Data‑science skills are in high demand, and a paid learnership that gives you hands‑on experience inside South Africa’s biggest bank is opening on 1 October 2026. If you want to start a career analysing audit data while earning a monthly stipend, the Standard Bank Data Science Learnership could be the right move.
What the role is
The position is a 24‑month Data Science Learnership (Intern) with Standard Bank Group. It is based on‑site in Johannesburg at 5 Simmonds Street and/or 30 Baker Street, Rosebank. You will work on data‑driven audit projects, run analytical procedures, detect anomalies, and help improve controls and cost‑saving processes. The programme combines daily workplace tasks with training toward an Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner.
Who can apply
- South African citizen, under 30 years old.
- Not currently enrolled in any other learnership, internship or academic programme.
- Proficient in English.
- Graduated in one of the following fields: Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics/Quantitative Analysis, Engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Available to work full‑time on‑site in Johannesburg from the start date.
What you will gain
- Monthly stipend of R15 000 plus Student Medical Aid.
- Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner – a recognised qualification for entry‑level data roles.
- Practical experience in audit‑focused data analysis within a major financial institution.
- Development of key employer‑valued skills: time management, commercial awareness, clear communication of data findings, and adherence to data‑governance standards.
- Exposure to tools such as Python, R, SQL, Excel and visualisation libraries.
How to apply – step by step
- Prepare a concise CV (1–2 pages). Highlight your degree, relevant modules, and any data projects – include the problem, tools used and results.
- Write a short cover letter (max one page). State why you want this learnership, give one concrete example of a data analysis task you handled, and confirm your eligibility (citizenship, age, availability).
- Gather any supporting documents (identification, transcripts) in PDF format.
- Visit the official application page and click “Apply”. Upload your CV, cover letter and documents, then complete the online eligibility questionnaire.
- Submit before the deadline and keep a copy of the confirmation email.
Apply through the employer’s portal here: Standard Bank Data Science Learnership – Application
Tips to improve your chances
- Show clear, reproducible work. Include links to a GitHub repo or a PDF that documents the data steps, code comments and visual outputs.
- Highlight quantitative skills – basic statistics, data cleaning, and simple modelling.
- Demonstrate an interest in audit or compliance. Explain how data can support control testing or risk identification.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when describing past projects or internships.
- Proofread all text. Good grammar and tidy formatting signal attention to detail.
Next steps
If you meet the criteria, start polishing your CV and a brief portfolio today. Remember that many candidates will apply, so a focused and well‑presented application makes a difference. Once you’ve submitted, prepare for a short online assessment, an HR interview, and a technical task that may involve interpreting a simple dataset. Keep practising clear explanations of your work.
Good luck – this learnership could be the first solid step toward a data‑driven career in finance.
