Opportunity knocks now – the Standard Bank Data Science Learnership starts on 1 October 2026 and will close as soon as the vacancy disappears. Act fast if you want a paid, 24‑month pathway into data science and banking.
What the opportunity is
Standard Bank is offering a 24‑month learnership that blends data science with internal audit. You will work in the bank’s Johannesburg (5 Simmonds Street) or Rosebank (30 Baker Street) office. The programme pays a stipend of R15 000 per month, provides student medical aid, and leads to an Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner.
Who can apply (eligibility)
You must meet all of the following:
- South African citizen
- Under 30 years old
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Hold an undergraduate degree in one of these fields:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Econometrics
- Quantitative Analysis
- Engineering or a closely related discipline
- Not enrolled at another university or college during the learnership
- Not participating in any other learnership, internship or similar programme
- Available for the full 24 months, starting 1 October 2026
- Able to work at the designated Standard Bank office(s)
What you gain (benefits and skills)
The learnership gives you real‑world experience and a recognised qualification. You will learn to:
- Analyse business and audit data sets
- Spot unusual transactions or patterns
- Test controls using predefined procedures
- Identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements
- Organise data, code and visual outputs according to data‑governance rules
- Manage deadlines and competing priorities
These skills are valuable for any entry‑level data role in banking, consulting or tech.
How to apply (step‑by‑step)
Apply through the official Standard Bank online recruitment portal. Follow these steps:
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully.
- Update your CV – focus on analytical projects, tools and coursework.
- Gather required documents: ID copy, degree certificate, academic transcript, and any technical certificates.
- Create a candidate profile on the portal.
- Enter all personal information accurately.
- Upload the documents as requested.
- Review every entry for mistakes.
- Submit your application while the vacancy is still listed.
Tips to improve your chances
- Show a concrete university project: mention the data set, the method (e.g., Python cleaning, regression) and the result.
- Highlight any experience with Python, SQL, R, Excel, or data‑visualisation tools.
- Tailor your CV to the learnership – list relevant modules, projects, and teamwork.
- Proof‑read for spelling and grammar; a clean CV reflects attention to detail.
- Prepare a brief personal statement that links your interest in data to banking or risk management.
- Submit early – the closing date is not published, so early applications have an advantage.
Final thoughts and next steps
The Standard Bank Data Science Learnership offers a solid start to a career in data analytics, with a steady income, medical aid and a recognised certificate. If you are a South African graduate under 30 with a relevant degree, this could be the pathway you’ve been waiting for.
Gather your documents, polish your CV, and apply today before the listing closes. Good luck!