MTN Graduate Programme 2026
MTN’s flagship 12-month graduate learnership - rotations across Networks, IT, Data, Finance, Marketing, HR and Supply Chain, with strong conversion into permanent MTN roles.
Apply on MTN careers
Status: Annual intake - watch the MTN careers portal
Programme Overview
Programme Details
Why the MTN Graduate Programme?
- ✓Three rotations build cross-functional breadth quickly
- ✓Direct exposure to MTN’s executive team and Ambition 2025 strategy
- ✓High permanent-conversion rate for strong performers
- ✓MTN’s learning platform (Y’ello Academy) and global mobility within the MTN group of 19 markets
- ✓Dedicated mentor and buddy for the duration of the programme
Entry Requirements
- ✓Completed (or final-year) 3-year qualification - degree or honours
- ✓South African citizen, age 18-30
- ✓Strong academic record (typically 65%+ average)
- ✓Discipline relevant to MTN - Engineering, IT, Data, Finance, Marketing, HR, Supply Chain
- ✓No prior full-time work experience or current graduate programme
- ✓Strong English communication, written and verbal
- ✓Willing to work from MTN HQ in Fairland, Johannesburg
- ✓Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
Streams Available
Networks & Engineering
Radio access, transmission, core, IP/MPLS and energy
IT & Digital
Software engineering, cloud, cybersecurity, automation
Data & Analytics
BI, customer analytics, ML, network analytics
Finance
Financial reporting, planning & analysis, treasury, internal audit
Marketing & Customer Experience
Consumer marketing, brand, CX design, digital
Human Resources
Talent acquisition, learning & development, organisational design
Supply Chain & Procurement
Strategic sourcing, vendor management, logistics
Strategy & Risk
Corporate strategy, regulatory, enterprise risk
Streams open in any given intake depend on MTN’s workforce plan - check the live advert.
Programme Structure
Cohort onboarding
Weeks 1-4Full-cohort onboarding at MTN HQ in Fairland - corporate induction, MTN culture, the MTN Ambition 2025 strategy, and team-building.
📍 MTN 14th Avenue, Fairland
Stream rotations
Months 2-10Three rotations within your chosen function. Each rotation gives you a real project deliverable, line manager and KPIs.
📍 Allocated business unit (Fairland or regional)
Final placement and conversion
Months 11-12Top performers receive a permanent offer aligned to one of their rotations.
📍 Permanent business unit
Career Pathways After MTN Graduate Programme
High performers typically convert to permanent roles such as:
Documents You’ll Need
- 📄Updated CV
- 📄Certified academic transcript (latest)
- 📄Certified copy of SA ID
- 📄Certified degree certificate (if already graduated)
- 📄Motivation letter (1 page)
- 📄Reference details (academic or work)
Application Process
Watch the MTN careers portal
The MTN Graduate Programme is advertised once per year on the MTN South Africa careers site and on MTN’s official LinkedIn page.
Annual cycleApply online
Register on the MTN careers portal, complete the profile and attach your CV, transcript and motivation letter. Apply to one stream.
Within the published windowOnline assessments
Aptitude assessments (numerical, verbal, logical reasoning) plus a workplace personality questionnaire.
Within 1-2 weeks of applyingRecorded video interview
Pre-recorded behavioural interview answered through MTN’s recruitment platform.
After assessmentsAssessment Centre
A full day of case studies, group exercises and a panel interview at MTN HQ in Fairland.
Final stage before offerOffer and onboarding
Sign your 12-month learnership contract and join the next MTN Graduate Programme intake.
Cohort start in advert⚠️ Important to know
• MTN never charges an application fee - anyone asking for money is a scammer
• The MTN Graduate Programme is advertised only on mtn.com/careers and MTN South Africa’s verified LinkedIn page
• Apply for one stream that matches your qualification - duplicate applications are screened out
• Most placements are at MTN HQ in Fairland, Johannesburg - be prepared to relocate if needed
• MTN actively recruits women in STEM and persons with disabilities