Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy 2026: Graduate Opportunity in Bellville
Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy 2026: Graduate Opportunity in Bellville
Graduates and final-year students interested in data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, technology and analytics can apply for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy in Bellville, Western Cape.
The programme offers a 13-month accelerated development opportunity designed to help graduates build careers in either Data & AI or Software Engineering & AI. Importantly, successful candidates receive permanent employment from the outset, together with structured development, mentoring and practical enterprise-level experience.
Applications close on 27 September 2026.
Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy 2026: Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Sanlam Group |
| Programme | Data, AI and Engineering Academy |
| Location | Bellville, Western Cape |
| Programme duration | 13 months |
| Employment | Permanent employment from the onset |
| Career tracks | Data & AI; Software Engineering & AI |
| Target applicants | Soon-to-be and recent graduates |
| Experience | No experience required, but maximum 12 months’ related post-university experience |
| Qualification level | Degree |
| Closing date | 27 September 2026 |
Sanlam published the vacancy on 27 August 2026, with the position based in Bellville, Western Cape.
What Is the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy?
The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy is a graduate development programme within Sanlam Group Technology.
The academy is designed to develop the technical and analytical capabilities needed in a rapidly evolving technology and data environment. Sanlam says participants will work alongside experienced technology practitioners and tackle real-world problems involving technology, engineering, data and artificial intelligence.
The programme is divided into two career pathways:
- Data & AI
- Software Engineering & AI
This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to graduates who want to build a long-term career in the technology and artificial intelligence space.
What Does the Sanlam Academy Offer?
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is that it is not simply a short-term graduate internship.
Successful candidates receive permanent employment from the onset, market-related benefits and rewards, and participation in the structured 13-month accelerated development programme.
Participants can also expect:
- Hands-on enterprise-level experience
- Technical training
- Business and competency-based training
- Coaching and mentoring
- Guidance from technology, engineering, AI and business leaders
- Exposure to different technology and data disciplines
- Opportunities to work across different teams
- Participation in innovation competitions and hackathons
- Practical experience with IT and business intelligence tools
- Exposure to leading technology used within Sanlam
Data & AI Career Track
The Data & AI pathway is designed for graduates who are interested in using data to generate insights and support business decisions.
Participants will develop foundations in:
- Data management
- Data engineering
- AI-ready data products
- Artificial intelligence
- Machine learning
- Predictive analytics
- Agentic AI
- Data analysis
Sanlam says participants on this pathway can develop towards careers such as:
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Data Engineer
- AI/ML Engineer
This pathway may be particularly suitable for graduates who enjoy working with datasets, identifying patterns, analysing information and using technology to solve business problems.
Software Engineering & AI Career Track
The second pathway focuses on Software Engineering & AI.
This track is aimed at candidates who enjoy engineering, software development and solving complex technical problems.
The programme provides exposure to areas including:
- Cloud-native architecture
- Distributed systems
- Application integration
- Modern engineering practices
- Integration patterns
- Artificial intelligence
- Agentic engineering
Participants can work towards careers such as:
- Software Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Integration Specialist
- Architect
Who Can Apply for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy?
The programme is aimed at soon-to-be graduates and recent graduates.
Sanlam states that applicants must already hold a degree or be able to obtain their degree by the end of 2026.
Relevant Qualifications
Sanlam lists the following qualification areas:
BCom, BSc or BTech in:
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- Business Intelligence
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Finance
- Actuarial
The opportunity also accepts engineering qualifications in:
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- BEng
Is Work Experience Required?
No previous professional work experience is required.
However, Sanlam states that applicants should not have more than 12 months of related post-university professional working experience.
An important point for graduates is that experience gained through a work-integrated learning programme will not be counted as professional working experience for this requirement.
Therefore, graduates who have completed WIL placements should not automatically assume that this makes them ineligible.
What Skills Does Sanlam Look For?
Sanlam says it does not expect candidates to arrive with extensive knowledge of every technology covered by the programme because the academy’s curriculum is designed to provide the necessary development.
However, having a basic understanding of the following would be beneficial:
- Python
- Java
- .NET
- SQL
- Data analysis
- Data modelling
- Data visualisation
- Business analysis
- Process analysis
The vacancy also identifies knowledge areas such as:
- Data security
- Risk management
- IT data analysis
- Database knowledge
- Reporting and administration
Personal Attributes Sanlam Wants
The programme is aimed at independent and self-motivated graduates with strong analytical abilities.
Sanlam identifies several characteristics that could help candidates succeed, including:
- An innovative mindset
- Problem-solving ability
- Passion for data, technology and AI
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and stakeholders
- Client-centricity
- Collaboration
- Openness to feedback
- Commitment to continuous personal development
The vacancy also highlights three personal attributes under Sanlam’s values:
Show Up and Inspire Excellence, Win Together, and Envisage Our Future.
What Happens During the 13-Month Programme?
The 13-month programme is designed to provide considerably more than theoretical training.
Participants will receive ongoing technical training and real-world enterprise-level experience while developing business acumen and professional competencies.
They will also receive coaching and mentoring from subject-matter experts within Sanlam Technology and Sanlam Analytics.
Another important component is rotation between IT and business teams. This allows participants to experience different disciplines before developing further in areas that align with their abilities and interests.
Participants can also take part in:
- Innovation competitions
- Technology learning days
- Hackathons
- Functional training
- Hands-on technology projects
Where Is the Sanlam Graduate Programme Located?
The vacancy is based in:
Bellville, Western Cape, South Africa.
The employer is Sanlam Group.
Applicants should therefore consider the location when applying, particularly if they are currently studying or living outside the Western Cape.
Is the Sanlam Academy a Permanent Job?
Yes.
This is an important distinction from many graduate internships.
Sanlam explicitly states that successful candidates will receive permanent employment from the onset while participating in the 13-month accelerated development programme.
This means the programme is structured as a graduate career-entry opportunity rather than simply a temporary placement.
Why the Sanlam Data and AI Academy Is Worth Considering
The financial services sector is increasingly dependent on technology, data, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Sanlam says it is investing in cloud, data and engineering platforms and is scaling its AI capabilities as part of its broader technology transformation. Its technology environment includes cloud migration, modern data platforms and AI platforms.
For a graduate, this creates an opportunity to gain exposure to technologies and business problems that extend beyond purely academic projects.
The combination of permanent employment, structured training, mentorship, rotations and real-world technology experience makes this particularly attractive for graduates who want to establish a career in data or software engineering.
How to Apply for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy
Applications should be submitted through the official Sanlam Careers portal.
Apply for the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy
Applicants should ensure that their degree qualification and academic status meet Sanlam’s requirements before submitting their application.
Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy Closing Date
The closing date is:
27 September 2026
Sanlam states that shortlisting will only begin after the application due date has been reached. The time required to complete the selection process will depend on how far candidates progress and the availability of hiring managers.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy?
It is a 13-month accelerated graduate development programme offering career pathways in Data & AI and Software Engineering & AI.
Is the Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy a permanent job?
Yes. Successful candidates receive permanent employment from the onset while participating in the 13-month programme.
Who can apply?
Soon-to-be graduates and recent graduates who hold, or will obtain by the end of 2026, a relevant degree can apply.
What degrees does Sanlam accept?
Relevant BCom, BSc and BTech qualifications include IT, Computer Science, Data Science, Data Analytics, Business Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance and Actuarial fields. Relevant engineering degrees include Industrial, Electrical, Chemical, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, as well as BEng.
Can I apply without work experience?
Yes. Previous work experience is not a prerequisite. However, applicants should have no more than 12 months of related post-university professional work experience.
Does WIL experience count as professional experience?
No. Sanlam states that experience obtained through a work-integrated learning programme will not be considered professional working experience for this requirement.
Where is the programme based?
The position is based in Bellville, Western Cape.
How long is the programme?
The accelerated development programme runs for 13 months.
What career paths are available?
There are two main tracks: Data & AI and Software Engineering & AI.
When does the Sanlam Academy application close?
Applications close on 27 September 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy 2026 is a strong graduate opportunity for South Africans who want to build careers at the intersection of technology, data, artificial intelligence and financial services.
The programme stands out because successful applicants are permanently employed from the beginning, while receiving 13 months of structured training, mentoring, practical experience and exposure to multiple technology and business teams.
Graduates do not need extensive professional experience to apply. The key requirement is a relevant degree, either already completed or due to be completed by the end of 2026, together with no more than 12 months of related post-university professional experience.
For candidates interested in Data Science, AI, Data Analytics, Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Actuarial Science or Engineering, this is an opportunity worth serious consideration.
Programme: Sanlam Data, AI and Engineering Academy
Location: Bellville, Western Cape
Duration: 13 months
Employment: Permanent from onset
Career tracks: Data & AI; Software Engineering & AI
Closing date: 27 September 2026
Employer: Sanlam Group
