ExploreAI Academy Data Science Learnership 2026
A 12-month, fully-sponsored, accredited data science learnership (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and online) for youth aged 17-35, with entry by aptitude test and no formal qualification.
Apply for the ExploreAI Academy Data Science Learnership
Provider: ExploreAI Academy (formerly Explore Data Science Academy / EDSA; part of Sand Technologies) • Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban & online
Program Overview
Program Details
Key Benefits
- ✓NQF Level 5 accredited qualification
- ✓Real workplace experience with a recognised employer
- ✓Stipend: Monthly stipend
- ✓Mentorship and structured on-the-job training
- ✓Strong pathway toward permanent employment
Entry Requirements
- ✓Age 18-35 years (sponsored learnership eligibility; bursary requires at least 18 years at entry)
- ✓No formal qualification required (background in maths, statistics or programming is advised)
- ✓Must pass the academy's online admissions assessments (verbal, numerical and logical reasoning) plus a video interview
- ✓Sponsored learnerships / scholarships are limited to South African citizens
- ✓Must have access to a computer, stable internet and a quiet workspace and commit to full-time (approx. 50 hrs/week) or part-time (approx. 15 hrs/week) study
- ✓Fully sponsored / free to the learner when on a corporate-sponsored learnership or scholarship
Career Opportunities
On successful completion, learners can pursue roles such as:
How to Apply
Check the requirements
Confirm you meet every entry requirement before you apply.
Prepare your documents
Certified ID, matric certificate / qualifications, CV and any supporting documents.
Apply online
Submit your application via the official ExploreAI Academy (formerly Explore Data Science Academy / EDSA; part of Sand Technologies) careers portal.
Assessments & interview
Shortlisted candidates complete assessments and interviews.
Placement
Successful learners sign a learnership agreement and begin the programme.
⚠️ Good to Know
STATUS: ExploreAI Academy is clearly still operating in 2026 (training 1,000+ learners annually; the dedicated admissions portal admissions.explore.ai is live and accepting course applications). The flagship Data Science Accelerator/learnership is a RECURRING annual programme; the official accelerator page currently…
• Only shortlisted candidates are typically contacted — check the official portal for the latest intake dates.
• Learnerships are aimed at unemployed South African youth; preference is often given to candidates from designated groups.
• Beware of scams — GoCareers never charges for applications, and neither do legitimate employers.
Ready to apply?
Head to the official ExploreAI Academy (formerly Explore Data Science Academy / EDSA; part of Sand Technologies) careers portal to submit your application.
Apply for the ExploreAI Academy Data Science Learnership →