Citi South Africa is inviting applications for its 2026 Learnership Graduate Programme, a year-long opportunity designed for newly qualified university graduates seeking practical workplace experience in the financial services industry.
The programme provides graduates with exposure to Citi’s business environment, professional training and opportunities to develop skills relevant to the global banking sector. Successful graduates will be placed in Equities and Markets and may also apply for permanent positions during the programme.
If you are looking for graduate programmes and learnership opportunities in South Africa, here is everything you need to know about the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026.
Quick Overview
| Opportunity | Details |
| Programme | Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme |
| Company | Citi South Africa |
| Opportunity Type | Graduate Learnership Programme |
| Location | South Africa |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Placement Area | Equities, Markets |
| Qualification | Undergraduate degree with GPA of 65% or above, or Master’s degree |
| Work Experience | Maximum of 1 year acceptable; not required |
| Postgraduate Study | Postgraduate qualification sponsored during the programme |
| Stipend | Not specified in the information provided |
| Closing Date | Check the official Citi vacancy advertisement |
| Reference | Check the official vacancy advertisement |
| Application Method | Online application |
About the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme
The Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 is a year-long development opportunity for newly qualified university graduates.
The programme is designed to help graduates transition from university into the professional working environment by combining workplace exposure, training and practical experience.
According to the programme information, successful graduates will be placed in Equities and Markets, where they will gain exposure to the financial services environment and develop an understanding of the business.
Citi also highlights opportunities for career development and internal mobility, allowing participants to build their professional networks and develop skills that can support longer-term careers in banking.
What You Will Learn and Experience
Successful graduates can expect to gain exposure to:
- Equities and Markets
- Financial services and the banking industry
- Practical workplace experience
- Analytical and quantitative skills
- Communication and teamwork
- Planning and organisational skills
- Leadership and professional development
- The global and domestic business environment
- Ethical decision-making and professional integrity
The programme is intended to provide graduates with practical experience while helping them develop a deeper understanding of the financial industry.
Postgraduate Qualification Opportunity
One of the features highlighted by Citi is the opportunity for graduates to receive sponsorship for a postgraduate qualification during their year of work.
The postgraduate qualification will be relevant to the graduate’s area of work.
Applicants should confirm the exact qualification, institution, sponsorship conditions and eligibility requirements directly from Citi before relying on this information.
Requirements
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Have completed an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 65% or above, or hold a Master’s degree in any discipline.
- An accounting qualification is an added advantage.
- Up to one year of work experience is acceptable, although work experience is not required.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork and communication skills.
- Have strong planning and organisational abilities.
- Demonstrate analytical and quantitative skills.
- Show a strong desire to learn and develop professionally.
- Demonstrate an interest in the financial services industry.
- Have a commitment to integrity and ethical decision-making.
Applicants are also required to attach the relevant application documents, including an updated CV, cover letter, full academic transcripts and ID.
Important: Applicants should carefully check the official Citi advertisement for the complete eligibility criteria before applying.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is aimed at newly qualified university graduates who want to gain practical experience in the financial services and banking industry.
Graduates from different academic disciplines may be considered, provided they meet the stated academic requirements. An accounting qualification is listed as an advantage rather than a mandatory requirement.
Extensive previous work experience is not required, although applicants with up to one year of experience may be eligible.
Stipend / Salary
The information provided for the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 does not specify a stipend or salary amount.
Applicants should therefore not rely on an estimated figure. Check the official Citi vacancy advertisement or recruitment platform for any information regarding remuneration and programme benefits.
Location
The programme is offered through Citi South Africa.
The information provided does not specify the exact office location for the Equities and Markets placement. Applicants should check the official vacancy advertisement for the applicable location and workplace arrangements.
Application Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter
- Full academic transcripts
- Identity document (ID)
Make sure that your documents are accurate, up to date and clearly show your academic achievements and relevant skills.
How to Apply
To apply for the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026:
- Visit Citi’s official careers platform.
- Search for the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme.
- Read the complete vacancy and eligibility requirements.
- Confirm that you meet the academic and other requirements.
- Prepare your updated CV, cover letter, academic transcripts and ID.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your application before the stated closing date.
Applicants should use Citi’s official recruitment channels and avoid submitting personal information through unverified third-party platforms.
Closing Date
The closing date should be confirmed on the official Citi vacancy advertisement.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until the final day.
Important Information for Applicants
The recruitment process may include an extensive interview process. Applicants should therefore ensure that their CV accurately reflects their academic background, skills, achievements and relevant experience.
Citi also emphasises qualities such as teamwork, communication, analytical ability, leadership, personal development and ethical decision-making.
Applicants should be cautious of recruitment scams. Do not pay anyone to secure a learnership, graduate programme or job. Applications should be submitted through Citi’s official recruitment channels.
Why Consider the Citi Graduate Learnership?
For eligible graduates, the programme may provide an opportunity to transition from academic study into a professional environment within the financial services industry.
The year-long structure combines practical work experience with training and professional development. The opportunity to apply for permanent positions during the programme may also allow eligible participants to pursue longer-term career opportunities with Citi.
However, participation in the programme should not be interpreted as a guarantee of permanent employment. Applicants should confirm any permanent employment opportunities and related conditions directly with Citi.
About Citi
Citi is a global financial services organisation operating across international markets. Its South African operations provide graduates with an opportunity to gain exposure to the financial services industry and the broader global business environment.
The Citi graduate programme emphasises professional development, learning, teamwork, analytical skills and an understanding of the changing financial and economic environment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 open to applications?
The programme information provided indicates that Citi South Africa is recruiting graduates for the 2026 year-long Learnership Graduate Programme. Applicants should check Citi’s official careers platform for the current application status and deadline.
Who can apply for the Citi Graduate Learnership?
The opportunity is aimed at newly qualified university graduates who have obtained an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 65% or above, or a Master’s degree in any discipline.
Is work experience required?
No. Extensive work experience is not required. The programme information states that applicants with a maximum of one year of work experience may be accepted.
Is an accounting qualification required?
No. An accounting qualification is listed as an added advantage, rather than a mandatory requirement.
What documents must applicants submit?
Applicants should attach an updated CV, cover letter, full academic transcripts and ID when applying.
What is the duration of the programme?
The Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme is a year-long, 12-month programme.
Which business area will graduates be placed in?
According to the programme information, successful graduates will be placed in Equities and Markets.
Does Citi provide a stipend?
A specific stipend or salary amount was not provided in the programme information supplied. Applicants should check the official Citi advertisement for remuneration details.
Does Citi sponsor postgraduate studies?
The programme information states that graduates are sponsored for a postgraduate qualification during their year of work, relevant to their area. Applicants should confirm the specific qualification and sponsorship conditions with Citi.
How do I apply?
Applicants should apply through Citi’s official careers platform, search for the relevant South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme vacancy and follow the instructions provided in the official advertisement.
Final Thoughts
The Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 offers newly qualified graduates an opportunity to gain practical workplace experience and develop their skills within the financial services industry.
The programme combines workplace exposure, professional development and training, with successful graduates placed in Equities and Markets. Applicants should carefully review the official requirements and prepare all requested documents before submitting their applications.
Always verify the programme details, closing date and application instructions through Citi’s official recruitment platform before providing personal information.
Simphiwe Dube is the Founder and Managing Editor of sa-learnership.co.za, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships and skills development programmes.
He specialises in researching and verifying updates from official government departments, SETAs, TVET colleges and accredited institutions to ensure readers receive clear, reliable and up-to-date guidance.
Simphiwe is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so that South African students, graduates and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.