FNB and FirstRand have opened four major programmes for students and graduates who want to start their careers in banking, technology, and analytics. You must check these now because the closing dates are spread across 2026, and some may close soon. The FNB and FirstRand graduate opportunities offer real work experience, permanent positions, and professional qualifications.
What are these opportunities?
You can choose from four different paths.
The FNB Graduate Programme is a full-time, permanent route into banking. You could work in areas like banking, analytics, product development, technology, customer experience, risk, and innovation.
The FNB Engineering and Technology Graduate Programme is for students who love coding and problem-solving. It focuses on building digital banking solutions and working with new technology.
The FirstJob Learner role lets you gain work experience while you complete a formal registered qualification. You will help with research, analysis, administration, process work, and projects that add value to the team.
The 2027 FirstRand Quant and Analytics Graduate Program runs for two years. It gives you deep exposure to risk management and quantitative analysis across different business groups in the FirstRand Group.
Who can apply?
Each programme looks for different students. Read the requirements carefully to find your match.
FNB Graduate Programme
You must be in your final year of university. The programme accepts students from BSc and Commerce fields with strong academic results. You will need to submit your academic transcript.
Suitable degrees include:
- Actuarial Science
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Engineering
- Physics
- Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Data Science
- UX or Customer Experience
- Related analytical fields
FNB Engineering and Technology Programme
This route is for final-year students or postgraduates in technical fields. You should enjoy coding, systems thinking, and solving digital problems.
Relevant studies include:
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Systems Analysis
- Data-focused technology fields
FirstJob Learner
This suits candidates who want structured workplace exposure while completing a recognised qualification. You do not need to have finished your studies yet.
Important: Some indexed listings show a closing date of 22 May 2026. Check the official portal today to confirm if this opportunity is still open before you spend time on your application.
FirstRand Quant and Analytics Programme
This is for exceptional students doing postgraduate work at NQF Level 8 or above. This includes Honours or Masters degrees.
Accepted fields are:
- Actuarial Science
- Data Analytics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Risk Management
- Engineering
You will face tough competition. Shortlisted candidates must complete psychometric assessments and attend an interview.
What will you gain?
These programmes give you more than just a salary.
You will work on real business problems in banking and financial services. You will learn how to meet customer needs, use digital systems, and support financial decision-making.
Technology candidates get hands-on experience in coding and system development. Analytics candidates learn risk management, data modelling, and quantitative problem-solving. Learners gain a formal qualification plus practical workplace skills.
You will work with experienced professionals who can mentor you. The graduate programmes can lead to permanent jobs with clear career paths.
How to apply step-by-step
You must use the correct official portal for each programme. Do not mix up the links.
Step 1: Choose the programme that matches your degree and interests.
Step 2: Prepare your documents before you start the online form. You will need:
- An updated CV
- Your latest academic transcript
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- Your Grade 12 certificate
- Qualification documents
- A motivational letter (only for the Quant programme)
- Project portfolios or technical examples (only for Engineering and Technology roles)
Step 3: For the Quant programme, combine all documents into one PDF file. This includes your motivational letter, CV, ID, Grade 12 certificate, and undergraduate transcript.
Step 4: Check your contact details twice. Make sure your email and phone number are correct.
Step 5: Submit before the deadline.
- FNB Graduate Programme: 31 August 2026 (you will receive final feedback by November 2026)
- FirstRand Quant and Analytics: 30 June 2026
- FirstJob Learner: Check the portal immediately (listings may show 22 May 2026)
Tips to improve your chances
Many applicants struggle because they send the same generic CV to every programme. Do not make this mistake.
Itumeleng’s Insider Tip: Use the programme name as your guide when editing your CV. For the FNB Graduate Programme, show your academics and business thinking. For Engineering and Technology, show your coding projects and technical problem-solving. For Quant and Analytics, show your mathematics, modelling, data skills, risk knowledge, and research strength.
Make sure your academic record is clear and complete. Banks check your marks carefully.
Be honest about the competition. Hundreds of strong students apply for these spots. A specific, accurate application gives you a better chance than a generic one.
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Final thoughts
The FNB and FirstRand programmes open real doors into banking, technology, and analytics. You have four different routes to choose from. Pick the one that matches your degree and your interests.
Check your documents today. Edit your CV to fit the specific programme. Submit before the closing date.
About the author:
Itumeleng Ndlovu is the Founder and Managing Editor of SETA Careers, an independent South African platform dedicated to publishing accurate information about learnerships, bursaries, internships, and skills development programmes. She 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.
She is committed to simplifying complex education and career information so South African students and job seekers can make informed decisions with confidence.
Contact: info@setacareers.co.za