Citi South Africa Markets Learnership Graduate Programme 2026 (Johannesburg)

Ready to move straight from lecture theatres to live markets? Citi South Africa is recruiting graduates for a year-long Learnership Graduate Programme in Markets based in Johannesburg. This opportunity is aimed at newly qualified university graduates who want hands-on experience in fixed income and rates trading, exposure to risk analysis, and career development that includes a sponsored postgraduate qualification.

Quick overview

Position	South Africa Learnership Graduate Program – Markets, Johannesburg (2026)
Employer	Citi (Citi South Africa)
Location	Johannesburg, Gauteng — Hybrid
Employment type	Intern (Full time) — Year-long learnership
Start year	2026
Who should apply	Newly qualified university graduates with an interest in fixed income markets
Application requirements	CV, Cover letter, Full academic transcript
Apply	Official Citi application page
Equal opportunity	Citi is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities

About the organisation

Citi is a global financial services firm with operations in South Africa. Citi South Africa emphasises career growth and internal mobility, offering structured development through programmes such as this graduate learnership. The firm supports diversity and equal opportunity, and provides accessibility options for applicants who need reasonable accommodation.

What the role involves

This is a market-facing, hands-on learnership inside Citi’s Markets division. Over the year you will gain practical exposure to fixed income and rates trading desks, learn to analyse risk and market movements, and support daily trading activities. The programme combines on-the-job experience with training and a sponsored postgraduate qualification relevant to your area.

Duties and responsibilities

Support rates traders on the bonds and rates desk.
Prepare and analyse risk and various desk reports.
Monitor market moves and provide concise market commentary.
Learn to manage risk and contribute to pricing across asset classes.
Analyse macro‑economic data and identify market trends.
Engage with sales traders and operations to ensure efficient processes.
Participate in morning meetings and other team discussions.
Keep processes and procedures up to date in line with your responsibilities.

Requirements explained clearly

Newly qualified university graduate: The programme is for candidates who have recently completed a university degree.
Interest in financial markets, especially fixed income: You should have a clear interest in bonds, rates and related products.
Motivation and adaptability: A dynamic approach and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced trading environment are essential.
Relationship and communication skills: You will interact with traders, sales and operations, so clear communication and teamwork matter.
Application materials required: CV, cover letter and full academic transcript must be submitted with your application.

Who should consider applying

This learnership is best suited to recent graduates who want to start a career in markets or fixed income trading. If you enjoy numerical analysis, following macro and market news, and working in a team under time-sensitive conditions, this role will give you meaningful exposure and a pathway into permanent roles at the bank.

Application checklist

Prepare an up-to-date CV that emphasises relevant academic modules, quantitative skills, internships or project work related to markets, statistics or economics.
Write a targeted cover letter explaining why you want a fixed income role and how your background suits a trading desk environment.
Obtain a full academic transcript from your university and include it with your application.
Ensure your contact details are correct and professional (email and phone).
Have documentation ready for identity and eligibility checks if shortlisted (standard interview-stage requirement).
Prepare examples that demonstrate teamwork, numeracy, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure—these come up in interviews and assessment exercises.

How to apply

Submit your CV, cover letter and full academic transcript via Citi’s official application page: Apply to the Citi Learnership Graduate Programme — Markets.

Create a Job Specific ATS CV and a Cover Letter Here

Edupstairs Advice: Tailoring your application for a Markets learnership

Lead with relevant academics and quantitative skills: On your CV, highlight modules such as macroeconomics, financial markets, derivatives, econometrics, statistics and any programming or data-analysis experience. Employers on trading desks look for evidence of numerical comfort and analytical thinking.
Use the cover letter to show market awareness: Briefly mention a recent local or global macro event and what it implied for fixed income markets. This demonstrates genuine interest and that you follow the markets.
Showcase practical examples: Include class projects, internships or trading simulations where you analysed data, made recommendations, or worked under tight deadlines.
Keep the transcript readable: If your transcript is long, add a one‑line summary in your cover letter noting your degree, major subjects and overall performance to help recruiters scan quickly.
Prepare for assessments and interviews: Expect questions about risk, market moves and how you process and communicate information. Practice delivering concise market commentary and explaining a recent economic indicator in plain language.
Demonstrate teamwork and communication: Trading desks require close coordination with sales and operations. Use examples that show you can communicate clearly and handle interdependent tasks.
Be ready to learn and show curiosity: Emphasise any upskilling you’ve done (online courses, reading groups, market newsletters) to show you’ll make the most of the training and the sponsored postgraduate qualification.

Tools you may find useful:

View Other Employment Opportunities here

Need Help?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?Newly qualified university graduates who are interested in fixed income and markets roles.
What is the duration of the programme?The opportunity is a year-long learnership.
Where is the role based and what is the work arrangement?The role is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng, and operates on a hybrid work arrangement.
Can learnership graduates move into permanent roles?Graduates on the programme are allowed to apply for permanent positions during their year of work.
Will Citi support further study?Yes. Graduates on the programme are sponsored for a postgraduate qualification relevant to their area during the year.
What must I include with my application?Your application must include a CV, cover letter and full academic transcript. Submit these documents via the official Citi application page.
Are applicants with disabilities supported?Citi provides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities and has accessibility guidance for applicants.

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 0

Disclaimer

Please confirm all final role details, timelines and application instructions on Citi’s official application page before applying. The official page linked above is the primary source for submitting your application and for any updates.

EDUPSTAIRS IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION NPO No: 232 – 182, PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION (PBO): 930066984. EDUPSTAIRS DOES NOT, IN ANY WAY OR FORM, SOLICIT MONEY OR CV’S FROM PEOPLE FOR JOBS. PLEASE BE AWARE OF PHONY JOB POSTINGS AND RECRUITMENT FRAUD. USE THE EDUPSTAIRS SCAM DETECTOR TOOL TO SPOT A SCAM BEFORE YOU APPLY