The AWS in this bursary’s name is Amazon Web Services, the cloud computing arm of Amazon. Amazon Web Services funds the AWS Skills Development Bursary in South Africa, and StudyTrust, an educational trust that manages bursaries for corporate sponsors, runs the selection and the online application. The 2027 round is open now. Most StudyTrust bursaries close on 30 September, but StudyTrust has extended the AWS application season, which opened on 1 June, to 16 October 2026.
A full-cost award for technology-relevant degrees
StudyTrust describes the AWS award as a full-cost bursary for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at selected South African universities. Amazon Web Services picks students on both merit and financial need. Within capped amounts, the bursary pays for:
- tuition
- a university residence or private accommodation
- subsistence (a living allowance)
- stationery and books
- a personal computer
Degrees on the AWS list
Undergraduates from first to final year can apply if they study one of these programmes:
- Computer Science, or Engineering and Information Technology
- BCom specialising in Accounting and Finance
- Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics or Civil Engineering
- BEd specialising in Maths and Science
- Medicine
Postgraduates can apply for an Honours degree, a Postgraduate Diploma or a Master’s in Computer Science, Engineering and IT, or Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering. Students living with a disability may apply in any undergraduate or postgraduate programme, not only the fields above.
The 65% bar and who gets priority
Only South African citizens qualify. StudyTrust sets these minimums for the AWS bursary:
- Grade 12 learners: 65% or more in Mathematics and in Physical Science.
- Matric results: at least 65% for Mathematics and 65% for English (Home Language or First Additional Language).
- University students: a consistent average above 65%.
- Strong academic and leadership potential.
Amazon Web Services gives priority to three groups: students with a disability, learners from LEAP Science and Maths Schools, and former AWS interns.
Applying on StudyTrust’s platform before 16 October
StudyTrust takes AWS applications only through its online platform, and the form was live when we checked on 1 October 2026. Start from the AWS Skills Development Bursary page on StudyTrust’s website, which carries the “Apply here” button. StudyTrust uses one application for every bursary it manages, so the same form also puts you in line for its other sponsors whose criteria you meet.
The bursary applications guide on StudyTrust’s site lists the uploads. Scan everything first; StudyTrust blocks submission until every upload is in place:
- Your ID, certified.
- Your academic record: Grade 11 final results plus your second-term 2026 report if you are in matric now; NSC results for school leavers; for current students, the full university record with first-semester 2026 marks.
- Proof of address.
- Income proof covering each parent or guardian, such as payslips, an affidavit for an unemployed or self-employed parent, SASSA grant letters or a death certificate where a parent has died.
- A recent head-and-shoulders photo.
The form also asks essay questions. StudyTrust warns that it will not consider essays written by AI, so write them yourself. StudyTrust adds that nobody sells its bursaries and that it uses no middlemen, so treat any paid “application agent” as a scam. Send questions to apply@studytrust.org.za.
Not the same as the Amazon Recruitment Bursary
Amazon runs a separate scheme aimed at future software engineers; our page on the Amazon Recruitment Bursary explains how it differs. If you study computer science, compare the HP Inc bursary as well, or browse the IT bursaries hub for more funders.
Does the AWS bursary cover a TVET or diploma course?
StudyTrust lists degree programmes only for the AWS bursary, from undergraduate degrees up to Master’s level, at selected South African universities.
Can I apply if I am still in matric?
Yes. Grade 12 learners with 65% or more in Mathematics and Physical Science can apply for funding for their first year in 2027, using their Grade 11 final and second-term 2026 results.