Citi Graduate Programme 2026 Opens Global Markets and Equities Experience in Johannesburg
Newly qualified university graduates can apply for the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 / 2027 in Johannesburg, with successful candidates placed in Equities within the Markets business.
The year-long programme combines practical financial-markets experience with structured learning and includes sponsorship for a postgraduate qualification relevant to your area of work.
Graduates can also apply for permanent Citi positions during the programme.
Where will you work at Citi?
If selected, you will be placed in Equities, Markets.
This means your experience will sit inside Citi’s financial-markets business rather than a general corporate graduate rotation.
The programme is designed to help you build the knowledge and practical skills needed to understand how financial markets operate in South Africa and within the wider global economy.
What can you learn in Equities and Markets?
The programme can give you practical exposure to the commercial and analytical side of financial markets.
You can expect to build your understanding of areas such as:
- Equities
- Financial markets
- Market analysis
- Client-facing financial services
- Investment products
- Quantitative analysis
- Global and domestic economic conditions
The exact work will depend on your placement and team, but the programme is aimed at developing graduates who can operate effectively in a changing financial environment.
Why is the Markets placement significant?
Citi’s Markets business operates in a highly analytical and fast-moving part of financial services.
Working in this environment can help you understand how market information, economic developments and investment activity influence financial decision-making.
For graduates interested in banking, investments or capital markets, this provides a more specialised starting point than a general business internship.
Will you receive further academic training?
The programme includes sponsorship for a postgraduate qualification relevant to your area.
This gives you the opportunity to combine practical workplace experience with further academic development during the year.
The qualification is intended to strengthen the knowledge you build through your Citi placement.
Can the programme lead to permanent employment?
Graduates are allowed to apply for permanent positions at Citi during the programme.
This does not guarantee a permanent appointment, but it gives participants an opportunity to compete for longer-term positions while already gaining experience inside the organisation.
Who can apply?
You need to have completed:
- An undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 65%, or
- A Master’s degree
Citi accepts graduates from any academic discipline.
An Accounting qualification will be advantageous.
Do you need previous work experience?
Previous work experience is not required.
You may still qualify if you have up to one year of work experience.
This makes the programme suitable for newly qualified graduates entering professional financial services.
Which skills will Citi look for?
You should demonstrate strong:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Planning
- Organisation
- Analytical ability
- Quantitative ability
Citi is also looking for graduates who are committed to learning and developing a deeper understanding of the financial industry.
How important is financial-market knowledge?
Knowledge of the domestic or global business environment is preferred, but it is not compulsory.
You should, however, have a genuine interest in financial services and a willingness to learn how markets operate.
That interest will be especially important because the programme is designed to develop graduates for a complex and rapidly changing financial environment.
What personal qualities will help you succeed?
You should have a strong commitment to personal development and be comfortable learning in a team environment.
Citi also places emphasis on:
- Integrity
- Ethical decision-making
- Curiosity
- Professional development
- Willingness to learn
- Commitment to the business
The interview process is described as extensive, so applicants should be prepared to demonstrate both technical potential and professional maturity.
What can this experience build toward?
Experience in Citi’s Markets environment can support future careers in areas such as:
- Equities
- Investment Banking
- Global Markets
- Financial Analysis
- Capital Markets
- Institutional Banking
- Investment Research
- Financial Services
The combination of work experience and postgraduate study can also strengthen your foundation for longer-term professional development in finance.
What documents do you need?
Your application should include:
- Updated CV
- Cover letter
- Full academic transcripts
- South African ID
Make sure your academic results are clearly included because the programme requires a minimum GPA of 65% for undergraduate applicants.
Where is the programme based?
The programme is based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
It runs for approximately one year.
How do you apply?
Applications must be submitted through the Citi careers portal.
Apply for the Citi South Africa Learnership Graduate Programme 2026
Programme: South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Markets
Location: Johannesburg
Placement: Equities, Markets
Duration: One year
Minimum academic result: 65% GPA for undergraduate degree holders
