PPB Data Science Learnership

Personal & Private Banking (PPB) Data Science Graduate Programme 2026

Looking to launch your career in Data Science with one of Africa’s leading financial institutions? The Personal & Private Banking (PPB) Data Science Graduate Programme 2026 at Standard Bank offers structured training, real business exposure, and the opportunity to work with advanced analytics and machine learning in a fast-paced banking environment.

If you have a strong quantitative background and a passion for solving real-world problems using data, this opportunity is for you.


Programme Overview

  • Business Segment: Personal & Private Banking (PPB)
  • Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng (30 Baker Street)
  • Job Type: Full-time Graduate Programme
  • Application Closing Date: 31 May 2026

This programme places graduates at the centre of data-driven innovation, helping to build predictive models, automation solutions, and advanced analytics capabilities within the bank.


What You’ll Do

Data & Analytics

  • Gather, clean, and preprocess large structured and unstructured datasets
  • Perform data transformation, normalization, visualization, and feature engineering
  • Apply statistical, mathematical, and simulation techniques
  • Develop and maintain machine learning models
  • Present trends, correlations, and insights to business stakeholders

Machine Learning & Technology

  • Build machine learning models using Python or R
  • Work with distributed data systems such as Hadoop, Spark, Kafka, and HDFS
  • Support automation and productionalisation of analytics solutions
  • Contribute to advanced computational algorithms and predictive modelling

Collaboration & Business Integration

  • Work with the Data Science Guild and subject matter experts
  • Translate business problems into data science solutions
  • Support integration of model outputs into production systems

Qualifications Required

You must be completing or have completed an Honours (4-year equivalent) or Master’s degree in:

  • Data Science / Analytics
  • Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Quantitative Risk Management
  • Engineering (Computer, Industrial, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, etc.)

Degree completion deadline: 31 December 2026


Minimum Requirements

  • South African citizen
  • Maximum of 24 months work experience
  • Minimum 70% average (3rd year undergraduate)
  • Minimum 65% average (Honours / 4th year / Master’s)
  • Submit Matric certificate and full academic transcripts
  • Submit original electronic PDF documents (non-scanned)

Why Join Standard Bank?

  • Exposure to real banking data and business challenges
  • Structured training and mentorship
  • Advanced machine learning and big data experience
  • Work at the forefront of financial innovation in Africa
  • Clear pathway to long-term career growth


How to Apply

Applications are open until 31 May 2026.

Apply directly via the official Standard Bank careers portal.

Important: Standard Bank will never request payment during the recruitment process. Report any suspicious activity to their fraud line.


If you’re aiming to build a career in Data Science within banking and financial services in South Africa, this graduate programme offers one of the strongest entry points in 2026.