Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications are among the highest-paying in the tech industry. For the 2026-2027 cycle, AWS has shifted its funding focus entirely to Generative AI and Machine Learning, offering “full-ride” training programmes and exam vouchers to students and career changers around the world.
1. AWS AI & ML Scholarship Programme 2026
This is the top scholarship for those who want to master the future of tech. It is offered in partnership with Udacity and is aimed at under-represented groups in STEM.
- The Award: A full scholarship to a specialised Udacity Nanodegree (AI Programming with Python or Machine Learning).
- Bonus: The top 500 performers will get a second “Advanced” Nanodegree and 1-on-1 mentorship from Amazon experts.
- Deadline 2026:
- Application Window Open Now through 6/24/2026
- Mechanism: You need to complete the AWS DeepRacer Student learning modules and achieve a specific “lap time” to qualify.
- Eligibility: Students (18+) attending high school or higher education anywhere in the world.
2. AWS “Get IT” Campaign
AWS Get IT aims to inspire young people, especially women and non-binary people, to consider a career in cloud technology.
- The Prize: Free AWS Cloud practitioner training and certification vouchers paid for in full.
- Target: Historically targeted younger students (ages 12-14), but expanded in 2026 to include adult returners and career switchers through partner NGOs.
- How to apply: Apply through participating schools or partner organisations such as Generation or Women in Tech.
3. AWS Educate & AWS Academy
If you’re a student or educator, your school probably has a “mechanical necessity” link to AWS that gives you free or deeply discounted certifications.
- The Award: 50% to 100% discount vouchers for AWS Certification exams (Cloud Practitioner, Solutions Architect etc.).
- AWS Educate – A self-paced portal where earning “badges” can sometimes generate promotional exam vouchers.
- AWS Academy: If your university offers AWS Academy classes your instructor can give you a 50% discount voucher upon successful completion of the course.
- 2026 Status: Fully operational for the 2026 Academic Year.
4. AWS Cloud Up for Her (Graduate Edition)
This is a flexible community-driven scholarship programme to get more women into the cloud.
- The Award: A 10-12 week structured study path, including free practice exams and a sponsored AWS Certification voucher.
- Tracks: Usually focuses on Solutions Architect – Associate or Cloud Practitioner level.
- Cycle: Usually two cohorts per year. Registration portal for “Cloud Up” intake August 2026 on AWS.
5. “Big Tech” Fellowships by third parties
- Bertelsmann NextGen Technology Scholarship:
- Provides completely subsidised Udacity programmes in Cloud Engineering with AWS.
- 2026 Window Applications usually open in November 2026 for 2027 start dates.
- AWS and ISC² Collaboration:
- Cloud Security focus. From time to time, offers free training for the CC (Certified in Cybersecurity) as a bridge to the AWS Certified Security – Speciality.
AWS Scholarship 2026 How to Win
- Conquer the DeepRacer: Your “lap time” counts towards the AI & ML scholarship. Don’t wait until June! Start training your reinforcement learning model on the DeepRacer Student console today to ensure you meet the qualifying mark.
- The “Double Voucher” Strategy: 50% off with AWS Academy if you’re a student AWS will send you a 50% discount code for your next exam as a “congratulations” benefit if you pass that exam many times.
- Use the “Self-Paced” Narrative: AWS is here for builders. When you apply to “Cloud Up” or Udacity, don’t just say you want a job, show a project you’ve already deployed on the AWS Free Tier.
- Expiration Watch: AWS vouchers typically expire in 6-12 months. The rapid pace of AWS exam updates (such as to SAA-C04) means you want to ensure you book your exam before the version you studied is retired.
Conclusion: Build Your Future in the Cloud
“Amazon provides the infrastructure, but these scholarships provide the opportunity. If you are a student or a professional, 2026 is the year to get certified.
Action Plan 2026:
- AI Aspirants: Complete your AWS DeepRacer qualifying modules by 24 June 2026.
- University Students: Ask your IT department if they are an AWS Academy member and get your 50% discount today.
- Women in Tech: Bookmark the Save the Cloud Up for Her page to be notified when the late-summer cohort is announced.
