AWS Skills Development Bursary Application & Requirements Guide
The Amazon Web Services (AWS) Skills Development Bursary is a prestigious full-cost funding program designed to build digital, engineering, and technology leadership capacity across South Africa. Administered through StudyTrust, this bursary awards funding to talented undergraduate and postgraduate students pursuing qualifications directly relevant to the cloud, technology, and engineering industries.
Bursary awards are granted based on a combination of academic merit and financial need. The program explicitly prioritises students living with disabilities, alumni from LEAP Science and Maths Schools, and former AWS interns.
AWS Skills Development Bursary Overview
Here is a summary of the key details and criteria for prospective AWS bursary applicants:
| Program Details | Specifications & Criteria |
|---|---|
| Eligible Fields | Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering (Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Civil), BCom (Accounting & Finance), BEd (Maths & Science), and Medicine. |
| Academic Levels | Undergraduate (1st year through final year) and Postgraduate (Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, Master's). |
| Matric Academic Requirements | Minimum 65% for Mathematics and 65% for English (HL or FAL). Some specialized tracks require 65%+ in Physical Science. |
| Tertiary Academic Requirements | Minimum overall aggregate of 65% across all completed university modules. |
| Financial Coverage | Full capped support covering tuition fees, university or private accommodation, monthly living stipends, stationery & books, and a personal computer. |
| Application Window | 01 June to 30 September annually via StudyTrust. |
Key Benefits & Covered Fields
Covers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications focused on software development, cloud infrastructure, network systems, and digital computing architectures vital to the technology ecosystem.
Supports full-time engineering students at all degree levels, ensuring that future hardware, power, automation, and physical infrastructure engineers receive comprehensive financial assistance.
The award covers full university tuition, textbooks, learning prescribed materials, a personal laptop, university residence or private accommodation allowances, and subsistence stipends for daily living expenses.
Who Qualifies? Minimum Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all the following mandatory criteria to be considered for funding:
- Nationality: You must be a South African citizen with a valid SA Identity Document.
- Academic Standing (Matriculants): Must achieve at least 65% in Mathematics, 65% in English (Home Language or First Additional Language), and 65% in Physical Science (for technical degrees).
- Academic Standing (University Students): Currently registered students must maintain an overall aggregate mark of 65% or higher.
- Study Mode & Institution: Must be enrolled or intending to enroll full-time at an accredited public university in South Africa.
- Priorities: Applications are strongly encouraged and prioritized for students living with disabilities, former AWS interns, and LEAP Science & Maths School graduates.
Required Supporting Documents
Prepare clear, certified copies (certified within 3 months) of the following compulsory documents before beginning your submission:
- Clear passport-style head-and-shoulders photo.
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Grade 11 final report and latest Grade 12 mid-year report card (if currently in Matric).
- Official National Senior Certificate / Matric results (if completed High School).
- Full official tertiary academic transcripts and mid-year progress reports (if currently at university).
- Proof of household income (salary slips for employed parents, affidavit if unemployed/self-employed, or SASSA grant letters).
- Death certificates of parent(s) or court maintenance/divorce affidavits (where applicable).
- Proof of disability documentation from a registered medical practitioner (if applicable).
Step-by-Step Application Process via StudyTrust
The application for the AWS Skills Development Bursary is processed through the StudyTrust portal:
- Visit StudyTrust: Go to the official StudyTrust online platform (`studytrust.org.za`) during the application period (01 June to 30 September).
- Create Profile: Register an account using your ID number and valid email address.
- Fill In Details: Provide accurate personal data, academic background, parental income details, and essay motivations.
- Upload Attachments: Attach all required documents in clean PDF format.
- Review and Submit: Submit your online form before the closing date. Shortlisted applicants will be notified directly by StudyTrust.
Apply for AWS & Tech Bursaries 2026
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