Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and one of the UK’s most popular cities for graduates. With its world-class universities, fast-growing tech scene, strong financial sector, and global professional services firms, it’s no surprise that many students choose to stay in the city after graduation.
Whether you’re studying law, business, engineering, IT, education or the humanities, there’s a graduate scheme in Edinburgh waiting for you. Below are 20 graduate schemes in Edinburgh that are open or typically recruit each year, giving you a strong starting point for your 2026 job search.
1. Accenture
Industry: Professional Services
Salary: Competitive
Accenture’s Client Delivery Graduate Programme offers graduates the chance to work on real-world business transformation projects from day one. You’ll collaborate with client teams, develop specialist consulting skills, and gain exposure to emerging technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and digital strategy. Accenture is well known for its structured training, global opportunities, and fast career progression.
2. Kennedys
Industry: Law
Salary: Competitive
Kennedys is an international commercial law firm specialising in insurance, dispute resolution, and advisory services. Its Scotland Traineeship is based in the Edinburgh office and lasts two years, with trainees gaining experience across insurance and liability work. Applicants typically need an undergraduate law degree and a Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (which is funded by the firm).
3. Accenture
Industry: Software Engineering
Salary: Competitive
Accenture also offers a dedicated Software Engineering Graduate Programme in Edinburgh. Graduates work with modern programming languages, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems while helping clients solve complex technical challenges. A degree in computer science, software engineering, or another relevant STEM subject is usually required, along with strong problem-solving skills.
4. EY UK
Industry: Accountancy & Consulting
Salary: From around £30,000
EY’s Business Risk and Consulting graduate programmes remain popular choices for graduates in Edinburgh. Over a multi-year programme, you’ll work with assurance and consulting teams to help organisations improve systems, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements. EY provides professional qualifications alongside hands-on experience and long-term career development.
5. KPMG
Industry: Accounting, Tax & Audit
Salary: Competitive
KPMG’s Graduate Audit Programme gives graduates the opportunity to work with a wide range of clients across sectors. Based in Edinburgh, you’ll gain experience analysing financial information, understanding business performance, and working towards professional accountancy qualifications. The firm is known for strong mentoring and support throughout the training contract.
6. Infographics UK Ltd
Industry: Software & Technology
Salary: Competitive
Infographics UK Ltd develops specialist business solutions using Microsoft technologies. Their graduate programme is ideal for aspiring developers, offering structured training, exposure to different areas of the business, and support towards additional professional qualifications. Graduates typically start with rotational learning before moving into more specialised technical roles.
7. Explore Learning
Industry: Education
Salary: £24,000–£27,000
Explore Learning’s graduate programme places participants into Assistant Director roles within their learning centres, including locations in and around Edinburgh. Graduates gain experience across teaching, customer service, sales, and centre management. The role suits confident graduates with strong communication skills and experience working with children or young people.
8. FDM
Industry: IT & Technology Consulting
Salary: Competitive
FDM recruits graduates into roles such as Software Developer, Data Analyst, and Technical Consultant. The programme includes intensive training followed by client placements with major organisations. While STEM degrees are preferred, graduates from other disciplines with strong analytical and communication skills are also encouraged to apply.
9. Ef English First
Industry: Education & International Teaching
Salary: Competitive
EF’s graduate programme offers the chance to teach English abroad, most commonly in Asia. No prior teaching experience or foreign language skills are required, as full training is provided. The scheme is ideal for graduates looking to travel, gain international experience, and build transferable skills in communication and leadership.
10. GWG Associates
Industry: Business, Finance & IT
Salary: Around £24,000
GWG Associates places graduates into analyst and professional roles within partner organisations. The scheme is particularly suited to graduates with numerate degrees and strong Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting. It’s a good option for those seeking exposure to different industries early in their career.
11. DNV GL
Industry: Engineering, Sustainability & Assurance
Salary: Competitive
DNV offers graduate programmes across engineering, sustainability, and business assurance. Many schemes include international opportunities, with some time spent working at global offices. Graduates gain experience supporting organisations with safety, risk management, and sustainability challenges.
12. Shoosmiths
Industry: Law
Salary: £26,000–£28,000
Shoosmiths offers a two-year training contract in Edinburgh, with four six-month seats across different practice areas such as corporate law, real estate, and litigation. The firm is known for offering early responsibility, client exposure, and a supportive learning environment.
13. Microsoft
Industry: Technology & Business
Salary: Competitive
Microsoft’s Aspire Experience Programme is aimed at graduates starting their careers in tech or business roles. UK roles often include Customer Success Manager, Technical Specialist, and Business Programme Manager. The scheme focuses on professional development, networking, and real-world impact within a global tech company.
14. Hymans Robertson
Industry: Consultancy & Actuarial
Salary: Competitive
Hymans Robertson’s Trainee Consultant Programme allows graduates to work towards actuarial qualification while gaining experience in pensions, insurance, and financial services consulting. The firm supports professional exams and offers long-term career progression within a highly respected consultancy.
15. Hydrogen
Industry: Recruitment
Salary: Competitive + uncapped commission
Hydrogen’s Graduate Recruitment Consultant programme trains graduates in networking, client development, candidate sourcing, and market analysis. With performance-based rewards, incentive trips, and structured training, it’s well suited to ambitious graduates who enjoy working in fast-paced, target-driven environments.
16. DLA Piper
Industry: Law
Salary: Competitive
DLA Piper’s graduate programme offers rotations across multiple legal practice groups, with opportunities to work internationally. Edinburgh-based trainees gain experience in commercial law, corporate, and advisory services while building a strong professional network within a global firm.
17. Cundall
Industry: Engineering
Salary: Competitive + starting bonus
Cundall’s graduate engineering programme places graduates into consulting engineer roles, working on major infrastructure and sustainability projects. Benefits include professional development support, strong employee benefits, and clear progression pathways.
18. Buro Happold
Industry: Engineering & Professional Services
Salary: Competitive
Buro Happold’s Graduate Programme allows graduates to contribute to complex design and engineering projects across the built environment. The company places a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, with excellent opportunities for career development.
19. Baillie Gifford
Industry: Investment Management & Business
Salary: Competitive
Based in Edinburgh, Baillie Gifford offers graduate roles in investment research, technology, business operations, and accountancy. The firm is known for long-term career development, generous benefits, and a strong learning culture.
20. Amazon
Industry: Technology, Business & Operations
Salary: Competitive
Amazon regularly recruits graduates in Edinburgh across a wide range of roles, including software engineering, operations management, data analysis, and business development. Graduate programmes focus on leadership development, problem-solving, and delivering customer-focused solutions at scale.
Edinburgh continues to be one of the best UK cities for graduate opportunities in 2026, particularly in finance, law, tech, consulting, and professional services. Most schemes open between September and November, so it’s worth preparing early and applying to multiple programmes.