Amazon invites bright and passionate South African students to apply for their 2026 Recruitment Bursary for the Software Development Engineer (SDE) programme. This incredible opportunity is open to qualified individuals aiming to complete their Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering studies. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Don’t miss your chance to apply!
What is the Amazon Recruitment Bursary?
Amazon is one of the most innovative and successful tech companies in the world. Since 2018, Amazon has been offering a bursary to help talented South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds study in the tech field. This is more than just a bursary — it’s a full career path.
If selected, Amazon will pay for your university tuition, accommodation, study materials, and even your computer and transport. On top of that, you’ll get a paid internship at Amazon during your summer holidays. During this internship, Amazon will evaluate your performance, and if you do well, you could be offered a full-time Software Development Engineer job starting in January 2028!
This is your chance to start building the future — not just for yourself, but for millions of people around the world.
What the Bursary Covers
Amazon wants to make sure that financial issues don’t stop you from reaching your dreams. If you are selected, here’s what the bursary will cover:
- University tuition fees
- Accommodation (residence or private)
- Living costs (subsistence)
- Stationery and books
- A personal computer
- Travel and transport expenses
Who Can Apply for This Amazing Opportunity?
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be studying towards a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
- You must be entering your final year of a 3-year degree OR third year of a 4-year degree in 2026.
- You should plan to do an Honours degree in 2027.
- You must be available to begin full-time work at Amazon in January 2028.
- You must maintain a minimum average of 65% or higher in your studies.
- You must not be studying at the Master’s level.
- You must have a strong interest in software development and building solutions that impact millions.
This bursary is only open to students who are studying at South African universities.
What is the Internship Like?
If you’re awarded the bursary, you’ll also do a paid internship at Amazon during the summer vacation. This is where you’ll get to prove your skills.
Here’s what you can expect during the internship:
- Work on real Amazon projects.
- Solve challenging tech problems.
- Learn from experienced Amazon engineers.
- Be part of a team that builds technology used by people all over the world.
- Gain access to training, mentorship, and social events.
During this internship, Amazon will assess your performance. If you impress them, you could be offered a full-time position — that’s job security before you even graduate.
Important Notes
- You must be committed to completing the internship.
- If you get the bursary and later get a full-time offer, you must be willing to work at Amazon for the same number of years that you received the bursary.
- This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only get your studies paid for but also join one of the world’s top tech companies.
How to Apply
Here’s how you can take the first step:
- Applications open from 1 May and are reviewed as they come in.
- You must apply through StudyTrust’s online application platform.
- Shortlisted students will go through an additional interview and assessment with Amazon.
- Visit the StudyTrust bursary page and read all instructions before applying.
Apply Now Via StudyTrust Website
Don’t wait until it’s too late — start your application now and change your future.
Final Thoughts
Getting your degree is great, but getting paid to study and then offered a job at Amazon is a game-changer. If you love coding, solving problems, and dreaming big, this opportunity is for you.
Imagine graduating with zero debt, real-world work experience, and a job waiting for you at one of the biggest tech companies on Earth. This isn’t just another bursary — it’s your launchpad into a world of innovation, learning, and success.
Apply today and take your first step toward a future in tech with Amazon.