Bursaries are financial aid generally awarded to high-performing students who display financial need. It can help cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of the qualified programme.
The AWS bursary, awarded by Amazon, is a highly coveted program that can help ease the burden of pursuing higher education in South Africa. Thousands of candidates apply for this bursary. Therefore, students must carefully review the details before applying.
This article provides details on the AWS Skills Development bursary, how to apply, and eligibility criteria.
Table of Contents
About AWS Skills Development Bursary
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a subsidiary of the tech giant Amazon. It began providing cloud services in 2006 and has since grown to become the platform of choice in over 190 countries.
The AWS Skills Development Bursary is among the most prestigious bursaries available to students in South Africa. The bursary applies to students who are enroled in or plan to enrol in technology or technology-related fields of study.
The bursary provides a capped allowance to help cover expenses associated with completing the undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
What are the Fields Covered by the AWS Skills Development Bursary?
Companies often prefer to award bursaries to students studying in the core industry in which they operate. However, while AWS operates in the technology industry, it awards bursaries to students enroled in engineering programmes.
The AWS Skills Development bursary is for students in select undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at honours, diploma, and degree levels.
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
- Computer Science or Engineering and Information Technology
- Bachelor of Commerce (specialising in Accounting and Finance)
- Electrical / Electronic / Mechanical / Mechatronics / Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Education (specialising in Maths and Science).
The bursary is open for first- to final-year students.
Postgraduate Degree Programmes
Honours or Post Graduate Diploma and Masters Degree in:
- Computer Science or Engineering and Information Technology
- Bachelor of Commerce (specialising in Accounting and Finance)
- Electrical / Electronic / Mechanical / Mechatronics / Civil Engineering.
Students with Disabilities
The AWS bursary encourages students with disabilities to apply. They can apply if they are studying for any undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
What are the Expenses Covered by the AWS Skills Development Bursary?
When companies award bursaries to students in need, they help to cover all tuition-related costs. Additionally, they help to cover housing and personal expenses while students are enrolled in their programme of study.
Depending on the terms and conditions set by the bursary providers, funds can be released annually or monthly. In most cases, the tuition fees are paid directly to the institute. To continue receiving the bursary, beneficiaries must meet a defined standard of academic excellence.
Students who win the AWS Skills Development Bursary will have the following covered by their allowance:
- Tuition fees
- University residence or private accommodation
- Living expenses
- Study-related expenses that include stationery and books
- Personal computer
What are the requirements for the AWS Skills Development Bursary?
AWS awards numerous bursaries annually, following a stringent selection process. It aims to match the bursary with students who excel academically and display financial need. Students selected for this bursary demonstrate strong academic potential at the matric level, enabling admission to AWS-selected fields of study.
Amazon receives thousands of applications for this popular bursary, so students must meet all requirements to be considered.
Students who wish to win this bursary must meet the following eligibility requirements.
- Must be a South African national
- Currently in Matric or has completed Matric.
- Must be studying or intend to study full-time towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification for the 2025 academic year.
- Must be studying or intend on studying at a recognised and accredited South African university
- Achieved a minimum result of 75% for Mathematics and Physical Science in Matric
- Must have achieved a minimum result of 65% for English in Matric
- If currently studying, must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% at the tertiary level.
- Must have a solid academic record
- Must demonstrate leadership potential
- Preference will be given to students living with disabilities
Read more on How to Prepare for the Matric
What are the Documents Required For the AWS Skills Development Bursary?
All bursary applications require students to submit documents that verify their personal, academic, and financial details. Students should list all required documents, scan them, and have them ready to upload before completing the bursary application.
Having the list of documents prepared and on hand makes the bursary application process much easier for candidates. They must double-check their application for mistakes and ensure they are submitting the correct documents before they press ‘submit’.
Incorrect details on the application or missing documents could result in the application being unsuccessful.
This is the detailed list of documents required for the AWS bursary:
- Clear photograph including head and shoulders
- Certified copy of the South African ID
- If currently studying in matric, Grade 11 final results and Matric June results,
- If completed matric, a copy of the Matric certificate
- Full academic record and latest available results (June 2024 examination results or progress report)
- Latest pay slip of parents or guardians as proof of household income, an affidavit if unemployed, an affidavit stating annual income if self-employed, the most recent audited financial statement, or the latest 3 months of bank statements if they own a business
- Certified copy of the parents death certificates if deceased
- Letter from the court stating child support amounts if parents are divorced or an affidavit from the parent stating the child support amount received if parents are separated
- Proof of disability, if applicable
How To Apply Online For AWS Skills Development Bursary?
Applicants should review the application criteria, required documents, and guidelines before completing the online application form. Given the strong competition for this bursary, students must verify all details before applying.
Study Trust manages the AWS bursary for South African students. Study Trust creates a unique applicant profile from personal information and essay responses, which is presented to the bursary sponsor. Applicants who demonstrate a clear process and well-formulated answers are more likely to be selected for the AWS Skills Development Bursary.
These are steps students can take to submit the bursary application.
- Step 1: Open the online bursary application on the Study Trust website
- Step 2: Read through the eligibility criteria
- Step 3: Scroll down and click on the Bursary Applications page to read the instructions.
- Step 4: Click on ‘Apply Here’ to proceed to the application.
What is the AWS Skills Development Bursary Closing Date?
The closing date for the AWS bursary has not yet been announced. It is advised to check the official website constantly for the closing date. Students must submit their complete applications before this date to be considered for the AWS Skills Development bursary. Only complete applications will be considered for the bursary.
Students should not contact the bursary provider or Study Trust for any queries if they have missed the application deadline.
AWS Bursary Contact Detail
The Study Trust website provides clear instructions for the AWS bursary application process. However, technical difficulties may still occur when applying online. Candidates can contact the point of contact for bursary applications.
- Phone: 011 403-1632 x 200
- Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za
Students who live in or around the area can also visit the Johannesburg office. However, it is recommended that they request an appointment before visiting.
- Address: 10 Clamart Road, Richmond, Johannesburg
- Office Timings: 8am – 4:30pm
Conclusion
A bursary can ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. The AWS bursary can be a gateway for many students interested in further learning in technology or technology-related fields. This bursary provides students with the opportunity to advance their education and careers with financial support from AWS.
Given the competitive nature of this bursary, applicants are urged to carefully review the eligibility requirements and the required documents. Once they understand the application process, they can improve their chances of securing it.
FAQs
What expenses does the AWS bursary cover?
The bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, study materials (including stationery and books), and personal computers.
How can I apply for the AWS Skills Development Bursary?
Study Trust administers this bursary, and the application is available on its website.
Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a program?
The AWS Skills Development bursary is available to both first-time and current students enrolled in eligible programs, provided they meet the application requirements.
What fields of study are covered by the bursary?
The bursary is available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as Computer Science, Engineering, Accounting, and Education, with a focus on Mathematics and the Physical Sciences.
