SARB Grow-IT Internship 2026 – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Specialisation | Pretoria | Central Bank IT Career

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) — South Africa's central bank and the country's most important financial institution — is inviting innovative and talented IT graduates to apply for its 2026 Grow-IT Internship Programme (AI Specialisation), based at the SARB Head Office in Pretoria, Gauteng.

Grow-IT is SARB's dedicated Information Technology Internship Programme, specifically designed to address current and future scarce and critical IT skills needs within the SARB's Business Solutions and Technology Department (BSTD). The programme directly aligns with the SARB's departmental strategy and long-term workforce planning — with a specific focus on capacity building, capability development, succession planning, and future talent pipeline development.

This 2026/27 cohort offers a specialisation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) — placing you at the cutting edge of technology within one of South Africa's most secure, respected, and strategically critical institutions. During the 12-month programme, you will be placed within the SARB's IT environment and acquire both technical and behavioural competencies aligned to your AI specialisation — supported by mentors, structured training, and real project work that directly contributes to South Africa's financial system infrastructure.

Other Grow-IT specialisation tracks available include Application Security, Cloud Engineering, Cyber and Information Security, Data Management, and Enterprise Architecture.

High-performing interns may be considered for extension or permanent placement within the SARB's BSTD at the end of the programme.

Key Learning & Exposure Areas

• Participate in live IT projects within the SARB's enterprise technology environment

• Develop technical competencies in Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and data systems

• Gain exposure to cloud engineering, enterprise architecture, and information security concepts

• Contribute to the SARB's digital transformation and technology modernisation initiatives

• Attend structured learning interventions, technical training, and competency development workshops

• Develop behavioural competencies including professionalism, communication, teamwork, and accountability

• Work alongside experienced SARB technology professionals and receive ongoing mentorship

Salary: R18,000 – R22,000 per month (Salary not publicly specified — estimated based on SARB Grow-IT published stipend rates and South African central bank IT intern benchmarks, 2025/2026)

• National Diploma in Information Technology (NQF Level 6) OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, Software Engineering, or Statistics (NQF Level 7)

• South African citizen

• Between the ages of 18 and 35 years

• Currently unemployed

• Curious, self-motivated, and innovative mindset

• Genuine passion for AI, machine learning, data systems, and technology

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English