NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027

Written by Thabo MokoenaSenior Education Editor

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

NTT DATA, the global technology services group, is recruiting graduates for its Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027 in Johannesburg. The company posted the vacancy (job number R-149466) on its careers site on 31 August 2026, and the advert gives a closing date of 9 October 2026. Successful applicants join as Associate Graduates, a full-time role on the company’s staff rather than a bursary or a learnership.

Who NTT DATA wants for the 2027 intake

The advert sets out three minimum requirements:

• A three-year diploma or degree in Information Technology, Commerce, Engineering or a related field, either completed or due to be completed by December 2026. Final-year students can therefore apply now.
• The programme is described as ideally suited to recent graduates aged 26 and younger who want to start a career in the technology industry.
• Applicants who do not live in Johannesburg must be willing to relocate at their own cost.

The relocation point matters for graduates from other provinces. NTT DATA does not say it pays moving or housing costs, so anyone applying from outside Gauteng should budget for rent in Johannesburg from the start date. The advert does not publish that start date or a salary.

Beyond qualifications, the company lists the traits it looks for: curiosity and a willingness to learn, a growth mindset and adaptability, strong problem-solving, initiative and accountability, and the ability to build working relationships.

What an Associate Graduate does

NTT DATA describes the programme as hands-on work experience combined with structured learning, industry-recognised certifications and mentorship. Graduates are placed in a business unit or function and take part in its operational and project work alongside experienced staff and subject specialists. The listed responsibilities include contributing to real business projects, applying theory to business problems, working with colleagues, clients and stakeholders, flagging risks or improvement opportunities, and taking part in the company’s corporate social responsibility and volunteer projects.

The advert does not say how long the programme lasts, whether graduates rotate between units, or which certifications are offered. It also does not promise a permanent post at the end. Those questions are worth raising at interview.

Applying through the Workday portal

Applications go through the NTT DATA careers page for job R-149466. The Apply button leads to the company’s Workday application form, where applicants create a candidate profile and upload a CV. The advert does not list any other required documents.

NTT DATA warns that its recruiters never ask candidates for payment or banking details, and that genuine recruitment emails come only from an @nttdata.com address. Treat any message about this programme from another domain, or any request for a fee, as a scam.

For comparison, the Samsung South Africa Graduate Programme is another technology-sector intake for 2027. Students still completing an IT qualification can look through the information technology bursaries and the ICT bursaries lists.

FAQs