Software Development Bursary at Amazon

The Amazon Development Centre South Africa is offering the Amazon Recruitment Bursary to high-achieving university students pursuing qualifications in software and computer engineering. Designed to empower individuals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, this programme aims to cultivate world-class software engineering talent right here in South Africa. Amazon operates at the cutting edge of global cloud infrastructure, e-commerce systems, and machine learning, offering successful bursars unparalleled exposure to large-scale distributed architecture.

In addition to generous academic funding that covers tuition, residence, transport, computer equipment, and subsistence allowances, bursary recipients gain access to an intensive, paid summer internship. During this practical exposure, students work side-by-side with experienced Software Development Engineers (SDEs), solving complex technical challenges. Exceptional interns are evaluated directly for permanent software engineering career opportunities upon the completion of their degree programmes.

Key Responsibilities & Core Duties

• Maintain stellar academic standing across all computer science, mathematical, and software engineering coursework.
• Complete a structured, paid summer Software Development Engineer (SDE) internship at the Amazon Development Centre.
• Design, develop, test, and deploy clean, scalable software services solving customer-facing and internal operational challenges.
• Collaborate effectively in agile engineering sprints, engaging in rigorous peer code reviews and architectural discussions.
• Deliver end-to-end software modules addressing real-world problems in distributed systems, security, optimization, and automation.

Ideal Candidate Profile & Core Attributes

• Passionate about solving complex algorithmic, computational, and architectural challenges through cutting-edge code.
• Customer-obsessed mindset with a high degree of personal ownership, initiative, and drive to deliver measurable results.
• Solid foundational knowledge of object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and computational complexity.
• Excellent communication and collaboration capabilities suitable for high-tempo engineering team environments.

Learning, Mentorship & Career Progression

Recipients of the Amazon Recruitment Bursary are paired with senior engineers who provide one-on-one technical mentorship, career guidance, and architectural coaching throughout the summer vacation programme. Interns gain direct, hands-on experience building mission-critical services that power global web infrastructure. Successful completion of the internship opens direct pathways to transition into permanent, full-time Software Development Engineer positions at Amazon upon graduation.

How to Apply & Submission Guidelines

Eligible applicants must submit their application online through the official StudyTrust application management portal. Ensure that all supporting documents—including your latest certified tertiary academic transcripts, matric certificate, curriculum vitae, and certified South African ID—are correctly attached. Incomplete or late submissions will not be processed, and only candidates meeting all stipulated academic and progression criteria will be shortlisted for subsequent coding assessments and interviews.

• South African citizenship, with preference given to applicants from designated previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning.
• Entering final year of undergraduate studies (3rd year of a 3-year degree or 4th year of a 4-year degree) in 2027 with intent to complete Honours/NQF level 8 by end of 2028.
• Strong academic performance with a verified passion for software development, coding, and algorithmic problem-solving.
• Full commitment to participate in the compulsory paid Amazon Summer SDE Internship in Cape Town.