permanent Software Development Engineer roles after assessment.
Can Master’s students apply?
No. Master’s degree students are not eligible.
Can students from any South African university apply?
Yes, provided they meet all eligibility requirements and study at a recognised South African university.
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Final Thoughts
If your goal is to build a career in software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, or large-scale technology systems, the Amazon Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2027 deserves serious consideration.
Start preparing early by strengthening your coding skills, maintaining strong academic results, building practical projects, and creating a compelling application. Opportunities that combine funding, industry experience, and potential employment are rare—and this programme offers all three.
For application updates, bursary opportunities, and career development resources, learners can track opportunities through Mysetaportal.co.za.
Disclaimer
Mysetaportal.co.za is an independent information publisher that shares educational, bursary, internship, learnership, and career-related opportunities. The platform is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Amazon, StudyTrust, any SETA, government department, state-owned entity, or educational institution. Applicants should always verify information through official programme administrators and application portals before submitting applications.
Martine Smith is the Founder and Managing Editor of MY SETA portal, he writes about SETA learnerships, internships, bursaries and youth employment opportunities in South Africa. His goal is to help young people access trusted career information and skills development programmes. Email: info@mysetaportal.co.za