Alright, here’s the deal. Absa’s opened up applications for their 2026 graduate programme. If you’re wrapping up your studies or just finished, this could be worth checking out. They’re offering spots across different departments — 26 in total — and they’re looking for young people with potential, not perfection.
You don’t need years of experience. Actually, if you’ve got less than 2 years working full-time, you’re in the right range.
What the Programme’s About
It’s not some unpaid internship where you’re stuck making coffee. This is a proper opportunity — you’ll get paid, trained, and thrown into real work. It usually runs between a year and two, depending on where you land.
You’ll get access to:
- Actual project work (stuff that matters)
- Training sessions that help you grow
- Mentors who’ve been around the block
- A foot in the door at one of SA’s biggest banks
Some of the Areas You Can Join
They’ve got different tracks based on what you’ve studied or what you’re into:
- Tech Graduate Programme – Big one. 25 posts here. If you know how to code or work with data, this is it.
- Risk – Numbers, systems, analysis — if that’s your thing, this might suit you.
- GenA Investment Banking – If you’re sharp, fast, and into finance, this is high-stakes and high-paced.
- GenA Global Markets – More trading and markets-focused.
- Quant Analytics – Lots of stats and behind-the-scenes models.
- CIMA / SAICA – If you’re heading for the accounting world, this track is designed for you.
Who Can Apply?
- You need to be a South African citizen
- Have an Honours or Bachelor’s (depends on the role)
- Your degree should be finished by March 2026 (or earlier)
- Academic average? Around 60%+ (some want 65%)
- And again: Less than 2 years of full-time work experience
What Degrees They’re Looking For
Here’s a rough idea (not everything is listed, but you’ll get the vibe):
- Tech roles: Computer Science, IT, Engineering, Data Science, Stats
- Risk roles: Finance, Economics, Risk Management, Maths
- Accounting tracks: BCom in Accounting, Auditing, Finance
- Markets & Banking: Actuarial, Engineering, Economics, etc.
Basically — if your degree ties into finance, tech, or strategy — you’re likely good to go.
Where You’ll Be Based
Mostly in Sandton (Joburg), but some roles might rotate to other areas. You’ll be full-time, and yes — these are paid roles.
Deadlines?
Some of the 2026 programmes already closed back in May/June 2025. But there are still a few open (especially in Tech and Risk), with deadlines floating around 30 July 2025. So yeah, move quickly.
How to Apply
Links to the Programme:
- Absa Group Careers Portal – Graduate Opportunities: This is the best place to find all Absa’s graduate programmes, learn more about each, and access application links.
- Absa’s Leaply Portal: Absa often uses Leaply for its graduate programme applications. You can find specific programmes listed here with their closing dates.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A clean, updated CV
- Your ID (certified)
- Matric and University results
- Optional: cover letter (helps if you want to stand out)
Before You Apply
Couple quick tips:
- Tailor your CV to the programme — don’t send the same generic one to all jobs
- If you’ve done a project, internship, even volunteering — mention it
- No need to be fancy — just be clear, honest, and confident