Mastercard invites South African graduates to apply for the Associate Consultant – Launch Graduate Program 2026, based in Johannesburg.
Application Closing Date: 22 December 2025
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa (2196)
Job Type: Full-time
About the Mastercard Launch Graduate Program 2026
Mastercard powers digital economies across more than 200 countries, supporting financial inclusion, secure payments and technological innovation. The Launch Graduate Program is part of Mastercard’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in consulting, data, and strategy.
The programme forms part of Mastercard Advisors & Consulting Services (ACS), where graduates work alongside experienced consultants delivering data-driven insights, strategic solutions, and industry-shaping projects across multiple sectors — including financial services, retail, hospitality, and technology.
This opportunity is ideal for high-achieving graduates looking to develop their careers in consulting, analytics, problem-solving and digital transformation.
Make an Impact as an Associate Consultant
As an Associate Consultant, you will:
- Work in small teams to solve complex strategic and operational challenges.
- Deliver meaningful work from day one by owning project deliverables.
- Build strong relationships with clients across various industries.
- Gain exposure to Mastercard’s technology, analytics platforms and global networks.
- Participate in continuous learning programmes, including the Global Ambassadors Program.
- Contribute to pro-bono and volunteer initiatives that create social and economic impact.
Specialisation Track: Performance Analytics
Mastercard is recruiting for the Performance Analytics track, where you will:
- Use both quantitative and qualitative analysis to solve client problems.
- Work with enterprise applications such as Business Intelligence tools, SQL, Python and more.
- Analyse Mastercard, client and third-party data to build models, identify trends, and generate insights.
- Create dashboards, story-driven data visualisations and strategic recommendations.
- Engage with client stakeholders through virtual and in-person meetings.
Example project questions include:
- How does a bank’s fraud or authorisation performance compare to competitors?
- How is a technology company’s market share shifting over time?
- Which customer segments are underperforming, and why?
Core Competencies Mastercard Looks For
- Passion: Proactive, motivated, and committed to delivering high-quality work.
- Analytical Excellence: Strong problem-solving and quantitative skills; experience with SQL, SAS, Excel or Tableau is an advantage.
- Business Interest: Understanding of how companies make decisions and navigate markets.
- Rapid Growth Mindset: Eagerness to learn and grow quickly.
- Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within small, dynamic teams.
- Integrity: Commitment to Mastercard’s values of honesty and ethical behaviour.
- Diverse Perspective: Bring unique ideas, skills or background to the role.
- Communication: Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Qualifications
To be considered, applicants must:
- Hold an undergraduate or master’s degree with expected graduation between November 2025 – August 2026.
- Have an outstanding academic record.
- Demonstrate leadership experience (work, extracurricular or volunteer initiatives).
- Possess strong analytical and quantitative skills.
- Have excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
- Have experience using data analysis tools (SQL, SAS, Excel, Tableau) — advantageous.
- Be eligible to work in South Africa without employer sponsorship, now and in the future.
Additional Information
Mastercard requires all employees to:
- Follow security policies and practices.
- Protect confidential information.
- Report any suspected security breaches.
- Complete mandatory security training.
To experience what it’s like to work as an Associate Consultant, explore the Mastercard simulation programme:
👉 https://www.theforage.com/simulations/mastercard/advisors-client-services-xvlw
How to Apply
👉 Click here to apply for the Mastercard Associate Consultant Launch Graduate Program 2026
The post Mastercard Associate Consultant: Graduate Programme 2026 appeared first on StudentRoom.co.za.
