Standard Bank Group – Data Science Learnership

Data analysis is increasingly used to identify unusual patterns, test organisational controls and turn large datasets into evidence that supports better decisions. Standard Bank is offering a 24-month Data Science Learnership in Johannesburg for young South African graduates who want to develop practical analytical skills while completing an Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner.

The programme combines formal learning with structured workplace experience. Learners will support data-analysis activities linked to audit objectives, maintain datasets and analytical outputs, identify findings and develop evidence-based recommendations under the guidance of experienced team members.

Important: The official listing does not display an application closing date. Applicants should apply as soon as possible because the vacancy may be removed once Standard Bank has received enough applications or completed its recruitment process.

At a glance

What this opportunity is

This is a 24-month contract learnership within Standard Bank’s Group Functions business segment.

The programme is designed to provide young South African graduates with formal training and practical workplace experience in data science and analytical work.

Learners will work towards the Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner while gaining exposure to how data analysis can support audit objectives, control testing, organisational efficiency and evidence-based recommendations.

The official advert describes the Data Science Practitioner qualification as a foundational certification connected to internal-audit work. The listed duties therefore focus on applying data-analysis methods to audit areas rather than working only on general commercial data-science projects.

The programme starts on 1 October 2026 and is based at 5 Simmonds Street in Johannesburg and/or 30 Baker Street in Rosebank.

The official advert does not guarantee permanent employment after the 24-month learnership.

Who this learnership may suit

This opportunity may suit a graduate who is interested in data science, technology, quantitative analysis, financial decision-making, risk, governance or internal-audit analytics.

It may be particularly suitable for someone who enjoys working with datasets, identifying patterns, testing information, solving structured problems and communicating findings clearly.

The learnership may also suit graduates who want to build practical experience before pursuing roles such as Data Analyst, Junior Data Scientist, Audit Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Risk Analyst, Quantitative Analyst or Analytics Consultant.

Applicants should be comfortable learning new analytical concepts and tools, working with detailed information and completing assignments according to deadlines and data-governance requirements.

What learners will do and learn

The official vacancy lists the following areas of workplace exposure:

Define data-analysis tasks

• Support senior team members in defining small and clearly scoped data-analysis tasks.
• Help ensure that analytical tasks are aligned with the relevant audit objectives.
• Understand the question that the analysis is intended to answer.
• Work according to the boundaries and requirements established by experienced team members.
• Clarify data, output and deadline requirements before completing an assignment.

Complete analytical procedures

• Execute predefined analytical procedures.
• Use data to test specific aspects of an audit area.
• Identify anomalies and unusual patterns in datasets.
• Use available data to help validate organisational controls.
• Follow the procedures and analytical methods communicated by the responsible team.
• Document the work completed and the results obtained.

Identify findings and improvement opportunities

• Identify and highlight important analytical findings.
• Help identify possible gaps in organisational controls.
• Highlight inefficiencies revealed by the data.
• Identify possible opportunities for cost reduction.
• Identify opportunities for improved organisational performance.
• Communicate findings clearly to senior team members.

Develop evidence-based recommendations

• Develop simple recommendations based on the available data and analytical evidence.
• Ensure recommendations are connected to the findings produced by the analysis.
• Communicate recommendations in a clear and structured format.
• Explain the evidence supporting each recommendation.
• Receive feedback from senior team members and improve analytical outputs where required.

Maintain datasets, code and visual outputs

• Organise datasets used during analytical work.
• Maintain code used to complete analytical procedures.
• Maintain charts, dashboards or other visual outputs where applicable.
• Keep work structured so that analytical results can be reviewed and reproduced.
• Use clear naming, storage and documentation practices.
• Help ensure that analytical evidence is available to support audit findings.

Follow data-governance standards

• Follow Standard Bank Group standards and policies.
• Follow applicable data-governance requirements.
• Handle business and client information responsibly.
• Protect confidential information and analytical outputs.
• Use approved systems, tools and information-management processes.
• Report data-quality, access or governance concerns through the correct channels.

Manage tasks and deadlines

• Prioritise allocated work effectively.
• Manage time to meet deliverables and deadlines.
• Monitor progress on assigned analytical tasks.
• Communicate early where a deadline or requirement may not be met.
• Balance formal learning requirements with workplace assignments.

Important: The duties above are based on the official vacancy. Standard Bank may allocate additional reasonable data, technology, analytics, governance, reporting, audit-support, documentation or learning duties according to the programme and operational requirements.

Eligible qualifications

Applicants need an undergraduate qualification in one of the following areas or a related discipline:

• Information Technology.
• Computer Science.
• Data Science.
• Statistics.
• Mathematics.
• Econometrics.
• Quantitative Analysis.
• Engineering.
• Another closely related discipline accepted by Standard Bank.

The official advert does not list a specific minimum academic average or require a postgraduate qualification.

Applicants should use the exact qualification title shown on their certificate and academic transcript.

Minimum eligibility requirements

• Must be a South African citizen.
• Must be under 30 years of age.
• Must be able to speak English.
• Must be able to read English.
• Must be able to write English.
• Must have a relevant completed undergraduate qualification.
• Must not be registered on another learnership programme.
• Must not be registered on another internship programme.
• Must not be studying at another institution.
• Must be available to begin the programme on 1 October 2026.
• Must be able to participate in the programme for 24 months.
• Must provide complete, accurate and truthful information during the recruitment process.

Age requirement explained

The official advert states that applicants must be under 30 years of age.

Applicants should enter their date of birth accurately and should not alter age or identity information to meet the programme requirement.

Standard Bank may request an identity document or conduct verification as part of the recruitment process.

Study and programme-status requirements explained

Applicants must not be studying at another institution during the programme.

Applicants must also not be registered on another learnership or internship programme.

This is important because the Standard Bank programme includes formal learning and structured workplace responsibilities over 24 months.

Applicants should disclose current studies, learnerships, internships or other structured programmes honestly during the application process.

Key skills and attributes

The official advert lists the following skills and attributes:

• Strong analytical thinking.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Interest in technology.
• Interest in data.
• Interest in financial decision-making.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new concepts and tools.
• Good attention to detail.
• Structured and logical thinking.
• Resilience.
• Adaptability in a fast-changing environment.
• Professional confidence.
• Accountability.
• Proactive approach to work.
• Foundational business and commercial awareness.

Additional technical skills that may help

The official advert does not require particular programming languages or software packages. However, applicants should include any genuine academic or practical exposure to relevant tools, such as:

• Python.
• R.
• SQL.
• Microsoft Excel.
• Power BI or another data-visualisation tool.
• Statistical analysis.
• Data cleaning and preparation.
• Database concepts.
• Machine-learning coursework.
• Version control or reproducible coding practices.
• Academic research and quantitative projects.

These examples are application tips and are not additional compulsory requirements stated in the official advert. Applicants should include only skills they genuinely possess.

What this learnership really means

This is a graduate-level learnership rather than a programme for applicants whose highest qualification is Matric.

The successful applicants will complete formal Occupational Certificate training while gaining workplace exposure to data analysis within a banking and audit-related environment.

Learners should expect structured and supervised tasks at the beginning of the programme rather than being given immediate responsibility for complex data-science projects.

The work may include reviewing datasets, following predefined analytical procedures, documenting code and outputs and presenting findings to experienced team members.

The programme lasts 24 months and starts on 1 October 2026. Permanent employment after completion is not guaranteed in the official listing.

Qualification awarded

Successful learners are expected to complete the Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner.

The programme combines learning modules with structured workplace experience so that participants can develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Applicants should confirm assessment requirements, attendance requirements, training-provider details and the process for completing the occupational qualification if selected.

Learner stipend and Student Medical Aid

The official vacancy confirms that learners will receive a monthly stipend.

The official listing also confirms Student Medical Aid as part of the programme.

The stipend amount is not included in this post. Applicants should view the official Standard Bank listing for remuneration details.

Applicants should confirm any conditions, deductions, medical-aid arrangements and payment dates directly with Standard Bank if selected.

Application checklist

Prepare the following before starting the official application:

• An updated CV.
• A clear copy of a South African identity document, if requested.
• The relevant undergraduate qualification certificate.
• A complete academic transcript, if requested.
• The exact qualification title, institution and completion date.
• Details of data, statistics, mathematics, computer science, econometrics or engineering modules.
• Details of academic data-analysis or programming projects.
• Links to a professional portfolio or code repository, where appropriate and requested.
• Examples showing analytical thinking and problem solving.
• Accurate information about current studies, internships and learnerships.
• A reliable cellphone number.
• A professional email address.
• Any additional supporting documents requested through the official Standard Bank recruitment platform.

Need assistance with preparing your CV and application documents? Visit our Learnership Resources and Guides.

Important note for applicants

This is a 24-month Data Science Learnership within Standard Bank’s Group Functions business segment.

The programme starts on 1 October 2026 and leads to an Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner.

Applicants must have a relevant completed undergraduate qualification and must be South African citizens under 30 years of age.

Applicants must not be studying or participating in another learnership or internship programme.

A learner stipend and Student Medical Aid are confirmed. The stipend amount is available in the official advert and is not repeated in this post.

The official advert does not display an application closing date. Applicants should therefore apply as soon as possible while the official Apply option remains available.

The official listing does not guarantee permanent employment after the learnership.

About Standard Bank Group

Standard Bank Group is an Africa-focused financial-services group providing banking and related services to individuals, businesses, large organisations and institutional clients.

The Group’s business areas include Personal and Private Banking, Business and Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, Insurance and Asset Management and several specialist Group Functions.

Standard Bank’s early-career opportunities include graduate programmes, internships and learnerships intended to help participants build workplace knowledge and professional skills.

Learn more through the official Standard Bank Group website

Quick tips for applicants

• Apply as soon as possible because no closing date is displayed.
• Make sure your undergraduate qualification is clearly stated.
• Include the institution and qualification-completion date.
• Highlight relevant data, technology, mathematics, statistics or engineering modules.
• Include academic projects involving data analysis, coding or quantitative research.
• Show analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Mention Python, R, SQL, Excel or visualisation experience where applicable.
• Show that you can organise datasets, code and analytical outputs.
• Include examples of teamwork and completing work to deadlines.
• Be accurate about your age, citizenship and study status.
• Make sure you are available for the 1 October 2026 start date.
• Check that your cellphone number and email address are correct.
• Apply only through the official Standard Bank recruitment page.

Common mistakes that get applicants rejected

• Applying without a relevant undergraduate qualification.
• Not stating the full qualification title.
• Leaving the institution or completion date off the CV.
• Applying while aged 30 or older when the advert requires applicants to be under 30.
• Applying while registered on another internship or learnership.
• Applying while studying at another institution.
• Submitting a generic CV that does not show data or analytical experience.
• Leaving relevant academic projects off the CV.
• Claiming programming or analytical skills that cannot be demonstrated.
• Providing incorrect citizenship, age or qualification information.
• Using an incorrect cellphone number or email address.
• Uploading an outdated or incomplete CV.
• Waiting for a closing date to be announced instead of applying while the vacancy is active.
• Applying through an unofficial recruitment link.

Scam warning (important)

Applicants should apply only through the official Standard Bank careers page or the official SmartRecruiters vacancy linked from Standard Bank’s website.

Standard Bank states that its recruitment processes comply with applicable laws and regulations and that it will never request money or payment as part of recruitment.

Do not pay anyone for registration, an application, an interview, an assessment, training, medical aid, equipment, transport or placement in the learnership.

Do not share banking PINs, passwords, one-time PINs or account login information with anyone claiming that they can guarantee acceptance.

Be cautious of messages from unofficial email addresses, private social-media accounts or cellphone numbers that request money or unnecessary personal information.

Upload your CV, identity document, qualification and academic record only through an official and secure recruitment platform.

Always return to the official Standard Bank vacancy page to confirm that the programme and Apply option remain active.

How this opportunity was verified

This opportunity was verified from the official Standard Bank Group recruitment listing and its associated SmartRecruiters vacancy for the Data Science Learnership.

The official listing confirmed the programme title, contract classification, Group Functions business segment, job description, qualification fields, citizenship requirement, age requirement, English-language requirement, study-status restrictions and skills and attributes.

The official listing also confirmed the 1 October 2026 start date, 24-month duration, learner stipend, Student Medical Aid, Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner and the Johannesburg work locations.

The official advert does not display a closing date. This post therefore does not invent or estimate a deadline and advises applicants to apply as soon as possible.

The official Standard Bank careers page was used to confirm the employer information and warning that Standard Bank does not request payments during recruitment.

Read more about our verification process on the How We Verify Listings page.

How to apply

1. Open the official Standard Bank vacancy page below.
2. Read the complete Data Science Learnership advert.
3. Confirm that you have a relevant completed undergraduate qualification.
4. Confirm that you are a South African citizen under 30 years old.
5. Confirm that you are not studying at another institution.
6. Confirm that you are not registered on another learnership or internship.
7. Confirm that you are available to start on 1 October 2026.
8. Prepare your updated CV, qualification certificate and academic transcript.
9. Include relevant data-analysis, programming, statistics, mathematics or engineering projects.
10. Select the official Apply or “I’m interested” option.
11. Create a candidate profile or sign in to an existing account.
12. Complete all personal, qualification and screening questions honestly.
13. Upload your CV and any supporting documents requested by the platform.
14. Read the privacy and recruitment terms carefully.
15. Check that your age, citizenship, qualification, study status and contact details are correct.
16. Submit the application as soon as possible while the vacancy remains active.
17. Keep the application confirmation or other proof of submission.

Application Closing Date

No official closing date is displayed in the vacancy.

Applicants should apply as soon as possible while the official Apply option remains available. Do not wait for a closing date because Standard Bank may remove the vacancy once the recruitment process has progressed or sufficient applications have been received.