NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027: Applications Open for South African Graduates
NTT DATA has opened applications for its Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027 in Johannesburg, South Africa, giving recent graduates an opportunity to launch their careers within the technology industry.
The full-time graduate programme combines hands-on work experience, structured learning, industry-recognised certifications and mentorship. Successful candidates will work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to real business initiatives and develop technical, professional and leadership capabilities.
Applications close on 9 October 2026.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | NTT DATA |
| Programme | Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027 |
| Location | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Category | General Business Management, Operations and Administration |
| Job type | Full-time |
| Target group | Recent graduates |
| Preferred age | 26 years and younger |
| Qualification | Three-year Diploma or Degree |
| Fields | Information Technology, Commerce, Engineering or related field |
| Graduation requirement | Completed or due to complete by December 2026 |
| Relocation | Required at applicant’s own cost if not based in Johannesburg |
| Development | Structured learning, certifications and mentorship |
| Closing date | 9 October 2026 |
| Application | NTT DATA Careers |
About the NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme
The NTT DATA Graduate Programme is designed to help talented graduates transition from university or college into professional careers.
Participants receive practical work experience while following structured learning pathways.
NTT DATA specifically highlights four important elements of the programme:
- Hands-on work experience.
- Structured learning.
- Industry-recognised certifications.
- Mentorship.
Graduates will join NTT DATA as Associate Graduates and work alongside experienced professionals while contributing to actual business initiatives.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is ideally suited to recent graduates aged 26 and younger who want to begin careers within the technology industry.
Candidates should have completed, or be due to complete by December 2026, a three-year Diploma or Degree in:
- Information Technology.
- Commerce.
- Engineering.
- A related field.
This means final-year students who will complete their qualification by December 2026 can also meet the stated academic timing requirement.
Relocation Requirement
The programme is based in Johannesburg.
NTT DATA specifically states that applicants who are not based in Johannesburg must be willing to relocate.
Importantly, the company states that relocation will be at the applicant’s own cost.
Candidates living outside Johannesburg should therefore consider the financial and practical implications of relocating before accepting an offer.
What You’ll Do
As an Associate Graduate, participants will become immersed in a professional working environment while developing networks and practical industry experience.
Graduates will contribute to real business projects while working with experienced professionals and subject-matter experts.
They will also participate in operational and project activities relevant to the particular business unit or function in which they are placed.
Apply Your Academic Knowledge to Real Business Problems
A major objective of the programme is to help graduates move beyond theoretical learning.
Participants will apply their academic knowledge to:
- Business challenges.
- Operational activities.
- Projects.
- Innovative solutions.
- Opportunities for improvement.
This gives graduates an opportunity to see how knowledge acquired during their qualifications can be applied within a global technology and business-services environment.
Structured Learning and Industry Certifications
Professional development is a significant component of the programme.
NTT DATA states that graduates will develop their technical and professional capabilities through:
Structured learning pathways + certifications + on-the-job experience.
The reference to industry-recognised certifications is particularly relevant for graduates seeking to build professional credentials alongside their workplace experience.
The vacancy does not specify exactly which certifications every participant will complete, so candidates should not assume a particular certification pathway.
Mentorship and Experienced Professionals
Graduates will work alongside experienced NTT DATA professionals and subject-matter experts.
This provides participants with opportunities to learn from established professionals while gaining exposure to real business activities.
Mentorship is also specifically identified as part of the programme’s development structure.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Exposure
The programme requires graduates to collaborate effectively with:
- Colleagues.
- Clients.
- Stakeholders across the organisation.
Building positive working relationships is also specifically listed among the qualities NTT DATA wants candidates to demonstrate.
This means the programme is not focused solely on technical capability. Communication, teamwork and professional relationship-building are also important.
Community and Volunteer Initiatives
Participants may also contribute beyond their normal business responsibilities.
NTT DATA says graduates will participate in corporate social responsibility and volunteer initiatives designed to create meaningful impact within communities.
This adds a community-engagement component to the professional development programme.
Skills NTT DATA Is Looking For
NTT DATA identifies several qualities candidates will need to thrive in the graduate programme.
These include:
- Curiosity.
- Willingness to learn.
- Growth mindset.
- Adaptability.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Initiative.
- Accountability.
- Ability to build positive working relationships.
Candidates should consider demonstrating these attributes through concrete examples in their CV and application.
About NTT DATA
NTT DATA describes itself as a $30+ billion business and technology services company serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100.
Its capabilities include:
- Artificial intelligence.
- Cloud.
- Security.
- Connectivity.
- Data centres.
- Application services.
- Consulting.
- Industry solutions.
The company says it has experts operating across more than 70 countries.
NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which the company says invests more than $3 billion annually in research and development.
Salary or Graduate Stipend
The official graduate programme information supplied does not specify a salary or monthly stipend.
Candidates should therefore not rely on unofficial salary estimates when evaluating the opportunity.
Any remuneration and benefits information should be confirmed directly through NTT DATA’s recruitment process.
How to Apply
Applications should be completed through the official NTT DATA Careers platform.
- Visit NTT DATA Careers.
- Search for Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027.
- Confirm the location as Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Review the minimum requirements.
- Confirm that your qualification will be completed by December 2026.
- Consider the relocation requirement if you live outside Johannesburg.
- Complete the official online application.
- Upload any documents requested by NTT DATA.
- Review your application.
- Submit it before 9 October 2026.
Candidates should apply only through NTT DATA’s authorised recruitment channels.
The company specifically warns that genuine NTT DATA recruiters will never ask candidates for payment or banking information during recruitment. Legitimate recruiter emails will come from an @nttdata.com address.
Closing Date
Applications close on 9 October 2026.
Candidates should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Application Tips
Make your academic qualification immediately visible on your CV. Clearly state whether you have already graduated or expect to complete your qualification by December 2026.
Candidates from Information Technology and Engineering can highlight relevant technical projects, programming, systems, data, infrastructure or engineering experience where applicable.
Commerce graduates can emphasise relevant business, analytical, operations, project or technology-related coursework and experience.
NTT DATA also explicitly values problem-solving, adaptability, initiative and positive working relationships. Instead of simply listing these as skills, provide evidence through academic projects, internships, volunteering or other genuine experience.
If you are outside Johannesburg, only apply if you are genuinely prepared to relocate at your own expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027?
The programme is ideally suited to recent graduates aged 26 and younger who have completed, or will complete by December 2026, a relevant three-year Diploma or Degree.
Which qualifications are accepted?
NTT DATA lists Information Technology, Commerce, Engineering or a related field.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes. The stated requirements include candidates who are due to complete their qualification by December 2026.
Where is the programme based?
Johannesburg, South Africa.
Does NTT DATA pay relocation costs?
The vacancy states that applicants outside Johannesburg must be willing to relocate at their own cost.
Does the programme include certifications?
Yes. NTT DATA states that the programme includes industry-recognised certifications alongside structured learning and workplace experience.
What is the application deadline?
Applications close on 9 October 2026.
Official Source
NTT DATA — Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Job type: Full-time
Category: General Business Management, Operations and Administration
Closing date: 9 October 2026
Conclusion
The NTT DATA Young Talent Graduate Programme 2027 offers South African graduates an opportunity to begin their careers through practical work experience, structured learning, mentorship and industry-recognised certifications. The programme is particularly suited to recent graduates aged 26 and younger with a three-year Diploma or Degree in Information Technology, Commerce, Engineering or a related field. Candidates completing their studies by December 2026 are also eligible under the stated requirements. Applications close on 9 October 2026.
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