Standard Bank Group Learnerships 2026: Are you a driven young person from South Africa with a Matric certificate or a degree? Are you eager to start an exciting career with Africa’s biggest financial services group? Shape your banking future with the Standard Bank Group Learnerships 2026. These well-structured programs give you a chance to earn a monthly stipend, gain a recognized qualification, and receive hands-on experience in fields like retail banking, operations, compliance, and technology. For more details, check out Standard Bank Group.
Whether you just finished high school or hold a three-year commerce degree, Standard Bank offers a pathway designed to transform your potential into career success. You don’t need any work experience—just your enthusiasm, dedication, and a willingness to learn.
⚠️ Important: Closing dates for applications vary by program, so it’s essential to check the official Standard Bank careers portal right away for current opportunities and deadlines.
Why Choose a Standard Bank Learnership?
| Benefit | What You Gain |
|---|---|
| Recognized Qualification | Earn an NQF Level 5 qualification accredited by SAQA (e.g., a Certificate in Banking). FAIS accreditation will also be granted upon completion. |
| Monthly Stipend | Competitive monthly allowance (e.g., R6,800, plus medical aid for some programs). |
| Real Workplace Experience | Get a 12–24 month contract in a real banking environment with mentorship and coaching. |
| Launch Your Career | Many learners transition into permanent jobs after the program ends. |
| Build Your Network | Meet industry professionals and add a well-respected name to your CV. |
Types of Learnerships & Eligibility
Standard Bank has various learnership streams based on what qualifications you have. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each program!
- Common Focus Areas: Retail Banking, Customer Service, Administrative Support.
- Eligibility: Ages 18–35, South African citizen, Matric certificate, computer skills, and currently unemployed.
- Expected Outcome: Ready for entry-level branch or service roles.
Some programs require a completed three-year qualification and offer specialized career paths.
| Learnership Stream | Qualification Required | Skills Gained | Location Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPB CLO (Branch Banking) | 3-year Commerce/Banking degree/diploma | Sales, Service, FAIS accreditation, NQF 5 Banking Certificate. | North West (e.g., Rustenburg, Brits) |
| CIB Operations | Finance, Accounting, Economics, Engineering, or STEM degree | Transaction processing, automation, basic programming. | Johannesburg |
| Call Centre / Voice Branch | Undergraduate degree (any field) | Communication, financial products knowledge, NQF 5 Agile Banking Certificate. | Various locations |
| Universal Banker | 3-year Commerce/Banking qualification | Practical banking skills, relationship management, NQF 5 certification. | Gauteng |
General Eligibility for Tertiary Programs:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Aged 18–30 (note: some programs may specify up to 35—always check the requirements).
- Must have a completed tertiary qualification in a relevant field.
- Should be computer literate and fluent in English.
- Must not be employed, studying full-time, or registered for another learnership.
Fields of Placement Available
The Standard Bank learnerships cover a wide range of business areas. Here are some possible placements:
- Retail Banking & Customer Service: Work directly with clients and assist them with their needs.
- Business & Commercial Banking: Support businesses in their banking requirements.
- Operations & Administrative Support: Handle data entry and compliance checks.
- Finance & Accounting Support: Help with financial reporting and budget management.
- Risk, Compliance & Governance: Ensure that the bank follows all regulations.
- IT & Digital Support: Assist with basic technical and digital banking tasks.
- Corporate & Investment Banking Operations: Work with specialist operations and automation.
- Group Compliance & Financial Crime: Support regulatory efforts.
- Data Science & Analytics: For those with the right degrees, work involves analytics and data handling.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
⚠️ Remember: Applications need to be done online through the official Standard Bank careers portal—no email applications accepted!
- Go to “Early Careers” → “Learnerships” on the Standard Bank website.
- Look through all the open learnership opportunities for 2026.
APPLY HERE: Standard Bank Group Learnerships 2026
Have these documents ready in digital format:
- Your updated CV (highlight your academic achievements, computer skills, customer service experience, and motivation).
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate.
- Certified copies of your tertiary qualification(s) and academic transcripts, if you have them.
- Create a profile on the Standard Bank recruitment portal (SmartRecruiters).
- Provide all your personal and educational information accurately.
- Upload the required documents.
- Confirm that you meet the specific eligibility requirements for the program (age, qualifications, location).
- Be aware that closing dates are different for each program and will be enforced strictly.
- Apply as soon as you can; the positions are competitive and may close once enough applications are received.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are Standard Bank learnerships paid?
A: Yes! All Standard Bank learnerships come with a monthly stipend. For the 2025/26 programs, the amount is R6,800 per month, with some offering medical aid.
Q2: What’s the difference between the 18–30 and 18–35 age requirements?
A: Some programs specify an age limit of 18–30, while others go up to 35. Always read the specifics in each program’s ad carefully.
Q3: If I only have Matric, can I apply for all learnerships?
A: No, not all. Some specialized learnerships, like CIB Operations and Call Centre roles, require a completed tertiary qualification. However, many general retail and admin positions are available for Matriculants.
Q4: Will I be guaranteed a permanent job at Standard Bank after the learnership?
A: A permanent job is not guaranteed, but many learners who do well are often offered full-time roles based on their performance.
Q5: Where will the learnerships be located?
A: Opportunities are available across South Africa in various branches and corporate offices, with locations such as Gauteng and North West.
Q6: Can I apply if I’m currently studying or have a job?
A: No. You must be unemployed, not studying full-time, and not registered for any other learnership or internship.
Your Banking Career Awaits!
The Standard Bank Group Learnerships 2026 offer a fantastic paid opportunity to kick-start your career in financial services. They combine a formal qualification, genuine work experience, and a well-known brand—all while you earn.
If you’re a motivated young South African looking to make a mark in banking, finance, technology, or operations, this learnership can be your launchpad.
Don’t delay! The opportunity is open now, but remember that deadlines are strict and program-specific. Head to the official Standard Bank careers portal today, discover the right learnership for you, and take your first step toward a successful banking career.
