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: 27 September 2026
Graduate Programme Location: South Africa
Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027
Sanlam is offering an exciting 13-month Accelerated Development Programme for graduates interested in building careers in data, artificial intelligence, analytics, technology and engineering.
The programme forms part of the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy, previously known as the Sanlam Data and Digital Academy.
Successful candidates will work on real business challenges within the Sanlam Analytics and Group Technology environments while receiving structured technical and professional development.
Programme Overview
| Programme Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sanlam |
| Programme | Data, AI and Engineering Academy |
| Programme Type | Accelerated Graduate Development Programme |
| Duration | 13 months |
| Employment | Permanent employment from the start |
| Experience Required | No previous work experience required |
| Maximum Related Experience | Not more than 12 months of post-university professional experience |
| Closing Date | 27 September 2026 |
| Location | South Africa |
What Successful Graduates Can Expect
Candidates selected for the Data, AI and Engineering Academy will receive permanent employment from the outset, together with market-related benefits and rewards.
The 13-month programme provides structured technical training, practical enterprise-level experience and exposure to real Sanlam business projects.
Graduates will have opportunities to work with experienced employees, subject-matter experts, technology teams and analytics specialists while developing technical, analytical and business capabilities.
Participants may also rotate between different IT, data and business teams to gain experience across multiple disciplines and identify areas that best suit their skills and career interests.
Training and Development
During the programme, graduates will receive ongoing technical training, business-acumen development and competency-based training in a professional environment.
Coaching and mentorship will be provided by specialists from the Sanlam Technology and Sanlam Analytics teams.
Graduates may also participate in innovation competitions, technology learning days, data events and hackathons.
The programme includes hands-on exposure to modern IT and business intelligence technologies that support Sanlam’s technology modernisation and data-driven decision-making strategies.
Graduate Programme Benefits
The programme offers graduates exposure to one of Africa’s largest and most diverse non-banking financial services organisations.
Successful candidates can expect permanent employment, market-related benefits, structured development, mentorship, rotations across different technology and business areas, exposure to leading technologies and opportunities to work on new digital capabilities and innovative client-focused solutions.
The programme also provides access to career opportunities across Sanlam’s different capabilities, business areas and geographic markets.
Qualifications Required
Applicants should have completed, or be completing, a relevant BCom, BSc, BTech or BEng qualification.
Suitable 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
Who Can Apply?
Sanlam will consider applicants who already hold a relevant degree or who will complete their degree by the end of 2026.
Previous professional work experience is not required.
Applicants should, however, have no more than 12 months of related post-university professional work experience.
Work experience completed as part of a formal Work Integrated Learning programme will not be counted as professional post-university experience for this requirement.
How to Apply for Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027
Applications must be submitted online through the official Sanlam careers portal.
Click here to apply for Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme 2027
Applicants should complete the online application carefully and ensure that their qualification and academic information is correctly captured.
Graduate Programme Application Closing Date
Applications close on:
27 September 2026
Graduates who will complete their qualifications by the end of 2026 are encouraged to apply before the closing date.
Important Application Notes
The Sanlam Accelerated Development Programme runs for 13 months, but successful candidates are appointed on a permanent employment basis from the start.
Applicants do not need previous professional work experience, although those with more than 12 months of related post-university professional experience may not meet the programme criteria.
The opportunity is particularly suitable for graduates seeking careers in Data, AI, Analytics, Information Technology, Business Intelligence, Finance, Actuarial Science and Engineering.