The best UK graduate schemes

Whether you’re halfway through your degree or heading into your final exams, there’s probably one question already on your mind. What next?

Well, if you fancy earning a regular paycheck while you’re still learning, you might be interested in applying for a grad scheme. Grad schemes are a great way to get your foot in the door at big companies, setting you up for a successful career.

There’s also a huge range to choose from, so even if you don’t have a first in PPE from Oxford, there’ll be a UK graduate scheme worth applying to.

Is a graduate scheme right for you?

Whatever degree you’re leaving university with, there’s a graduate scheme you might qualify for. However, this doesn’t make it your best first step into the world of work. Here are a few pros and cons you’ll want to weigh up:

• Graduate schemes are paid, usually more than standard graduate jobs, but you may have to pay back some money if you leave the scheme early
• They offer great training and career opportunities, including learning skills and making contacts that will set you up for future success. However, the application process can be really competitive, with some schemes requiring at least a 2:1 degree and graduates needing to apply the year before their intake
• Schemes offer a great stepping stone into the world of work at some of the biggest names in each industry, but may involve relocating to be closer to the office and working your way up from the bottom, including putting in long hours

If you’re not sure whether a grad scheme would suit you, then taking a look at the discussions on Reddit forum UK Jobs could be helpful. Here, you’ll find plenty of current grad scheme workers talking about the pros, cons and realities of their experiences.

Best graduate schemes for 2026

Each year, The Times publishes the Top 100 Graduate Employers list. This is a great starting point for students looking for schemes in specific industries. To give you a head start, we’ve summed up all the key details for schemes at the top ten on the list.

Civil Service

• Good for: STEM graduates
• Number of places: 700
• Application deadline: 6 November 2025
• Perks: Starting salary of £31,186 and 2:2 minimum entry requirement
• Website: faststream.gov.uk

Rated as the top graduate employer by The Times, the Civil Service’s Fast Stream leadership and management programme is award-winning and open to all degree subjects and backgrounds. Keen to attract STEM graduates, they have schemes across England, Scotland and Wales which give young talent the knowledge, skills and networks to support the government in implementing its policies.

PWC

• Good for: finance, law and tech graduates
• Number of places: around 1,000
• Application deadline: year-round
• Perks: diverse business and the chance to earn professional qualifications

As a global consultancy, PwC has a wide range of pathways for graduates to take advantage of based on their personal interests and degree subject. At the cutting edge of innovation and working with leading organisations, their schemes are also a great stepping stone for high-flying careers in whichever area you choose.

NHS

• Good for: HR, business, tech and finance graduates
• Number of places: 200
• Application deadline: 29 October 2025
• Perks: £30,277 starting salary and minimum 2:2 degree requirement

Europe’s largest employer, the NHS, offers a Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) which allows trainees to specialise in one of four areas: General Management, Human Resources, Finance and Health Informatics (Data Analytics). Gain on-the-job training, postgrad qualifications and skills that can be taken into careers inside or outside healthcare.

Deloitte

• Good for: accountancy and business graduates
• Number of places: more than 1,000
• Application deadline: September to November 2025
• Perks: both short and long-term placements across 22 UK and offshore offices

To kickstart your business career, there are few places better than Deloitte. With a huge range of graduate programmes, they offer competitive salaries, structured career paths and plenty of benefits. They also offer short-term placements such as Spring into Deloitte, Summer Vacation Schemes and Industrial Placements for those who want a taste of life in the corporate world.

BBC

• Good for: creative, business, tech and engineering grads
• Number of places: more than 250
• Application deadline: November 2025 to January 2026
• Perks: great starting point for a career in the creative or technology sector

BBC apprenticeships aren’t just for media graduates. From engineering to AI, software development to law, there are loads of opportunities to get the world’s leading public service broadcaster on your CV. From school leavers to postgrads, there’s a range of entry requirements too, meaning most graduates will find a scheme that suits them.

JPMorganChase

• Good for: finance, tech and business graduates
• Number of places: 450
• Application deadline: 2 November 2025
• Perks: benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities

Running for between 24 and 36 months, these programmes are open for undergrads, postgrads and PhD-level candidates. Specialise in a range of business areas, including Markets, Investment Banking and Corporate Functions, and get first-class, hands-on experience with real client projects.

EY

• Good for: law, business and tech graduates
• Number of places: more than 1,000
• Application deadline: September 2025 to June 2026
• Perks: get a careers counsellor, buddy and hybrid working opportunities

Perhaps a lesser-known name on the list, EY is a professional services organisation based in more than 150 countries. With graduate programmes focusing on four key business areas: Assurance, Consulting, EY-Parthenon and Tax, they offer both short and long-term placements. So if you’re looking to work in business, finance, sustainability and technology, EY is worth a look.

Google

• Good for: engineering, business, tech or marketing graduates
• Number of jobs: no fixed quota
• Application deadline: year-round recruitment
• Perks: wider experience and involvement in clubs, societies and other internships considered in your application

With opportunities open in the UK, Ireland and wider Europe, the search giant and its parent company, Alphabet, offer full-time roles and internships in a huge range of teams. From legal and finance to global customer solutions and people operations, if you’re an intelligent, driven and determined individual, you shouldn’t sleep on this one.

L’Oréal

• Good for: graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Number of jobs: more than 40
• Application deadline: 15 November 2025
• Perks: £35,000 starting salary and strong focus on DE&I

A super-competitive programme run across the UK and Ireland, this scheme is one of the broadest business programmes on offer. Rotating around three parts of the business in a chosen stream and with their own mentor, graduates can progress into operational roles in as little as 18 months. Known for its welcoming workplace, L’Oréal is a great opportunity to push yourself in a supportive environment.

HSBC

• Good for: students from all degree disciplines
• Number of places: more than 600
• Application deadline: December 2025
• Perks: mentor and buddy schemes, networking and wellbeing initiatives

Develop both technical and behavioural skills working on live projects at one of the world’s largest financial organisations. Be part of a team of 200,000 employees spread across 58 countries and enjoy being part of cross-bank initiatives and projects outside of your day-to-day responsibilities. The application process is also skills-based rather than subject-based, so anyone with a 2:1 degree can apply.

Application tips for graduate schemes

Whether your heart is set on a graduate scheme or you’re keeping your career options open, here are a few tips for applying for these programmes:

• Research the schemes thoroughly: don’t just look into the programme itself, but read about the business, its values and reviews from previous graduates or colleagues. This will help you create a shortlist of schemes to apply to.
  
• Get your CV ready: you might want to create multiple versions if you’re applying for slightly different schemes, but make sure it covers any other internships, experiences and skills as well as your qualifications.
  
• Apply for less well-known schemes: alongside the big names, make sure you have smaller business programmes on your list. These won’t be as competitive but will still give you the skills you need to start your career.

Also, be aware that some schemes will have multiple interview rounds, including psychometric tests and assessment centres. You should take this into account when applying, as you may need to complete them around your university schedule or deadlines.

Finally, make sure you sign up to GRADLiFE to continue enjoying discounts and perks after you leave uni. That way, you can make the most of your new salary, whether it’s from a graduate scheme or a full-on adult job!