Citi South Africa is recruiting newly qualified graduates for its Markets Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 in Johannesburg. Gain hands-on trading experience, market exposure, and a sponsored postgraduate qualification. Apply now.
Citi South Africa Markets Learnership Graduate Programme 2026
Citi South Africa has opened applications for its Markets Learnership Graduate Programme 2026, offering newly qualified graduates an opportunity to gain practical experience within one of the world’s leading financial institutions.
Based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, this year-long programme is designed for graduates who are passionate about financial markets, trading, economics, and risk analysis. Participants will gain valuable exposure to fixed income and rates trading while working alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic market environment.
In addition to workplace experience, successful candidates will benefit from structured training and a sponsored postgraduate qualification aligned with their career development.
Programme Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | Citi South Africa |
| Programme | Markets Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 |
| Position | South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Markets |
| Location | Johannesburg, Gauteng |
| Work Arrangement | Hybrid |
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Employment Type | Full-Time Learnership |
| Qualification Required | University Degree |
| Application Documents | CV, Cover Letter, Academic Transcript |
| Start Date | 2026 |
About Citi South Africa
Citi is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, operating across investment banking, corporate banking, markets, treasury, and financial services.
The company is known for developing young talent through graduate programmes, learnerships, and professional development initiatives that provide practical workplace exposure and long-term career opportunities.
Citi promotes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment while supporting professional growth through mentorship and structured learning.
About the Markets Learnership Programme
The Citi Markets Learnership Graduate Programme is designed to help graduates transition from academic study into the fast-paced world of financial markets.
Participants will receive practical exposure to:
- Fixed income trading
- Rates trading
- Market analysis
- Risk management
- Financial products
- Economic research
- Trading desk operations
- Market commentary and reporting
The programme combines classroom-based learning, workplace experience, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
What Will You Do?
Successful learners will support trading and market operations while gaining exposure to real-time market activities.
Trading Desk Support
Participants may:
- Assist rates traders on bonds and rates desks
- Support daily trading operations
- Monitor market developments
- Help maintain trading processes
Market Analysis
Learners will gain experience in:
- Analysing market movements
- Monitoring economic developments
- Identifying market trends
- Reviewing macroeconomic data
Risk Management
Responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with risk analysis
- Preparing risk reports
- Monitoring trading exposures
- Supporting risk-control processes
Reporting and Commentary
Participants may:
- Prepare market reports
- Develop market commentary
- Analyse trading performance
- Present findings to stakeholders
Team Collaboration
Learners will work closely with:
- Traders
- Sales teams
- Operations teams
- Market analysts
- Risk professionals
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for graduates who are interested in careers within:
- Financial Markets
- Investment Banking
- Trading
- Economics
- Risk Management
- Finance
- Asset Management
- Capital Markets
- Treasury Operations
Applicants should have a genuine interest in financial markets and economic developments.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be newly qualified university graduates
- Have completed a recognised university qualification
- Demonstrate an interest in financial markets
- Have strong analytical abilities
- Possess excellent communication skills
- Be able to work effectively in a team environment
- Adapt quickly in a fast-paced workplace
Skills and Competencies Required
Citi is looking for candidates who demonstrate:
Fresh listings:
Technical Skills
- Analytical thinking
- Numerical reasoning
- Financial awareness
- Research abilities
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
Personal Attributes
- Curiosity
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
- Initiative
- Motivation
- Strong work ethic
Communication Skills
- Written communication
- Verbal communication
- Relationship-building
- Team collaboration
What You Will Gain
Participants can expect to benefit from:
Practical Market Experience
Gain hands-on exposure to real trading environments and financial markets.
Professional Development
Learn from experienced industry professionals and mentors.
Sponsored Postgraduate Qualification
The programme includes support for a postgraduate qualification relevant to your field of work.
Industry Exposure
Develop a deeper understanding of:
- Fixed income markets
- Trading operations
- Market risk
- Economic analysis
- Financial products
Career Opportunities
The experience gained can help participants pursue careers in:
- Trading
- Investment Banking
- Risk Management
- Market Analysis
- Treasury Operations
- Asset Management
Documents Required
Applicants must submit:
- Updated CV
- Cover Letter
- Full Academic Transcript
Before applying, ensure all documents are current, accurate, and professionally presented.
Application Tips
To improve your chances of success:
Tailor Your CV
Highlight:
- Quantitative coursework
- Economics modules
- Finance-related projects
- Research assignments
- Leadership activities
Write a Strong Cover Letter
Explain:
- Why you are interested in financial markets
- Why you want to join Citi
- How your academic background aligns with the programme
- Your long-term career goals
Prepare for Assessments
Be ready to discuss:
- Current economic events
- Market developments
- Interest rate trends
- Financial market concepts
- Teamwork experiences
How to Apply
Interested graduates must apply through Citi’s official careers platform.
Application Steps
- Visit the official Citi careers website.
- Search for South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Markets, Johannesburg (2026).
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload your CV, cover letter, and academic transcript.
- Review all information carefully.
- Submit your application.
Ensure that all required documents are uploaded before final submission.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Citi is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from suitably qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Reasonable accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
Conclusion
The Citi South Africa Markets Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for newly qualified graduates to gain real-world experience within the financial services industry. Through exposure to trading desks, market analysis, risk management, and economic research, participants will develop highly sought-after skills that can open doors to rewarding careers in finance.
If you have a strong interest in financial markets, enjoy analytical thinking, and want to learn from experienced professionals at a global financial institution, this programme could be the perfect starting point for your career journey.
Prepare your CV, cover letter, and academic transcript, then submit your application as soon as possible to take advantage of this exciting graduate opportunity with Citi South Africa.