Sanlam is inviting soon-to-be and recent graduates to apply for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Accelerated Development Programme 2027.
The programme is designed for graduates who want to build careers in data, artificial intelligence, technology, engineering and analytics within the financial services environment.
Based in Bellville, Western Cape, the programme runs for 13 months and offers permanent employment from the start of the programme.
Applicants can come from fields including Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Actuarial Science and various engineering disciplines.
The application deadline is 2 October 2026.
Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Sanlam |
| Programme | Data, AI and Engineering Academy |
| Programme Year | 2027 |
| Duration | 13 months |
| Location | Bellville, Western Cape |
| Employment Type | Permanent employment from the start |
| Qualification | BCom, BSc, BTech or BEng |
| Fields | IT, Computer Science, Data, BI, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance, Actuarial Science and Engineering |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible if qualification is completed by end of 2026 |
| Previous Experience | Not required |
| Maximum Related Experience | 12 months after university |
| Closing Date | 2 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |
About the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy
The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy, previously known as the Sanlam Data and Digital Academy, provides a structured development pathway for graduates interested in technology, analytics and business.
The 13-month Accelerated Development Programme combines formal development with practical exposure to real business challenges.
Participants will work within the Sanlam Analytics and Group Technology ecosystems, gaining experience in enterprise-level technology and data environments.
The programme is designed to help graduates develop both technical and business capabilities while working alongside experienced Sanlam employees.
What Does the Sanlam Graduate Programme Offer?
Successful candidates can expect a combination of employment, practical experience and structured development.
The programme offers:
- Permanent employment from the beginning of the programme.
- Market-related benefits and rewards.
- A structured 13-month development programme.
- Enterprise-level practical experience.
- Exposure to data, technology and financial services.
- Opportunities to work with modern technologies.
- Experience designing and launching new capabilities.
- Opportunities to experiment with minimum viable products.
- Collaboration with experienced Sanlam employees.
- Exposure to different capabilities and business areas.
- Opportunities to develop technical and business skills.
This combination allows participants to gain workplace experience while developing skills relevant to technology and data-driven business environments.
Training and Development
The Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme includes ongoing technical and professional development throughout the 13-month period.
Training and development may include:
Technical Training
Participants will receive technical training relevant to their areas of development.
They will also gain exposure to IT and Business Intelligence tools and technologies.
Business Acumen
Graduates will develop an understanding of how technology, data and analytics support business operations within a financial services environment.
Coaching and Mentorship
Participants will receive coaching and mentorship from subject-matter experts and experienced professionals.
Cross-Functional Exposure
The programme includes opportunities to work across different teams and disciplines.
This can help participants understand how different technology and business functions work together.
Fresh listings:
Rotations
Graduates may rotate through different IT and business teams, giving them exposure to multiple disciplines and areas of work.
Innovation Activities
The programme also includes activities such as:
- Innovation competitions.
- Technology learning days.
- Hackathons.
- Functional training.
- Practical development activities.
These activities are intended to support continuous learning and exposure to new technologies.
Qualifications Required
Applicants must have completed, or be completing, a BCom, BSc, BTech or BEng qualification in an eligible field.
The listed fields include:
- Information Technology.
- Computer Science.
- Data Science.
- Data Analytics.
- Business Intelligence.
- Statistics.
- Mathematics.
- Finance.
- Actuarial Science.
- Industrial Engineering.
- Electrical Engineering.
- Chemical Engineering.
- Civil Engineering.
- Mechanical Engineering.
Applicants should ensure that their qualification falls within one of the listed areas before applying.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Yes.
The programme is open to students who will complete their eligible qualification by the end of 2026.
This means final-year students can apply even if they have not yet received their final qualification, provided they are expected to complete the qualification within the specified timeframe.
Applicants should accurately indicate their expected completion date when completing the application.
Is Previous Work Experience Required?
No.
Previous professional work experience is not required for the Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme.
The opportunity is therefore suitable for recent graduates as well as qualifying final-year students entering the professional workplace.
However, applicants who already have professional experience should take note of the programme’s experience limit.
Maximum Professional Experience
Applicants should not have more than 12 months of related professional work experience gained after university.
Work experience completed as part of a work-integrated learning programme is not counted as professional working experience for this requirement.
Therefore, applicants with limited post-university experience may still qualify, provided they remain within the stated 12-month limit.
Data, AI and Engineering Career Exposure
The programme is aimed at graduates interested in building careers around technology, data and engineering.
Participants can gain exposure to different IT, data and business teams.
The rotations can help graduates develop a broader understanding of technology and data disciplines while working on practical business challenges.
Participants may also take part in:
- Hackathons.
- Technology learning days.
- Innovation competitions.
- Minimum viable product development.
- Cross-functional projects.
- Technical training.
- Business-focused development activities.
Graduates will also work alongside experienced professionals and subject-matter experts.
Who Should Apply?
The programme may be suitable for graduates and final-year students who are interested in:
- Data and analytics.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Information technology.
- Business intelligence.
- Software and technology environments.
- Engineering.
- Financial services technology.
- Mathematics and statistics.
- Actuarial science.
- Technology-driven business solutions.
Applicants should also be prepared to learn, collaborate across teams and participate in a structured development environment.
How to Apply for the Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the Sanlam careers portal.
Step 1: Check Your Qualification
Confirm that you have completed, or will complete by the end of 2026, an eligible BCom, BSc, BTech or BEng qualification.
Step 2: Check the Experience Requirement
If you have previous professional experience after university, make sure it does not exceed the stated 12-month limit for related professional work experience.
Work-integrated learning experience is excluded from this calculation.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Provide accurate personal, academic and employment information.
Final-year students should make sure their expected qualification completion date is correctly reflected.
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
Applications must be submitted before:
2 October 2026
Apply for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Accelerated Development Programme 2027
Sanlam Graduate Programme Closing Date
The closing date for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Accelerated Development Programme 2027 is:
2 October 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline.
Final-year students should also make sure that they meet the qualification completion requirement before applying.
What Happens During the 13-Month Programme?
Participants will follow a structured development journey combining employment, learning and practical workplace exposure.
The programme includes:
- Technical development – Building relevant technology, data and analytical skills.
- Business exposure – Understanding real business problems and financial services environments.
- Practical experience – Working on enterprise-level challenges.
- Team rotations – Gaining exposure to different IT and business teams.
- Mentorship – Learning from experienced professionals and subject-matter experts.
- Innovation activities – Participating in hackathons, technology learning days and innovation competitions.
- Career development – Building experience across different capabilities and business areas.
Employment After Joining the Programme
One of the key features of this opportunity is that successful candidates receive permanent employment from the onset of the programme.
The 13-month period is therefore structured as an accelerated development programme within permanent employment rather than a short-term graduate contract.
Participants can develop their skills while gaining exposure to different Sanlam technology, data and business environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme?
It is a 13-month graduate development programme offered through the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy for graduates interested in technology, data, analytics and engineering.
Is the Sanlam graduate programme permanent?
Yes. The supplied programme information states that successful candidates receive permanent employment from the start of the programme.
How long is the programme?
The Accelerated Development Programme runs for 13 months.
Where is the programme based?
The programme is based in Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes. Students who will complete their eligible qualification by the end of 2026 can apply.
Do I need previous work experience?
No. Previous professional work experience is not required.
However, applicants should not have more than 12 months of related professional work experience gained after university.
Does work-integrated learning count towards the 12-month experience limit?
No. Work experience completed as part of a work-integrated learning programme is not counted as professional working experience for this requirement.
Which qualifications are accepted?
Eligible qualifications include BCom, BSc, BTech and BEng in fields such as IT, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance, Actuarial Science and engineering disciplines.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 2 October 2026.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the Sanlam careers portal using the advertised Accelerated Development Programme vacancy.
Final Thoughts
The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Accelerated Development Programme 2027 offers graduates an opportunity to combine permanent employment with structured technical and professional development.
The 13-month programme provides exposure to data, technology, analytics, engineering and financial services while participants work on real enterprise-level business problems.
The opportunity is open to graduates and qualifying final-year students from a wide range of technical, analytical, financial and engineering disciplines.
Applicants do not need previous professional experience, although those with post-university experience should remain within the programme’s 12-month related experience limit.
The application deadline is 2 October 2026. Eligible graduates and final-year students should complete their online applications before the closing date.