NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027 Opens for Technology and Business Graduates
Recent graduates who want to start a career in technology can apply for the NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027 in Johannesburg.
The programme is aimed at graduates with qualifications in Commerce, Engineering, Information Technology or a related field. Successful candidates will join NTT DATA as Associate Graduates and gain practical workplace experience while working with experienced professionals on real business projects.
The programme also includes structured learning, mentorship, professional networking and access to industry-recognised certifications, making it particularly relevant to graduates who want to build careers in technology, digital services, consulting and business operations.
Applications close on 9 October 2026.
What is the NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027?
The NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme is designed to help recent graduates move from academic study into a professional technology environment.
Successful candidates will work as Associate Graduates and gain practical exposure across NTT DATA’s business operations. The programme combines workplace experience with structured development, giving graduates an opportunity to apply what they learned during their studies while building new technical and professional skills.
The programme is particularly suitable for graduates who want to develop experience in a large international technology business where digital systems, client solutions and business transformation form part of everyday work.
Which qualifications are accepted?
Applicants must have completed, or be on track to complete by December 2026, a three-year Diploma or Degree in a relevant field.
Accepted study areas include:
- Commerce
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- A related field
This means the programme is not limited to IT graduates. Commerce and Engineering graduates can also apply if their academic background and interests fit the work available within NTT DATA.
Applicants should make sure their qualification will be completed before the programme requirements take effect.
Who is the programme aimed at?
The programme is ideally suited to recent graduates aged 26 years or younger who want to begin building a career in the technology industry.
Candidates should also be comfortable working in a professional environment where learning, problem-solving and collaboration are important.
Applicants living outside Johannesburg can still apply, but they must be willing to relocate at their own expense if selected.
What will graduates do during the programme?
Graduate responsibilities will depend on the team and projects they join, but the programme is built around practical workplace exposure rather than observation alone.
Participants may be involved in:
- Supporting operational activities
- Contributing to business projects
- Applying academic knowledge to workplace challenges
- Working with colleagues and clients
- Identifying opportunities for improvement
- Participating in structured learning activities
- Building professional and technical skills
The experience is designed to help graduates understand how technology and business teams work together to solve real client and operational problems.
What learning opportunities are included?
Learning and development are central to the programme.
Graduates will have access to:
- Structured learning pathways
- Industry-recognised certifications
- On-the-job experience
- Mentorship
- Professional networking
- Leadership development
This combination can be particularly useful for graduates who want to strengthen their CV with practical experience and recognised credentials.
Industry certifications can also help graduates build skills that are valued across technology, cloud services, data, infrastructure, cybersecurity, consulting and other digital career areas.
Why are certifications important for technology graduates?
Technology careers often require professionals to keep learning after completing a degree or diploma.
Industry-recognised certifications can help graduates demonstrate knowledge in specific technologies or professional areas and may strengthen future applications for specialised roles.
For someone entering the technology sector, the combination of a formal qualification, practical project experience and additional certifications can provide a stronger foundation than relying on academic study alone.
The exact certifications available will depend on the learning path and role assigned during the programme.
What skills is NTT DATA looking for?
NTT DATA is looking for graduates who are willing to learn and can adapt to new challenges.
Important qualities include:
- Curiosity
- Willingness to learn
- Growth mindset
- Adaptability
- Strong problem-solving ability
- Initiative
- Accountability
- Ability to build positive working relationships
These skills are important because graduate programmes often involve moving between learning activities, practical assignments and collaborative project work.
Candidates should be comfortable asking questions, taking responsibility for tasks and learning from more experienced professionals.
Why is this programme useful for a technology career?
The programme provides exposure to a professional technology environment while giving graduates structured support during the transition from university into employment.
Graduates may build experience that can support future careers in areas such as:
- Information technology
- Digital consulting
- Cloud services
- Business analysis
- Data and analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Software and application services
- Technology operations
- Project delivery
- Business transformation
Commerce graduates may also find opportunities connected to consulting, client services, business operations and commercial functions within the technology industry.
Engineering graduates can benefit from the problem-solving and technical nature of many digital and infrastructure roles.
Will graduates work with clients?
Graduates may work alongside colleagues and clients as part of their assigned projects and business activities.
This gives participants an opportunity to develop not only technical knowledge but also professional communication and relationship-building skills.
Technology businesses often need employees who can understand both technical systems and business needs. Graduates who learn how to communicate clearly with clients and colleagues can therefore build skills that are useful across many roles.
Are there opportunities for leadership development?
Yes. Leadership development forms part of the programme’s learning and development offering.
Graduate programmes are designed not only to train people for immediate tasks but also to help identify and develop future professionals who can take on greater responsibility over time.
Participants may therefore gain exposure to skills such as communication, accountability, decision-making, teamwork and professional networking while completing their technical and business development.
Does the programme include community involvement?
Graduates may also participate in corporate social responsibility and volunteer initiatives.
These activities can give participants an opportunity to contribute to community projects while developing teamwork and broader professional experience.
Community involvement can also help graduates build networks and strengthen skills that are useful outside their immediate job responsibilities.
Where is the NTT DATA Graduate Programme based?
The programme is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Applicants who currently live outside Johannesburg should be prepared to relocate if selected.
Relocation costs are the responsibility of the candidate, so graduates should take this into account before applying.
Is there a salary or stipend?
A salary or stipend amount has not been specified for the programme.
The programme duration has also not been provided.
Applicants should therefore focus on whether they meet the qualification, location and graduate requirements before applying.
When do applications close?
Applications for the NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027 close on 9 October 2026.
Candidates should complete their applications before the deadline and make sure their education details are accurate, especially if they are still completing their qualification.
Applicants who are due to graduate by December 2026 should clearly indicate their expected completion date.
How do you apply for the NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027?
Applications must be submitted online through the NTT DATA careers portal.
Candidates should prepare an updated CV that clearly shows their Diploma or Degree, academic background, technical skills and any relevant project or practical experience.
Graduates should also highlight qualities such as problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork and willingness to learn.
Apply for the NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027
Applications close on 9 October 2026.
