Job Description
Citi is inviting eligible university graduates to apply for its South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme in Johannesburg for 2026. Successful candidates will be placed in the Treasury & Trade Solutions (TTS) business area, gaining practical workplace exposure and experience within the financial services industry.
The programme runs for 12 months and is designed to help graduates develop professional skills, build business knowledge and gain exposure to Citi's operations. Participants will receive workplace training and experience across relevant business activities. Citi also states that participants will be sponsored to undertake a postgraduate qualification relevant to their area during the programme.
Graduates may apply for permanent positions during their participation in the programme. However, permanent employment is not guaranteed, and candidates should understand that progression will depend on available opportunities and the employer's recruitment processes.
This opportunity is suited to graduates who want to develop their understanding of banking, financial services and the wider global business environment.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is intended for university graduates who want to gain practical experience and develop their careers in the financial services sector.
Applicants should have:
- An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 65% or above, or a master's degree in any discipline.
- A strong interest in learning about the financial industry and corporate banking environment.
- Good communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
- The ability to demonstrate analytical thinking, planning and organisational skills.
- A commitment to professional development, integrity and ethical decision-making.
Candidates with up to one year of work experience may apply, but previous work experience is not compulsory. Knowledge of the domestic or global business environment is an advantage, although Citi indicates that it is preferred rather than required.
Responsibilities
The programme focuses on graduate development, practical workplace exposure and learning within Citi's Treasury & Trade Solutions business.
Workplace Learning and Development
- Participate in the 12-month graduate learnership programme.
- Develop professional knowledge and practical skills through workplace exposure and training.
- Build an understanding of the financial services industry and the changing economic environment.
Treasury & Trade Solutions Exposure
- Gain exposure to the Treasury & Trade Solutions business area following successful completion of Citi's selection process.
- Develop an understanding of the business environment in which Citi operates.
- Apply academic knowledge while developing practical workplace capabilities.
The specific day-to-day duties and individual placement responsibilities were not detailed in the supplied advert.
Professional Development
- Strengthen communication, teamwork, planning and organisational skills.
- Develop analytical and quantitative capabilities relevant to professional work.
- Demonstrate integrity, ethical conduct and a willingness to learn.
- Explore permanent vacancies within Citi during the programme, where suitable opportunities are available.
Requirements
Applicants should review the following eligibility criteria before applying.
Qualifications
- An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 65% or above, or
- A master's degree in any discipline.
The advert does not specify a particular undergraduate field of study.
Experience
- A maximum of one year of work experience is acceptable.
- Previous work experience is not required.
- The opportunity is designed for university graduates seeking early-career professional exposure.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong communication skills.
- Leadership and teamwork abilities.
- Analytical and quantitative skills.
- Planning and organisational skills.
- An interest in banking, financial services and the global business environment.
- Knowledge of the domestic or global business landscape is preferred but not compulsory.
Personal Attributes
- A strong willingness to learn.
- Commitment to personal growth and career development.
- Ability to work effectively in a team.
- Professional integrity and ethical decision-making.
- Dedication to building a career in the financial industry.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must submit the documents specified by Citi:
- An updated CV.
- A cover letter.
- Full academic transcripts.
- A copy of their ID.
The supplied advert does not specify an age restriction, citizenship requirement or driver's licence requirement.
What You Should Prepare Before Applying
Citi specifically requests the following documents as part of the application:
- Updated CV: Include your qualification, academic achievements, relevant projects, leadership activities, volunteering and any work experience.
- Cover letter: Explain why you are interested in Citi, why you want to work in financial services and what you hope to contribute to the programme.
- Full academic transcripts: Ensure that your academic records are complete and reflect your results.
- Copy of your ID: Prepare a clear copy suitable for submission through the recruitment platform.
Before submitting, confirm that your documents are current, readable and uploaded in the formats accepted by Citi's application system.
What You Could Expect
Successful candidates can expect a 12-month programme combining practical workplace experience with professional development in a financial services environment.
According to the supplied advert, the programme includes:
- Exposure to Citi's Treasury & Trade Solutions business.
- Workplace learning and practical experience.
- Development of professional and business skills.
- Sponsorship for a postgraduate qualification relevant to the participant's area during the programme.
- The opportunity to apply for permanent positions during the year, subject to vacancies and the employer's recruitment process.
Citi also highlights the importance of understanding the global and domestic business environment. The programme is intended to help graduates build a foundation for a professional career, although permanent employment following completion is not guaranteed.
Benefits and Workplace Offerings
The supplied advert specifically identifies the following programme offerings:
- Postgraduate qualification sponsorship: Citi states that participants will be sponsored for a postgraduate qualification relevant to their area during the programme.
- Practical workplace exposure: Graduates will gain experience in the Treasury & Trade Solutions business area.
- Professional development: The programme includes training intended to help participants develop relevant workplace and business skills.
- Permanent vacancy opportunities: Participants may apply for permanent roles during the programme, depending on available vacancies and recruitment requirements.
The advert does not specify a salary, monthly stipend, transport allowance, accommodation assistance or other financial benefits.
Application Process
Interested graduates should apply through Citi's official recruitment platform.
- Review the qualification and experience criteria to confirm your eligibility.
- Update your CV to highlight your academic background, relevant projects, leadership activities and transferable skills.
- Prepare a cover letter explaining your interest in Citi and the financial services industry.
- Obtain your full academic transcripts and a copy of your ID.
- Open the official Citi application link below.
- Complete the online application and provide accurate information.
- Upload your CV, cover letter, full academic transcripts and ID as requested.
- Review your application carefully before submitting it.
Citi indicates that candidates who progress will undergo an interview process before placement in Treasury & Trade Solutions.
Closing date: The supplied advert does not state a closing date. Applicants should check the official recruitment page for the current application status and any deadline.
Before You Apply
Before submitting your application, make sure that you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 65%, or a master's degree in any discipline.
- Can provide your full academic transcripts.
- Have prepared all four documents requested by Citi.
- Have clearly explained your interest in banking and financial services.
- Have highlighted relevant academic projects, teamwork and leadership experience.
- Understand that previous work experience is not compulsory, but the programme accepts a maximum of one year of work experience.
- Have checked the official recruitment page for the current status and closing date.
Do not assume that permanent employment is guaranteed after the learnership. The opportunity to apply for permanent positions is subject to the availability of suitable vacancies and Citi's selection process.
Vacancy Portal's Application Tip
For this graduate programme, your application should demonstrate more than your academic results. Use your CV and cover letter to show how your university experience has developed your analytical thinking, communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. If you have completed projects involving financial analysis, research, business management, economics, mathematics, data analysis or other quantitative work, explain your contribution and what you learned.
Because Citi does not restrict the opportunity to a particular undergraduate discipline, applicants from different academic backgrounds should explain how their knowledge and transferable skills could be applied in a financial services environment. Demonstrate your interest in corporate banking and the wider business landscape, and ensure that your academic transcripts clearly support the qualification criteria stated in the advert.
Source / Official Application
This opportunity was published by Citi.
Applicants should use Citi's official recruitment platform to review the full vacancy details and submit their applications.
Official Application: https://citi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/2/job/Johannesburg--South-Africa/South-Africa-Learnership-Graduate-Program---TTS--South-Africa---Johannesburg--2026_26990799/apply
Company Website: https://www.citigroup.com/
Employment Equity
Citi states that it is an equal opportunity employer. According to the supplied advert, qualified candidates will be considered without discrimination based on characteristics including race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
Applicants who require reasonable accommodation when using Citi's recruitment tools or submitting an application can consult Citi's Accessibility at Citi page.
Disclaimer
Vacancy Portal provides this opportunity as an informational resource for job seekers. Applicants should verify the requirements, programme details, application status and closing date on Citi's official recruitment platform before applying.
Vacancy Portal is not the recruiting employer and does not guarantee employment, shortlisting or selection. All recruitment decisions are made by Citi.