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Graduate schemes explained: how they work, when to apply and the stages

A graduate scheme is a paid training programme run by an employer. Here is how it works, when to apply and what the selection stages look like.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 7 Nov 2026 7 min read

Key takeaways

1. What is a graduate scheme?

A graduate schemeA paid, structured training programme run by an employer. is a paid, structured training programme offered by a large employer. Surrey’s careers service describes schemes as different from general graduate jobsEntry-level roles that need a degree but have no set training scheme. because they have a defined time frame and structure. Lancaster says they are common in finance, technology, marketing, HR and engineering, and that rotationsShort placements in different parts of the organisation. are short placements in different parts of the organisation.[2]

Many schemes ask for a degree, but requirements differ by employer, so read each advert carefully.

2. How long does a graduate scheme last?

Surrey says schemes usually last around two years, though they can run from one year to three years or more. Lancaster says one to two years is usual, with training, real projects and hands-on work across the business.[2]

Lancaster lists pay as “competitive salary”, and says some employers add bonuses, relocation help or study support. Neither careers service gives a salary figure, so check each employer’s advert for the pay.[1]

3. When should you apply for a graduate scheme?

Surrey says most deadlines fall between October and December for programmes that start the following September or October, so students should be ready to apply early in the first term of their final year. Lancaster says most schemes open between September and December, with deadlines often in November or December, and some sectors such as finance can open earlier.[2]

Both services advise applying early. Some employers recruit all year round, but places can fill and a scheme can close before its published deadline.[1]

4. What are the stages of graduate scheme selection?

Surrey lists three stages: an online application, which may include numerical or reasoning tests; a telephone or video interview; and an assessment centreA day of exercises and interviews used to choose candidates. or face-to-face interview, in person or remote. Lancaster lists online applications, psychometric testsTimed tests of reasoning, numbers or personality used in hiring., video interviews, assessment centres and final interviews.[2]

Each employer sets its own process, so check the stages on the employer’s page and start practising early.

Stage
What happens
How to prepare
Online application
A form, sometimes with numerical or reasoning tests
Check each question, and practise the tests
Phone or video interview
A recorded or live interview, often about your motivation
Practise answers out loud
Assessment centre
A day of group and individual exercises, or a final interview
Practise the exercises
Offer
The employer decides and tells you
Ask about the start date and rotations

5. How competitive are graduate schemes?

Surrey says schemes are generally oversubscribedMore people apply than there are places. each year, especially at high-profile employers in major industries. Neither service gives a figure for places or acceptance rates, so we do not either.[2]

Applying to several employers, starting early and practising each stage are the steps both services suggest.[1]

6. How can you prepare for each stage?

For the interview stages, our STAR method guide shows how to structure answers about things you have done. For tests and assessment centres, check each employer’s own practice material first, because the format varies. Your university’s careers service usually offers CV checks and mock interviews for free.

7. How Brainhub can help

Brainhub offers coaching for students and graduates preparing for applications and interviews. We coach, so your answers and your words are always your own, and we never write applications or assessed work for you, and we cannot promise a job. See our online tutoring page for how sessions work, our university pathways for more guides, and book a free assessment choosing “University or graduate”.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. What is a graduate scheme?

  2. 2. How long does a graduate scheme usually last?

  3. 3. When do most deadlines fall?

  4. 4. What are the usual stages?

Your next steps

  1. Make a list of employers you like and note each deadline.

  2. Start applications early in the first term of your final year.

  3. Practise interview answers using the STAR method.

  4. Book a mock interview with your careers service.

Sources

  1. Lancaster University Careers. Understanding graduate training schemes (read 7 November 2026). lancaster.ac.uk/careers/blogs/understanding-graduate-training-schemes-what-you-need-to-know-how-to-stand-out
  2. University of Surrey Careers. What is a graduate scheme? (read 7 November 2026). blogs.surrey.ac.uk/careers/2022/10/21/what-is-a-graduate-scheme

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.