Graduate Schemes
The honest guide to graduate schemes in 2026 and 2027
Everything you need to find, apply for, and land a graduate scheme — from which sectors are worth your time to what actually happens on assessment day.
01 The basics
What is a graduate scheme?
A graduate scheme is a structured training programme run by an employer, designed specifically for people who have recently finished a degree. You join as a graduate and rotate through different parts of the business over two or three years, getting formal training, a mentor, and a salary that typically sits between £25k and £45k depending on sector and employer.
At the end, most people move into a permanent role at the company. Some — particularly in finance and consulting — leave with professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CFA) built into the programme. That is the appeal: you get paid to learn, with a clear path forward. Our guide on graduate scheme salaries covers exactly what to expect by sector.
They are competitive. KPMG receives around 10,000 applications for 1,400 places. The NHS Management Training Scheme takes 350 graduates from tens of thousands of applicants. You need to start early, apply to several, and treat the process seriously. Read our guide on when graduate schemes open so you know exactly when to submit.
Not every graduate job is a graduate scheme. A graduate scheme has structure, rotation, formal training, and a defined end point. A "graduate position" is often just an entry-level job. The distinction matters when you are comparing offers. If you're unsure, our guide on what a graduate scheme actually is covers this in detail.
Graduate scheme vs graduate job
- Structured rotation across teams or departments
- Formal training programme with milestones
- Dedicated graduate cohort and buddy system
- Often includes professional qualification funding
- Competitive application process (typically 4 or more stages)
- Clear progression into a permanent role at the end
02 By sector
Graduate schemes by sector
Different sectors have very different cultures, salaries, and timelines. Finance and consulting open applications in September. Public sector schemes run later. Sector guides are coming soon — in the meantime, our salary guide covers what each sector pays.
03 Top employers
Graduate schemes worth knowing about
These are the most-searched graduate schemes in the UK right now. We cover what each scheme actually involves, the salary, intake size, and whether the application process is designed to find good people or just to exhaust them. Detailed employer guides are coming soon.
One of the better-paying UK bank schemes. Multiple streams including technology, investment banking, and operations. Intake is large so your odds are better than at Goldman or JPMorgan.
One of the most competitive schemes in the UK. Around 350 places, tens of thousands of applicants. High-impact work but the salary sits noticeably below comparable private sector schemes.
ACA qualification included, which is worth considerably more than the scheme salary alone. 1,400 places makes this more accessible than EY or Deloitte. Four stages and a full assessment centre day.
Covers aerospace, power systems, and defence. You rotate across real projects, not just observe them. Less competition than the finance schemes for comparable pay.
Genuinely interesting work across central government, but the application process is long and the salary starts below private sector equivalents. Strong pension and job security offset this somewhat.
The best-paying graduate scheme in UK retail by a significant margin. You are running a store within months. Not glamorous, but the salary and progression speed beat most finance schemes at this stage.
04 By city
Graduate schemes by location
London has the most schemes but also the highest competition and cost of living. Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol all have strong graduate markets and significantly cheaper rent. Worth factoring in before you apply.
05 Getting on one
How to get on a graduate scheme
Most people fail at stage one because they apply too late or send generic applications. Here is what the process actually looks like and where to focus your effort.
Common mistakes
What costs people their offer
Applying in December for a September start. Rolling intake schemes are often half full by then.
Copying answers across applications. Competency questions require scheme-specific examples. Assessors can tell.
Skipping numerical test practice. These are timed and most graduates underestimate how tricky they are cold.
Dominating the group exercise. Schemes want people who build on others' ideas and bring quieter team members in.
Asking no questions at interview. Having nothing to ask reads as low interest. Prepare three that are not answered on their website.
06 When to apply
Application timeline
Finance and consulting schemes open first. Public sector and engineering run later. Most intakes start in September, but Aldi and some retail schemes recruit year-round. For the full breakdown by sector, read our graduate scheme opening dates guide.
Typical cycle for a September start
Most competitive schemes open in August or September of the year before you start and fill places on a rolling basis. If you wait for the deadline, you may already be too late.
Everything else you need to know
07 FAQs