Citi South Africa is recruiting newly qualified university graduates for its year-long Markets Learnership Graduate Programme in Johannesburg. Successful candidates work directly on fixed income and rates trading desks at one of the world’s largest banks, earn while they learn, and receive a sponsored postgraduate qualification during the year. Applications close on 7 August 2026, giving you just over two weeks to apply.
About the Programme
Citi is a global financial services group operating in nearly 100 countries, and its South African business in Johannesburg is a key hub for corporate and investment banking on the continent. The Markets Learnership Graduate Programme is Citi South Africa’s structured entry route for recent graduates who want a career in financial markets, particularly fixed income and rates trading.
The programme runs for a full year on a hybrid basis in Johannesburg and combines desk experience with formal development. Learners support live trading activity, prepare risk reports and market commentary, and are sponsored for a postgraduate qualification relevant to their area during the year. Citi South Africa emphasises internal mobility, and graduates on the programme are allowed to apply for permanent positions during their learnership year. For a young South African who wants exposure to bonds, rates and macro-economic analysis inside a global bank, this is one of the most direct entry points available.
What You Will Learn
- Supporting rates traders on the bonds and rates desk
- Preparing and analysing risk reports and desk reports
- Monitoring market moves and writing concise market commentary
- Managing risk and contributing to pricing across asset classes
- Analysing macro-economic data and identifying market trends
- Working with sales traders and operations teams on efficient processes
- Participating in morning meetings and team discussions
- A sponsored postgraduate qualification relevant to your area
Who Can Apply
- Newly qualified university graduates – the programme targets candidates who recently completed a university degree
- A clear interest in financial markets, especially fixed income, bonds and rates
- Strong numerical and analytical ability
- Motivation, adaptability and the ability to work in a fast-paced trading environment
- Good communication and relationship-building skills, since the role interacts with traders, sales and operations daily
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Required Documents
- An up-to-date CV highlighting quantitative subjects, projects and any internships
- A cover letter explaining your interest in fixed income markets
- Your full academic transcript from your university
- Identity and eligibility documents will be requested at interview stage as part of standard checks
How to Apply
- Prepare your CV, cover letter and full academic transcript.
- Go to Citi’s official application page for the South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Markets (Johannesburg, 2026).
- Create a profile on the Citi careers portal and complete the online application form.
- Upload all three required documents and submit.
- Watch your email for assessment and interview invitations.
Closing Date
The closing date for the Citi South Africa Markets Learnership 2026 is 7 August 2026. No late applications will be accepted.
Why It Matters
Financial markets careers are among the best paid in South Africa, yet they remain out of reach for most young people because banks traditionally recruit from a small pool. A structured learnership at a global bank changes that equation. It gives you a year of real desk experience, a professional network inside Citi, and a sponsored postgraduate qualification that stays with you for life.
With youth unemployment above 40%, opportunities that combine income, education and a genuine pathway to permanent employment are rare. Citi allows learners to apply for permanent roles during the programme, which means strong performers can convert this single year into a long-term markets career. If you have a numerate degree and follow the markets, this is a chance to turn that interest into a profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need work experience to apply?
No. The programme is designed for newly qualified graduates. Relevant internships or student projects strengthen your application but are not required.
Where is the programme based and can I work remotely?
The learnership is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, on a hybrid working arrangement, so you need to be able to work from the Johannesburg office regularly.
How much does the learnership pay?
Citi South Africa has not published the remuneration in the advert. The package is confirmed during the application process.
What happens after the learnership year?
Graduates on the programme are allowed to apply for permanent positions at Citi during their year, and the sponsored postgraduate qualification plus desk experience positions you strongly for markets roles across the industry.
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