Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship 2026

For high school seniors passionate about computer science, few opportunities are as transformative as the Amazon Future Engineer (AFE) Scholarship. 

It isn’t just a check for tuition; it is a launchpad into the tech industry, combining significant financial aid with a guaranteed, paid internship at one of the world’s largest tech companies.

If you are eyeing the 2026 cohort, the clock is ticking. The deadline is strict, and the competition is fierce.

Scholarship Summary

The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is designed to uplift students from underserved communities who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering. 

Administered by Scholarship America, the program focuses on removing financial barriers and providing hands-on professional experience.

• Award Amount: Up to $40,000 (paid out as $10,000 annually).
• Internship: A paid summer internship at Amazon after your freshman year of college.
• Target Audience: High school seniors with financial need and a 2.3+ GPA.
• Deadline: January 15, 2026 (3:00 PM CT).

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

The AFE Scholarship is unique because it is structured to meet “unmet financial need.” Here is the breakdown of the financial and professional benefits:

1. Financial Support

Recipients receive up to $10,000 per year for up to four years (totaling $40,000).

• University Students: If you attend an accredited 4-year college, you are eligible for the full $10,000/year.
• Community College Students: If you start at a 2-year college, you receive up to $5,000/year. Once you transfer to a 4-year institution, the award increases to the full $10,000/year for the remaining eligible years.
• The “Unmet Need” Rule: This is a “last dollar” style calculation. If your financial aid package (grants/other scholarships) leaves you with an unmet need of $8,000, Amazon will award you $8,000. If your unmet need is $12,000, Amazon awards the maximum of $10,000.

2. Paid Internship

Perhaps more valuable than the money is the experience. Winners receive an offer for a paid summer internship at Amazon following their freshman year.

• The Role: You work as an embedded software engineer intern.
• The Experience: Includes fireside chats with senior leaders, mentorship, and participation in shipping real production-level code.
• The Network: You join a cohort of AFE scholars, building a professional network before you even start your sophomore year.

2026 Application Timeline

Missing a deadline is the most common reason for disqualification. Mark these dates on your calendar immediately.

Milestone	Date	Notes
Applications Open	November 2025	Applications typically open in early to mid-November.
Application Deadline	January 15, 2026	Strict cutoff at 3:00 PM Central Time. No extensions.
Teacher Rec Deadline	January 15, 2026	Ensure your recommender submits by this time as well.
Notification of Finalists	April 2026	All applicants are typically notified of their status in mid-to-late April.
Acceptance Deadline	May 2026	Winners must accept the award and internship offer.
Internship Starts	Summer 2027	Takes place after your first year of college.

Eligibility and Selection Process

The selection committee uses a holistic approach. They aren’t just looking for the student with the highest GPA; they are looking for potential, grit, and a genuine passion for technology.

Eligibility Criteria

Category	Requirement
Grade Level	Must be a U.S. high school senior (graduating Class of 2026).
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Employment Authorized (must be valid for at least 2 years).
Academics	Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale.
Financial Status	Must demonstrate financial need (typically verified via tax documents).
Field of Study	Planning to pursue a Bachelor’s in CS, Software/Computer/Electrical Engineering, Data Science, or related fields.
Coursework	Must have completed (or be enrolled in) a CS course OR take the Amazon Assessment.

The “Amazon Assessment” Option

Many students believe they are ineligible because their high school doesn’t offer AP Computer Science. This is incorrect.

If you have not taken a formal CS class, you can opt-in to take a brief assessment offered by Amazon during the application process. T

his acts as an alternative to the coursework requirement to demonstrate your aptitude and interest in the field.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship America and Amazon evaluate candidates based on:

1. Academic Performance: While the minimum is 2.3, higher is generally better, but it is not the only factor.
2. Financial Need: This is a major weighting factor.
3. Work Experience & Community Involvement: Have you started a coding club? Do you work a part-time job to support your family?
4. Essays: Your ability to articulate why you want to study computer science and how you plan to use technology to solve problems.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

The application is hosted by Scholarship America. Follow these steps to ensure a complete submission.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Do not wait until January. Collect these digital files now:

• Transcript: Can be unofficial, but must display student name, school name, grades, and credit hours.
• Financial Data: A copy of the first two pages of your household’s most recent IRS Form 1040. (Black out sensitive data like SSNs before uploading).
• Recommendation Contact: The email address of a teacher (preferably CS or Math) who will write your recommendation.

Step 2: Create Account & Start Application

Visit the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship page once the portal opens in November. Create a profile on the Scholarship America Hub.

Step 3: Complete the “Amazon Assessment” (If applicable)

If you haven’t taken a CS class, you will be prompted to complete the assessment. It generally takes under an hour and tests logic and problem-solving skills, not syntax memorization.

Step 4: Write Your Essays

You will likely be asked about your career goals and a problem you want to solve using technology.

Tip: Be specific. Don’t just say “I like computers.” Explain how you want to use AI to improve healthcare, or software to solve climate change. Connect your personal story to your tech ambitions.

Step 5: Monitor Recommendation Status

Trigger the email to your recommender immediately. Check back a week before the deadline. If they haven’t submitted, remind them. 

If the teacher recommendation is missing at 3:00 PM CT on Jan 15, your application is incomplete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 3:00 PM CT deadline flexible?

No. The portal closes automatically. If you try to submit at 3:01 PM CT, it will fail. Aim to submit at least 24 hours early to avoid technical glitches.

Can I apply if I am going to a community college?

Yes! You are eligible as long as you intend to transfer to a 4-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in a computer science field.

Does Amazon select the winners?

No. To ensure fairness, the selection is handled exclusively by Scholarship America, an independent non-profit organization. Amazon employees do not see your financial data or select the recipients.

What majors are considered “related fields”?

Accepted majors typically include Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Data Science, Math (Applied), Robotics, and Information Systems.

 I am an international student; can I apply?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or possess an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) valid for at least two years to be eligible.

Final Thoughts

The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship is more than a funding source; it is a career-defining opportunity. 

By offering a lower GPA threshold (2.3) than many merit scholarships, Amazon is signaling that they are looking for potential and grit over perfection.

If you meet the criteria, do not disqualify yourself. Prepare your documents, draft your essays early, and hit submit well before January 15, 2026.