Amazon Web Services has opened applications for its AWS Skills Development Bursary for the 2027 academic year. The bursary offers full-cost funding to South African students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Commerce, Business Science, Engineering, Computer Science or Information Technology. Applications close on 30 September 2026 and are managed by StudyTrust on behalf of Amazon.
About the Programme
The AWS Skills Development Bursary is one of Amazon’s flagship investments into South Africa’s STEM pipeline. Amazon Web Services opened its African region in Cape Town in 2020, and has since anchored a growing cluster of cloud, data and machine-learning jobs in the country. The bursary programme was launched to widen the pool of local graduates who can move directly into that industry after university.
The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, an experienced bursary administrator that also runs the Amazon Recruitment Bursary. Successful applicants are supported through mentorship, wellness services and academic monitoring, in addition to the financial award. Preference is given to students with disabilities, learners from LEAP Science and Maths Schools, and former AWS interns, but the bursary is open to any South African who meets the academic criteria.
What Is Covered
- Full tuition fees paid directly to the university
- Accredited textbooks and prescribed learning materials
- Accommodation for students not living at home
- Meals allowance
- Laptop or study device where required
- Structured mentorship and academic support through StudyTrust
- Wellness and career-readiness sessions
- Consideration for AWS internships and permanent roles after graduation
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- South African citizens with a valid green bar-coded ID or Smart ID
- Matriculants planning to enrol at a recognised South African university in 2027, current undergraduates, or postgraduate students
- Minimum Matric result of 65% for Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy)
- Minimum Matric result of 65% for English Home Language, or 65% for English First Additional Language
- Overall tertiary average of 65% or higher for students already at university
- Studying full-time towards a degree in Commerce, Business Science, Engineering, Computer Science or Information Technology
- Demonstrable financial need
- Priority given to students with a disability, LEAP Science and Maths School alumni and former AWS interns
RELATED: Standard Bank Group Bursary 2027: Full Funding, Laptop & Monthly Stipend
Required Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of Matric certificate (or latest results if still in Grade 12)
- Full academic transcript for current university students
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance from a recognised South African university
- Latest three months’ parent or guardian bank statements
- Latest three months’ payslips of parents or guardians, or a signed affidavit if unemployed
- Latest municipal or rates account as proof of residential address
- Motivation letter explaining career goals in cloud computing or the wider tech sector
- Disability medical certificate where relevant
How to Apply
- Create an account on the StudyTrust online application platform
- Complete the online application form in full, taking care not to save partial answers and abandon the tab
- Upload each required document as a clear PDF or JPG
- Write a strong motivation letter explaining why you want to study your chosen field and how AWS technology fits into your career plan
- Submit before the closing date and download the confirmation for your records
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews and assessment tests
Apply on StudyTrust’s AWS bursary page.
Closing Date
The closing date for the AWS Skills Development Bursary 2027 is 30 September 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
South Africa produces far fewer STEM graduates than the local job market needs, and the fees at the country’s top engineering and computer-science faculties put those degrees out of reach for most families. A full-cost bursary that also lines up mentorship, a study device and a possible pathway into a global cloud provider is genuinely life-changing. Cloud computing is now a foundation skill in banking, telecoms, retail and government, and AWS-certified graduates command some of the highest starting salaries in the country. For a matriculant with strong marks and no way to pay for university, this is one of the highest-leverage opportunities open in South Africa this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
I got 62% for Maths in Matric. Can I still apply?
No. The 65% minimum for Mathematics and English is a strict cut-off. StudyTrust does not make exceptions for the AWS bursary, but you can apply to their other bursary programmes that may have lower thresholds.
Can I use the bursary to study at any university?
The bursary is for studies at select South African universities. Amazon and StudyTrust have partnered with several institutions, and your acceptance letter must be from one of the recognised universities.
Am I bound to work for AWS after graduation?
The AWS Skills Development Bursary does not carry a formal work-back obligation, but graduates are prioritised for AWS internships and entry-level roles. Confirm the exact terms during the interview stage.
I am already in second year. Can I apply?
Yes. The bursary is open to matriculants and current undergraduate and postgraduate students who meet the academic and financial criteria.
Applying for this opportunity?
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
