Amazon Recruitment Bursary (Software Development Engineer) 2027

Programme Overview

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?

At Amazon, they hire the best minds in technology to innovate and build on behalf of their customers. The intense focus they have on their customers is why they are one of the world’s most beloved brands – customer obsession is part of their company DNA.

The Amazon Recruitment Bursary was launched in 2018 by Amazon Development Centre for 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 (in summer vacation) during which applicants 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.

Bursary Funding

The Amazon Recruitment Bursary will cover the costs (capped) of the following:

Tuition
Residence/private accommodation
Subsistence
Stationery and books
A personal computer
Transport

Software Development Engineer (SDE) Role

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 code, build real software and collaborate with experienced SDEs. 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.

Amazon SDE Internship

As an Amazon SDE intern, you will have the chance to demonstrate your coding and technical skills, add real value through the ownership and delivery of an impactful project that matters to their customers.

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.

Who Can Apply – Eligibility Criteria

Important: Please ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria before submitting your application.

Eligibility Criteria:

Field of Study: Applicants must be pursuing Undergraduate Degrees in fields related to Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Software Engineering. Specializations in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence are also eligible.
Education Completion: Candidates should plan to complete their Tertiary education (Honours level or NQF level 8) by the end of 2028.
Academic Year: Entering the final year of an undergraduate programme (3rd year of a three-year degree or 4th year of a four-year degree) in 2027, with intentions to progress to an Honours degree in 2028.
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 2029, contingent upon receiving a job offer after the internship assessment.
Career Plans & Motivation: Applicants must demonstrate their coding ability using a programming language (for example – Java, C, C#, C++, Python to name a few) of their choice, to showcase their technical problem-solving skills. They must exhibit a genuine passion for software development engineering and a clear alignment with Amazon’s culture. During the internship, they will be assessed for conversion into a full-time permanent SDE role with Amazon, commencing upon completion of their studies.
South African Universities Only: The bursary is open to students from South African universities.
Institutional Requirement: Enrolment at a recognised South African university.
Academic Achievement: An average of 65% and above.
Citizenship: South African citizens.

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 01 June to 30 September. Application reviews are conducted on an ongoing basis throughout the application window; early submission is strongly encouraged to maximise your chances.
Complete your application on StudyTrust’s online platform to be considered for a bursary to begin in 2027.
After submitting an application via StudyTrust, shortlisted candidates will undergo an additional assessment with Amazon, where they will be required to demonstrate their coding and problem-solving ability.
Carefully read the instructions on the Bursary Applications page before beginning your application.
Use your “Personal Statement” requested in the online application form to detail your coding skills and experience.