Sanlam Data AI Academy: 13-Month Graduate Programme for 2026 Graduates

Sanlam Data AI Academy offers soon-to-be and recent graduates an opportunity to begin a career in data, artificial intelligence and software engineering through a structured 13-month accelerated development programme. The opportunity is based in Bellville, Western Cape, and is offered by Sanlam Group.

The programme combines technical training, practical enterprise-level exposure, mentoring and opportunities to work with experienced technology and business teams. Successful candidates will be permanently employed from the onset and will participate in development activities designed to build their technical and professional capabilities.

Sanlam Data AI Academy Opportunity Overview

The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Graduate opportunity is designed for graduates who are interested in using technology, data, artificial intelligence and engineering to solve real-world problems.

There are two development pathways available:

Data and AI
Software Engineering and AI

The programme runs for 13 months and is intended to help participants establish foundations in their chosen field while gaining exposure to different technology and business disciplines within Sanlam.

Candidates selected for the programme will receive permanent employment from the beginning, together with market-related benefits and rewards.

The programme also provides access to experienced Sanlam employees, technology practitioners, mentors, coaches and business leaders.

About Sanlam Group

Sanlam Group is an internationally active insurance organisation with a non-banking financial services footprint across Africa. The Group has an active presence in 27 countries across Africa, India, Malaysia and selected developed markets.

Sanlam is listed on the Johannesburg, A2X and Namibian stock exchanges.

Technology and data form an important part of Sanlam’s transformation strategy. The Group is developing cloud, data, artificial intelligence and digital capabilities while working towards becoming a modern, digital-first and AI-powered financial services organisation.

The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy forms part of Sanlam Group Technology and focuses on developing technical and data-related skills needed in a growing technology and data-driven environment.

What the Graduate Programme Offers

During the 13-month programme, graduates will receive ongoing technical training and real-world enterprise-level experience. The programme also includes business acumen and competency-based training in a professional environment.

Participants can expect exposure to:

Technical training and hands-on experience.
Coaching and mentorship from subject matter experts.
Different data and technology disciplines.
IT and business teams through rotations.
Innovation competitions, hackathons and technology learning days.
Leading IT and business intelligence tools and technologies.
Cross-functional work across different parts of the business.

The programme is intended to help graduates develop skills that can support longer-term careers within Sanlam’s technology, data and related capabilities.

Data and AI Career Pathway

The Data and AI stream is aimed at graduates interested in understanding data, identifying patterns, generating insights and using information to support decision-making and commercial outcomes.

Participants can develop foundations in areas such as data management, data engineering and AI-ready data products. The programme also provides exposure to artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics and agentic AI.

Potential career areas mentioned in the opportunity include:

Data Analyst
Data Scientist
Data Engineer
AI/ML Engineer

Software Engineering and AI Pathway

The Software Engineering and AI stream is intended for candidates who enjoy engineering and solving complex problems.

The pathway includes exposure to modern engineering practices, cloud-native architecture, distributed systems, application integration and agentic engineering.

Graduates interested in this area may work towards careers such as:

Software Engineer
DevOps Engineer
Integration Specialist
Architect

Requirements and Eligibility

The programme is aimed at students who already hold a degree or will obtain a degree by the end of 2026.

Previous employment is not required. However, applicants should not have more than 12 months of related post-university professional working experience.

Work experience obtained through a work-integrated learning programme will not be counted as professional working experience for this requirement.

The qualifications listed include:

BCom, BSc or BTech
Information Technology or Computer Science
Data Science, Data Analytics or Business Intelligence
Statistics, Mathematics, Finance or Actuarial
Industrial, Electrical, Chemical, Civil or Mechanical Engineering, including BEng

Sanlam states that applicants are not expected to have extensive technical knowledge because the curriculum is designed to provide the required learning.

A basic understanding of Python, Java, .Net, SQL, data analysis, modelling, visualisation, business analysis and process analysis may be helpful.

Skills and Personal Attributes

The opportunity is suited to independent and self-motivated individuals with strong analytical skills.

The supplied information highlights qualities such as innovation, problem-solving, passion for data and technology, managing different deadlines and tasks, client centricity, collaboration and openness to feedback.

Additional areas listed include data security, risk management, IT data analysis, database knowledge, reporting and administration.

The programme also refers to Sanlam’s personal attributes of showing up and inspiring excellence, winning together and envisioning the future.

Location and Employment Information

The opportunity is located in Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa.

Selected candidates will be permanently employed from the onset. The programme itself is structured over 13 months.

The supplied information states that market-related benefits and rewards are available. However, no specific salary amount is provided in the available information.

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How to Apply

The supplied vacancy information confirms the programme and closing date but does not provide an application URL, email address or specific application platform.

Applicants should therefore verify the official application instructions through the vacancy source before submitting personal information or documents.

Do not rely on an application method that has not been confirmed in the available information.

Closing Date

The closing date for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Graduate opportunity is:

2 October 2026

Sanlam states that shortlisting will only begin after the application due date has passed. The time required for the process will depend on how far candidates progress and the availability of managers.

What Applicants Should Verify

Before submitting an application, candidates should verify the official application method, the information required from applicants and any instructions associated with the vacancy.

The supplied information does not confirm a specific list of application documents, so applicants should check the official vacancy source for the latest requirements.

The programme’s transformation commitment also states that Sanlam embraces diversity and that its Employment Equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the selection process.

OnlineLearnership Advice

Before applying, make sure you:

Update your CV.
Ensure your contact details are correct.
Upload clear certified documents if requested.
Double-check your academic information.
Apply well before the closing date.
Keep copies of your application confirmation.
Submitting an incomplete application may reduce your chances of being shortlisted.

ONLINELEARNERSHIP Advice

If you qualify for this opportunity, do not wait until the final day to apply. Municipal recruitment systems often experience heavy traffic close to the closing date, and last-minute technical problems could prevent your application from being submitted successfully.

Before applying, make sure your CV is updated, your academic records are ready, and your proof of residence is available. Even if you are still completing your qualification and only require workplace exposure to graduate, this programme could provide the practical experience you need to complete your studies and strengthen your future employment prospects.

Continue applying for similar internships and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities instead of relying on a single application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Sanlam Data AI Academy?

The programme is intended for students who already hold a degree or will obtain a degree by the end of 2026. Applicants should not have more than 12 months of related post-university professional working experience.

What qualifications are considered?

The supplied information lists BCom, BSc, BTech and BEng qualifications in fields including IT, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance, Actuarial and several engineering disciplines.

Does previous work experience have to be completed?

No. Previous work experience is not a prerequisite. However, candidates should not have more than 12 months of related post-university professional working experience.

How long is the programme?

The accelerated development programme runs for 13 months.

Where is the opportunity based?

The supplied vacancy information gives the location as Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa.

Is a salary or stipend provided?

The information states that selected candidates receive market-related benefits and rewards, but it does not provide a specific salary or stipend amount.

What is the closing date?

The closing date is 2 October 2026. Applicants should verify the official application instructions before submitting their application.

Source and Transparency

The vacancy information supplied for this article identifies Sanlam Group as the company and the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Graduate as the opportunity. The stated date is 25 September 2026, with the closing date listed as 2 October 2026.

Applicants should verify the opportunity, eligibility requirements and application instructions through the official vacancy source before submitting personal documents.

Conclusion

The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy provides a structured route for eligible graduates interested in data, artificial intelligence and software engineering. The 13-month programme combines permanent employment with technical development, mentorship, practical experience and exposure to different technology and business teams.

Graduates who meet the qualification and experience requirements should carefully check the application instructions and submit their applications before the 2 October 2026 closing date. Candidates should also continue looking for other relevant graduate programmes, internships and Work-Integrated Learning opportunities while pursuing their career goals.

Author: LERATO MOTEPA
Publisher: OnlineLearnership
Published: 30 September 2026
Updated: 30 September 2026

LERATO MOTEPA

OnlineLearnership.co.za Editorial Team is dedicated to helping South Africans discover genuine career opportunities and build successful futures. Our team researches, verifies, and publishes the latest learnerships, internships, apprenticeships, graduate programmes, bursaries, entry-level jobs, and career development resources from trusted employers, government departments, municipalities, SETAs, TVET colleges, universities, and private companies across South Africa.
Our mission is to make career information easy to access by providing accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand content that empowers job seekers, stude