Sanlam invites soon-to-be and recent graduates to apply for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Accelerated Development Programme 2027.
Graduate Programme Application Closing Date: 2 October 2026
Graduate Programme Location: Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa
Programme Duration: 13 months
Employment Type: Permanent employment from the start of the programme
The programme is open to graduates from IT, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Actuarial Science and other specified fields.
About the Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027
The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy, previously known as the Sanlam Data and Digital Academy, offers a structured 13-month Accelerated Development Programme for graduates interested in developing technical, analytical and business skills.
Participants will gain practical experience while working on real business problems within the Sanlam Analytics and Group Technology ecosystems.
Successful candidates will receive permanent employment from the onset, together with market-related benefits and rewards.
What the Programme Offers
Graduates selected for the Data, AI and Engineering Academy can expect:
- Permanent employment from the start;
- Market-related benefits and rewards;
- A structured 13-month development programme;
- Practical enterprise-level experience;
- Exposure to data, technology and financial services environments;
- Opportunities to work with leading-edge technologies;
- Experience designing and launching new capabilities;
- Opportunities to experiment and develop minimum viable products;
- Collaboration with experienced Sanlam employees; and
- Access to career opportunities across different capabilities and business areas.
Training and Development
During the 13-month programme, graduates will receive ongoing technical and professional development.
This includes:
- Technical training;
- Real-world enterprise-level experience;
- Business acumen training;
- Competency-based training;
- Coaching and mentorship from subject-matter experts;
- Cross-functional working opportunities;
- Exposure to different data and technology disciplines;
- Rotations through different IT and business teams;
- Innovation competitions;
- Technology learning days;
- Hackathons; and
- Functional training with experienced facilitators.
Participants will also gain hands-on exposure to IT and Business Intelligence tools and technologies.
Qualifications Required
Applicants must have completed, or be completing, a BCom, BSc, BTech or BEng qualification in one of the following fields:
- Information Technology;
- Computer Science;
- Data Science;
- Data Analytics;
- Business Intelligence;
- Statistics;
- Mathematics;
- Finance;
- Actuarial;
- Industrial Engineering;
- Electrical Engineering;
- Chemical Engineering;
- Civil Engineering; or
- Mechanical Engineering.
Who Can Apply?
Sanlam will consider applicants who:
- Already hold an eligible degree; or
- Will complete their degree by the end of 2026.
Previous work experience is not a prerequisite.
However, applicants should not have more than 12 months of related professional work experience obtained after university.
Work experience completed as part of a work-integrated learning programme will not be counted as professional working experience for this requirement.
Is Previous Work Experience Required?
No. Previous professional work experience is not required.
This makes the programme suitable for recent graduates and final-year students who will complete their qualifications by the end of 2026.
Applicants who already have post-university professional experience should note the programme’s limit of no more than 12 months of related professional working experience.
Data, AI and Engineering Career Exposure
The programme provides graduates with exposure across different IT, data and business teams.
Rotations are intended to help participants develop a broader skill set while gaining experience in multiple technology and data disciplines.
Graduates may also have opportunities to participate in innovation activities such as hackathons and technology learning events while receiving guidance from specialists within Sanlam Technology and Sanlam Analytics.
How to Apply for Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the Sanlam careers portal.
Click here to apply for Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027
Applicants should complete the online application and ensure that their qualification and expected graduation date are correctly reflected.
Graduate Programme Application Closing Date: 2 October 2026
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Sanlam |
| Programme | Data, AI and Engineering Academy |
| Programme Year | 2027 |
| Duration | 13 months |
| Location | Bellville, Western Cape |
| Employment | Permanent from the onset |
| Qualifications | BCom, BSc, BTech or BEng |
| Fields | IT, Computer Science, Data, BI, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance, Actuarial and Engineering |
| Final-Year Students | Eligible if degree is completed by end of 2026 |
| Previous Experience | Not required |
| Maximum Related Post-University Experience | 12 months |
| Closing Date | 2 October 2026 |
| Application Method | Online |