Bursaries are financial aid generally awarded to high-performing students who display financial need. It can help cover the costs of tuition and living expenses for the duration of the qualified programme.
The AWS bursary that Amazon awards is one such coveted bursary that can help ease the burden of pursuing higher education in South Africa. Thousands of candidates apply for this bursary. Therefore, students must study the details carefully before applying.
This article will provide details about the AWS Skills Development bursary, how students can apply, and the eligibility criteria.
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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 students can apply for 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 offers a capped allowance that will help cover expenses related to 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 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, the funds can be released on an annual or monthly basis. In most cases, the tuition fees are paid directly to the institute. To continue receiving the bursary, beneficiaries are required to meet a certain standard of academic excellence.
Students who win the AWS Skills Development Bursary will have the following covers 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 display strong academic potential at the matric level, translating into gaining admission to the AWS-selected fields of study.
Amazon receives thousands of applications for this popular bursary, so students must meet all the requirements to be successful applicants.
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 can be used to verify the applicant’s personal, academic, and financial details. Students should make a list of all the required documents and have them scanned and ready to upload before they begin to fill out the bursary application.
Having the list of documents prepared and on hand helps to make the bursary application process much easier for the 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 take out time to review the application criteria, documents, and guidelines before they begin to fill the application form online. Since the competition is tough for this bursary, students must double check all their details before applying for the bursary.
Study Trust manages the AWS bursary for South African students. Study Trust creates a unique applicant profile based on personal information and essay questions, which is presented to the bursary sponsor. Applicants who demonstrate a clear process and well-formulated answers have a higher chance of being 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 AWS bursary opened on 1 May 2024, and will close on 30 November 2024. 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 offers clear instructions regarding the application process for the AWS bursary. However, technical difficulties may still occur when applying online. Candidates can get in touch with 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 the gateway for many students who are interested in further learning in a technology or technology-related field. This bursary offers students the opportunity to advance their education and career with the financial backing of AWS.
Due to the competitive nature of this bursary, applicants are urged to carefully review the eligibility requirements and the list of required documents. Once they understand the application process, they can improve their chances of securing it.
About to take your first step towards bursary application? Regenesys is here to provide you with the course quotation to assist you in beginning your journey for the bursary. Besides, our career counsellor will offer you guidance to help you navigate the bursary application process. Connect with Us Now!
AWS Skills Development Bursary – 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 helps manage this bursary, and the application is available on their website.
What is the closing date for applications?
This bursary opened on 1 May 2024 and closes on 30 November 2024.
Can I apply if I am already enrolled in a program?
The AWS Skills Development bursary is available for both first-time and current students enrolled in eligible programs as long as 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 Math and Physical Science.
