gave me a window to the endless potential I have as a chemical engineer.
Sophia, bp site engineer (surname not published), on bp’s graduate page, about bp’s rotational programme. One person’s account.
The bp graduate scheme (the bp graduate program, in US spelling) is bp’s early-careers route into the business, with UK tracks in business, digital, science and engineering. According to bp’s graduate page, applications for the UK open from 12 to 30 November 2026. bp fills vacancies on a rolling basis, so a role can close before the stated end date. This guide covers dates, stages, eligibility and pay, with every fact labelled by source.
bp graduate scheme at a glance
| Detail | What bp says | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Programme | bp graduate programmes with UK tracks in business, digital, science and engineering | Official |
| Applications | Open 12–30 November 2026; rolling, so roles may close earlier | Official |
| How to start | Complete the candidate matching tool, then apply for matching roles | Official |
| Applications allowed | One early-careers application per academic year, worldwide | Official |
| Starting salary (UK) | £37k to £50k, depending on business area | Official |
| Minimum degree grade | Not published for UK graduate roles | Not published |
| Already graduated | Graduates who have already finished can apply | Official |
| Visa sponsorship | Varies by role | Official |
Sources: bp graduates, bp early careers FAQ. Checked 21 October 2026.
When does the bp graduate scheme open?
bp’s graduate page announces that applications open from 12 to 30 November 2026. Third-party listings gave an earlier opening in October, but the employer’s own page governs, so we use the November window. The banner is not shown in every country view of the page, so confirm it on the bp graduates page before you plan around it. bp also runs virtual early-careers sessions, listed on its early careers page, where recruiters explain key application dates.
Which bp graduate tracks can you join in the UK?
| Track | What bp says it involves | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Commercial minds shaping strategy, people, technology use and finance | Official |
| Digital | Technology people helping define bp’s digital future | Official |
| Science | Scientists on advanced oil and gas projects, working with specialists in their field | Official |
| Engineering | Engineers tackling complex energy challenges day to day | Official |
bp lists more disciplines worldwide, including supply, trading and shipping, but the UK view of its graduate page shows these four. Specific roles appear in the candidate matching tool, not on the public page.
Who can apply to the bp graduate scheme?
bp states a few conditions rather than a degree grade. You complete the candidate matching tool first, you may submit one early-careers application per academic year anywhere in the world, and extra ones are withdrawn. People who have already graduated can apply. Visa sponsorship varies by role. bp’s early careers FAQ gives a UK contact for questions: [email protected].
Quick check: bp’s stated conditions
Tick what applies to you.
bp does not publish a minimum degree grade for its UK graduate roles. These are the conditions it does state.
bp graduate application process: five stages
bp’s graduate page lists five steps. Which ones you meet depends on the role, as bp says on its application process page.
bp’s general process has five broader steps: apply online, application review, first conversation, interviews and assessments, then offer and welcome. Graduate roles usually add the assessment centre.
How to prepare for the bp graduate scheme
Finish the candidate matching tool properly
bp says you must complete it before you can apply, and it checks your eligibility against the roles open. Use accurate grades and dates: bp asks for them to be accurate and honest.
Use one application well
bp withdraws extra early-careers applications in the same academic year, so pick the track that fits your degree and write one strong CV.
Practise the video interview
The on-demand interview is recorded in your own time. Rehearse out loud, keep each answer to a clear example with a result, and check your camera and sound first.
Get ready for a technical stage
bp describes this stage as a live conversation, take-home task or case study. Revise the core topics of your degree and one project you can explain end to end.
Plan for the assessment centre
Expect individual and group activities across half a day or a full day. Our graduate assessment centre guide covers the format.
bp graduate salary and benefits
| Item | UK detail | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Starting salary | £37k to £50k, depending on business area | Official |
| Settling-in allowance | One-off, £3k to £5k | Official |
| Flexible allowance | 20% of base salary | Official |
| Wellbeing allowance | Up to £1,500 for wellbeing products and services | Official |
| Other | Share plan, private medical insurance, cycle to work scheme, matched funding for fundraising and volunteering | Official |
Take-home pay depends on your tax code and pension choice. Use our UK paycheck calculator to see it for your own figure.
How bp compares with other UK graduate schemes
bp sits with the energy employers: Shell’s UK programme has three stages and a three-year structure, while bp lists five steps and publishes its pay band. For engineering and infrastructure, compare Arup and BAE Systems, both of which recruit role by role. Browse every employer in our graduate scheme guide.
bp scores 4 out of 5 in our Graduate Scheme Transparency Index, which ranks 29 UK employers on pay, closing dates, stages, grades and intake status.
bp graduate scheme FAQ
When do bp graduate applications open?
bp’s graduate page announces 12 to 30 November 2026 for UK applications. Roles are filled on a rolling basis and can close early.
What is the bp graduate salary?
bp states a UK starting salary of £37k to £50k depending on business area, plus a one-off settling-in allowance of £3k to £5k.
How many bp applications can I make?
One early-careers application per academic year worldwide. bp withdraws extra ones.
What are the bp graduate application stages?
An online questionnaire and CV, online assessments, an on-demand video interview, a technical interview and an assessment centre.
Do I need a 2:1 for the bp graduate scheme?
bp does not publish a minimum degree grade for its UK graduate roles. The candidate matching tool checks your eligibility.
Can I apply after I have graduated?
Yes. bp says graduates who have already finished their degree can apply.
