PwC Graduate Scheme is one of the most in-demand routes into audit, consulting, tax and technology careers at one of the UK’s Big Four professional services firms. PwC UK received 60,000 applications for just 2,000 entry-level roles in its most recent intake — a 35% year-on-year jump — and applications for the next graduate intake open on 17 September, with roles filled on a rolling basis after that. If you’re weighing it up against other Big Four employers, see how it compares to Deloitte, or browse all open graduate roles on our jobs board.
“To have a successful business with the knowledge, experience and skill set to deliver a client’s needs, these skills are not acquirable, you have to build them [internally].” — Phillippa O’Connor, Chief People Officer, PwC UK
Source: The Irish Times (Financial Times), “PwC UK applications jump 35% in graduate jobs drought”, 13.02.2026 — irishtimes.com
PwC’s UK Senior Partner has a similar read on the new intake — he says today’s graduates are showing up more driven, not less.
“What I’m finding from our new joiners is that they want to be in the office, or on the client side, as often as they can be, because they’re hungry. Yes they want to be paid well, they want to be able to afford things, they want to progress through their careers. But they’re ready to take it on.”
— Marco Amitrano, UK Senior Partner, PwC
Source: BBC News, “PwC planning to increase the number of graduates it takes on”, 13.03.2026
How to apply
PwC’s early careers process runs through five stages:
- Apply online — choose one of PwC’s five graduate categories and submit your application.
- Online assessment — behavioural and cognitive tests on the SHL platform, plus a non-assessed “Bringing our values to life” activity to help you decide if PwC’s culture is right for you.
- Video interview — an on-demand recorded interview via SHL, reviewed afterwards by an assessor (no live interviewer).
- Virtual assessment centre — group and individual exercises assessing the core skills PwC looks for.
- Business area matching and business assessment — a recruiter call confirms your matched business area and office, followed by an in-person interview with a senior leader from that team.
Once applications open, they’re reviewed on a rolling basis — early applications have a real advantage, since popular categories can close once places fill. PwC also enforces a strict one-application-per-year rule: you can only hold one live application at a time, and if you’re unsuccessful or withdraw, you’ll need to wait until the next intake year to reapply.
Browse current openings and apply directly via PwC’s official graduate careers site or its job search portal.
Salary and eligibility
PwC doesn’t publish one fixed graduate salary — pay depends on grade, business area and office location. Reported Big Four starting salaries for 2026 UK graduate intakes typically range from around £30,000–£33,000 outside London up to £35,000+ in London, broadly consistent with market data for PwC specifically (PwC itself directs candidates to speak to their recruiter for exact figures).
To be eligible, you’ll typically need:
- A pass in your degree — PwC does not require a 2:1, unlike some other Big Four and finance employers (see Deloitte’s 2:1 requirement for comparison) — a real point in PwC’s favour if your grades weren’t top-tier
- Any degree discipline — many programmes weigh skills, strengths and motivation over subject
- No prior work experience required
- Only one live application per intake year
Not sure what your offer looks like after tax? Run it through Debut’s Paycheck Calculator.
PwC Graduate Scheme programme structure
PwC groups its graduate opportunities into five categories:
- Audit, Accounting, Tax and Finance — qualify and practise as an Actuary, Accountant, Tax or Finance professional
- Advisory and Consulting — help organisations transform as a consultant or deals advisor
- Legal Services — build a broad perspective on the business world while developing legal knowledge
- Strategy — advise and collaborate with clients to set their long-term vision and direction
- Technology and AI — design, develop, test, evaluate or implement the latest tech
You can only apply to one category per intake year, so it’s worth exploring all five before deciding. Many programmes include a funded professional qualification (like ACA, ACCA or CTA) alongside on-the-job learning, plus a structured pathway with Talent Coaches and buddy support.
Locations
PwC operates from 19 offices across the UK, including its London headquarters plus regional hubs in the North (Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Bradford), Midlands (Birmingham, East Midlands, Milton Keynes), South East (Cambridge, Reading, Southampton, Watford), Wales (Cardiff), Scotland (Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow), Northern Ireland (Belfast) and West (Bristol). Check PwC’s office finder for your nearest location and which business areas recruit there.
How PwC compares
Weighing PwC against other Big Four and professional-services employers? Compare salary, degree requirements and structure — Deloitte, EY, Accenture, McKinsey or J.P. Morgan — or browse the full list on our Graduate Scheme hub. Once you’ve got an offer, run it through Debut’s Paycheck Calculator to see what you’d actually take home.
Benefits
PwC’s benefits are built around five areas: health and wellbeing (private medical cover, 24/7 virtual GP, AXA wellbeing app), financial (pension with matched funding, season ticket loan, financial wellbeing hub), lifestyle (gym discounts, enhanced parental leave, cycle-to-work scheme), protection (life assurance, income protection) and recognition (formal peer/team recognition schemes, employee referral bonuses). Parental leave is notably generous — up to 22 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption, available to all employees from day one regardless of grade or location.
Application deadlines
Graduate applications open 17 September (undergraduate and entry-level programmes follow on 30 September). Roles are filled on a rolling basis — there’s no single fixed deadline, but PwC may close a category early once it’s received a high volume of applications, so applying promptly matters more than waiting for a cutoff. Assessment centres typically run November–April, with job matching between December and May.
FAQ
Does PwC require a 2:1 degree?
No. Most PwC graduate programmes only require a pass in your degree, in any discipline — a lower bar than several other Big Four and finance employers.
What is the PwC graduate scheme salary?
PwC doesn’t publish a single official figure — pay varies by grade, business area and office. Reported market figures for 2026 UK graduate intakes range from around £30,000 outside London to £35,000+ in London.
Can I apply to more than one PwC programme?
No — you can only hold one live application at a time. If you’re unsuccessful or withdraw, you’ll need to wait until the next intake year to reapply.
When do PwC graduate applications open for 2026?
Graduate applications open 17 September, with undergraduate and entry-level programmes following on 30 September. Applications are then reviewed on a rolling basis.
Does PwC offer roles outside London?
Yes — PwC operates from 19 offices across the UK, from Aberdeen to Southampton.
Do I need a finance or accounting degree to apply?
No. PwC welcomes applicants from all degree disciplines across most of its five graduate categories.
