Mastercard invites suitably qualified graduates to apply for the Associate Consultant Graduate Programme 2027 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Graduate Programme Application Closing Date: 05 November 2026
Graduate Programme Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Programme Start Dates: March or September 2027
About the Mastercard Associate Consultant Graduate Programme
The Mastercard Associate Consultant Graduate Programme offers graduates an opportunity to work in small consulting teams and help major brands solve complex strategic and business challenges.
Successful candidates will contribute to client projects, take ownership of deliverables and build professional relationships with external clients.
The programme provides exposure to industries such as:
- Financial Services
- Retail
- Restaurants
- Hospitality
- Technology
- Other consumer and business sectors
The role has a strong focus on technology, data and strategic problem-solving.
Specialisation Tracks
Mastercard is recruiting graduates into two main specialisation tracks:
Strategy & Transformation
This track focuses on helping clients address:
- Strategic challenges
- Tactical challenges
- Operational challenges
- Business transformation
- Product development
- Marketing
- Customer loyalty
- Innovation
- Performance improvement
The work is similar to traditional management consulting and may involve engagements with large multinational companies.
Marketing
The Marketing track focuses on developing and implementing marketing strategies and campaigns for Mastercard clients.
Graduates may be involved in:
- Marketing campaign strategy
- Campaign implementation
- Campaign performance evaluation
- Direct marketing
- Customer data analysis
- Behavioural data analysis
- Transactional data analysis
- Measuring client and Mastercard outcomes
Important CV Requirement
Applicants should clearly indicate their first-choice specialisation track on their CV.
The two available tracks are:
- Strategy & Transformation
- Marketing
This information will be used to help match applicants with their preferred track.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have an undergraduate or master’s degree.
- Expect to graduate between November 2026 and August 2027.
- Be able to communicate complex ideas effectively.
- Have strong written English communication skills.
- Have strong verbal English communication skills.
- Be available to start in either March 2027 or September 2027.
Skills Suitable for the Programme
The programme may be suitable for candidates who demonstrate:
- Strong analytical ability.
- Problem-solving skills.
- Communication skills.
- Teamwork.
- Client relationship skills.
- Interest in strategy and consulting.
- Interest in technology and data.
- Ability to work on complex business challenges.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Mastercard careers platform.
Click here to apply for Mastercard Associate Consultant Graduate Programme 2027
Applicants should ensure their CV clearly states their preferred specialisation track before submitting.
Closing Date
05 November 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date.