Are you a recent university graduate looking to launch your career in the banking and financial services industry? Citi South Africa is offering exciting Learnership Graduate Programme opportunities in Johannesburg for 2026, giving newly qualified graduates the chance to gain practical workplace experience, develop professional skills and build a foundation for a long-term career in global banking.
Citi has advertised two graduate opportunities in Johannesburg: the South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Treasury & Trade Solutions (TTS) and the South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Markets, Equities.
These opportunities are designed for graduates who want to move from the classroom into a professional financial environment. The programmes combine practical work experience with structured learning and professional development, while successful participants may also have the opportunity to apply for permanent positions during the year.
For South African graduates searching for Citi jobs 2026, Citi graduate programmes, banking graduate jobs, financial services learnerships, graduate jobs in Johannesburg, investment banking careers or entry-level banking jobs, these opportunities are worth exploring.
Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026
Citi’s South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme provides newly qualified university graduates with exposure to the organisation’s different business areas.
The programme lasts for one year and is intended to give participants practical experience while helping them develop the knowledge and skills required to contribute within a global financial institution.
According to the vacancy information, graduates are also sponsored for a postgraduate qualification during their year of work, relevant to their area of employment.
This makes the programme particularly interesting for graduates who want to combine workplace experience with further academic development.
The two advertised opportunities covered in this article are:
- Learnership Graduate Program – Treasury & Trade Solutions (TTS)
- Learnership Graduate Program – Markets, Equities
Both opportunities are based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
1. Citi Learnership Graduate Program – TTS Johannesburg 2026
The first opportunity is the South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – TTS, South Africa – Johannesburg, 2026.
TTS stands for Treasury & Trade Solutions, an area of banking that provides solutions related to cash management, payments, trade and other financial services for corporate and institutional clients.
The role provides graduates with the opportunity to gain exposure to a professional banking environment while developing their understanding of financial services and Citi’s business operations.
TTS Graduate Programme Job Details
- Company: Citi
- Programme: South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – TTS
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Job Reference: 26990799
- Job Type: Hybrid
- Job Family Group: Management Development Programs
- Job Family: Intern
- Employment: Full time
- Programme Duration: One year
- Posted: 17 September 2026
- Qualification: Undergraduate degree with GPA of 65% or above, or Master’s degree
- Work Experience: Maximum of one year acceptable, but not required
The position is particularly suitable for graduates who want to develop their careers within banking, financial services and the broader global financial industry.
Who Can Apply for the Citi TTS Graduate Programme?
Citi states that applicants should have obtained an undergraduate qualification with a GPA of 65% or above, or have a Master’s degree in any discipline.
This broad academic requirement means graduates from different fields may be considered, provided they meet the stated academic requirements and demonstrate the skills Citi is looking for.
Previous professional experience is not a requirement. Citi indicates that applicants may have a maximum of one year of work experience, but extensive experience is not expected.
This makes the opportunity relevant to recent graduates and entry-level job seekers who are looking for their first significant opportunity in the banking sector.
2. Citi Learnership Graduate Program – Markets, Equities
The second opportunity is the South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Market, South Africa – Johannesburg, 2026.
Successful candidates will be placed in Equities within Citi’s Markets business.
Markets is an area of the financial industry that involves financial markets, investment products, trading and relationships with institutional and corporate clients.
For graduates interested in financial markets, economics, investments, trading or banking, this programme provides an opportunity to gain practical exposure to the industry.
Markets Graduate Programme Job Details
- Company: Citi
- Programme: South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Markets
- Area: Equities, Markets
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
- Job Reference: 26993885
- Job Type: On-Site/Resident
- Job Family Group: Management Development Programs
- Job Family: Intern
- Employment: Full time
- Programme Duration: One year
- Posted: 15 September 2026
- Qualification: Undergraduate degree with GPA of 65% or above, or Master’s degree
- Accounting qualification: Added advantage
- Work Experience: Maximum of one year acceptable, but not required
An accounting qualification is listed as an added advantage for this particular opportunity, although the core academic requirement allows graduates from any discipline who meet the stated criteria to apply.
What Does the Citi Graduate Programme Offer?
One of the key features of Citi’s South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme is the combination of practical workplace exposure and structured learning.
Citi describes the programme as an opportunity for graduates to bring their knowledge from university into a professional environment.
During the year, graduates can develop their understanding of the financial services industry while working alongside experienced professionals.
The programme also provides opportunities to build professional networks.
For someone entering the workforce, networking can be an important part of career development. Working with colleagues, managers and other professionals can help graduates understand different career paths and develop workplace confidence.
Citi also highlights internal mobility and career growth, making professional development an important part of its approach to graduate recruitment.
Postgraduate Qualification Sponsorship
Another significant feature mentioned in the vacancy information is postgraduate study sponsorship.
Citi states that graduates participating in the year-long programme will be sponsored for a postgraduate qualification relevant to their area during their year of work.
This means participants can potentially gain both:
- Practical workplace experience
- Further academic development
For graduates interested in developing specialised knowledge, this combination can provide a useful transition between university and a professional career.
Applicants should review the specific terms and conditions communicated by Citi during the recruitment process for further information about the postgraduate qualification.
Can Graduates Apply for Permanent Jobs?
According to the advertised programme information, graduates are allowed to apply for permanent positions during the year.
However, candidates should understand that participation in the learnership does not automatically guarantee permanent employment.
Permanent opportunities would depend on factors such as available positions, the recruitment process and the candidate’s suitability for the relevant role.
Nevertheless, the ability to gain professional experience while being able to pursue permanent opportunities can make the programme relevant to graduates looking to establish a longer-term career in financial services.
Citi Graduate Programme Requirements
While the two vacancies have slightly different details, several requirements are common across the programmes.
1. Academic Performance
Applicants should have completed an undergraduate qualification with a GPA of 65% or above, or hold a Master’s degree.
The vacancies indicate that the degree can be in any discipline.
For the Markets opportunity, an accounting qualification is identified as an added advantage.
2. Limited Work Experience
Extensive work experience is not required.
Candidates can have a maximum of one year of work experience, but graduates without professional experience are also encouraged to consider the programme if they meet the other requirements.
This makes the opportunity relevant to people searching for:
- Graduate jobs
- Banking graduate programmes
- Entry-level financial services jobs
- Graduate learnerships
- Finance jobs for graduates
- Johannesburg graduate programmes
3. Communication Skills
Strong communication skills are important in a professional banking environment.
Applicants should be able to communicate clearly, work professionally with colleagues and contribute effectively to team environments.
4. Teamwork and Leadership
Citi is looking for graduates who can demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills.
Leadership does not necessarily mean having managed a team before. Graduates can demonstrate leadership through university projects, student activities, community initiatives, research projects or other situations where they took responsibility and worked with others.
5. Analytical and Quantitative Skills
The programmes also place emphasis on analytical and quantitative abilities.
These skills can be particularly relevant to careers in banking and financial markets, where professionals often need to analyse information, understand financial data and make decisions based on evidence.
6. Integrity and Ethical Decision-Making
Citi specifically highlights a commitment to integrity and ethical decision-making.
Applicants should therefore demonstrate professionalism, responsibility and an understanding of the importance of ethical conduct within financial services.
Documents Required When Applying
Candidates should ensure that they prepare the required documents before submitting their applications.
According to the vacancy information, applicants should attach:
- An updated CV
- A cover letter
- Full academic transcripts
- Identification document (ID)
Your CV should clearly highlight your academic qualifications, achievements, skills and any relevant work, internship, research or leadership experience.
Recent graduates should not be discouraged by having limited professional experience. University projects, academic achievements, volunteering, leadership activities and relevant extracurricular experience can all help demonstrate transferable skills.
Citi Jobs in Johannesburg for Graduates
Johannesburg remains an important centre for banking and financial services in South Africa.
For graduates who want to establish careers in the financial sector, opportunities in Johannesburg can provide exposure to areas such as:
- Banking
- Financial markets
- Corporate finance
- Treasury
- Investment services
- Risk management
- Data and analytics
- Technology
- Operations
- Corporate and institutional banking
The Citi programmes specifically provide exposure to Treasury & Trade Solutions and Markets – Equities, allowing successful candidates to begin developing specialised knowledge within the financial services environment.
Citi Learnership Graduate Programme Salary
The vacancy information provided for these two programmes does not state a specific salary or stipend amount.
Applicants should therefore be cautious of websites or social media posts claiming an exact Citi graduate salary unless the figure can be confirmed through an official Citi recruitment source.
The advertised information focuses on the programme structure, practical experience, professional development and postgraduate qualification sponsorship.
Candidates should confirm compensation and other employment terms directly through the official recruitment process.
How to Prepare for the Citi Graduate Programme Application
Competition for graduate opportunities can be significant, so candidates should take time to prepare a strong application.
Update Your CV
Make sure your CV is current and clearly presents your:
- Degree
- GPA or academic results
- Relevant subjects
- Research projects
- Leadership experience
- Teamwork experience
- Work experience
- Technical skills
- Extracurricular activities
Prepare a Strong Cover Letter
Your cover letter should explain why you are interested in Citi, why you are interested in the relevant business area and what you can bring to the programme.
Avoid submitting a generic cover letter that could be used for any employer.
Check Your Academic Transcript
Because Citi specifies an academic performance requirement, make sure your full academic transcript is available and ready to upload.
Prepare for Interviews
The vacancy states that successful applicants will go through a lengthy interview process.
Candidates should therefore be prepared to discuss their academic background, career interests, teamwork experiences, leadership examples, analytical abilities and understanding of the financial industry.
Citi Learnership Graduate Programme Closing and Application Information
The TTS opportunity has job reference 26990799, while the Markets opportunity has job reference 26993885.
Both opportunities are based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and are full-time graduate opportunities.
Because vacancies can be updated or closed by the employer, applicants should always check the official Citi recruitment listing before submitting an application.
Candidates should also ensure that they submit all requested documentation, including their CV, cover letter, full academic transcripts and ID.
Final Thoughts on Citi Careers 2026
The Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 provides recent university graduates with an opportunity to gain practical experience within a global banking environment.
The two opportunities covered here offer different areas of exposure. The TTS programme places successful graduates in Treasury & Trade Solutions, while the Markets programme places successful candidates in Equities within Markets.
Both programmes are designed for graduates who are willing to learn, work collaboratively and develop their understanding of the financial industry.
The opportunities also highlight professional development, practical workplace experience and postgraduate qualification sponsorship.
For graduates searching for Citi careers, Citi jobs in Johannesburg, banking graduate programmes, financial services learnerships, graduate jobs in South Africa, finance jobs for graduates or entry-level banking opportunities, these vacancies may be worth considering if you meet the advertised requirements.
Applicants should carefully prepare their CV, cover letter, academic transcripts and ID before applying and should monitor their email after submission for further communication about the recruitment process.
Job seekers are encouraged to apply as early as possible and to use the official Citi recruitment process for the latest application information and vacancy updates.
