RSM Graduate Scheme 2027: Audit Graduate Entry and How to Apply
The RSM graduate scheme we could verify is the Audit Graduate programme for September 2027. RSM UK describes it as external audit with ACA study from the day you join, across offices around the UK, and it publishes the entry requirements in full.
One honest limit up front: RSM’s advert does not publish a salary, a closing date or a list of selection stages. Those rows are marked Not published below. We also found no UK tax graduate page for 2027, only Irish material, so this guide covers audit.
RSM graduate scheme at a glance
| Item | What we found | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Programme | Audit Graduate, September 2027, external audit | Official |
| Start date | 14 September 2027 on the London advert, start dates are mandatory | Official |
| Qualification | Study towards Chartered Accountant from joining; first exams within the first few months | Official |
| Entry points | 112 UCAS points across three A levels or equivalent; 104 across four Scottish Highers or Advanced Highers | Official |
| Degree | Obtained or predicted honours degree | Official |
| Not accepted | General Studies, AS levels and the EPQ | Official |
| Applications | One application per person per recruitment cycle | Official |
| Other offices | Listings reported for Edinburgh, Leeds, Leicester, Reading, Guildford, Manchester, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Preston, Newcastle and Hull | Reported |
| Closing date | Not published on the advert | Not published |
| Starting salary | Not published on the advert | Not published |
Source for the Official rows: RSM Audit Graduate London September 2027 advert. Source for the Reported row: Targetjobs RSM listings, which are not run by RSM.
Entry requirements and UCAS points
RSM is more specific than most firms about school qualifications. The advert asks for 112 UCAS points from three A levels (or an equivalent level 3 qualification), plus an obtained or predicted honours degree. Tick the checks below to see where you stand.
Am I eligible? Quick self-check
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What audit graduates actually do
RSM says you will conduct risk-focused reviews of clients’ financial records, processes and controls, working in a larger team at first before taking individual responsibility. Clients range from owner-managed businesses to large listed groups, charities and pension schemes.
“you don’t need any prior accounting knowledge during the interview process”
Sean Brown, Audit Assistant at RSM Newcastle — RSM careers blog
That is one person’s account of the process, published by RSM. He adds that he mostly uses Excel day to day and that the interview is about personality and interpersonal skills, because you work in teams and with clients.
How to apply and the selection process
Applications go through RSM’s own careers portal from the advert. RSM’s advert does not list the selection stages. Sean Brown describes the process as incremental, with each stage building on the last, so you meet more of the firm as you progress. Open each step to see what is confirmed.
Step 1: choose your office and apply
Pick the Audit Graduate advert for your office and apply through RSM’s portal. Only one application per person per recruitment cycle is considered.
Step 2: assessments and interviews
RSM does not name its assessments on the advert. Prepare for online tests using our psychometric tests guide and our online tests by employer page.
Step 3: the interview
According to Sean Brown, the interview is about how you come across: personality, communication and teamwork, not accounting knowledge.
Step 4: offer and start
Start dates are mandatory. For London it is 14 September 2027, and ACA study begins as soon as you join.
When does RSM open and close?
The September 2027 Audit Graduate adverts are live now, and RSM publishes no closing date on them. A third-party listing warns that applications may close before a deadline, so do not leave it. Compare with other firms on our graduate scheme deadlines calendar.
How to prepare
- Check your UCAS points against the 112 requirement before you spend time on an application.
- Read about the ACA: you will be studying from day one, so be ready to explain why you want it.
- Prepare examples of teamwork and staying calm under pressure, which the advert names as skills.
- Practise numerical and verbal reasoning with our verbal reasoning and logical reasoning guides.
- Get comfortable with Excel, which an RSM audit assistant says he uses most days.
How RSM compares
RSM competes with the larger accountancy firms for audit graduates. For their programmes, pay and locations see Deloitte, KPMG and EY, and read Deloitte vs EY. The full list is on our Graduate Scheme hub.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the RSM graduate programme?
RSM’s audit graduate advert asks for 112 UCAS points across three A levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification (104 points across four Scottish Highers or Advanced Highers, or an Irish Leaving Certificate at higher level), and an obtained or predicted honours degree. It does not accept General Studies, AS levels or the EPQ.
When does the RSM audit graduate scheme start?
The London advert gives a mandatory start date of 14 September 2027. RSM says start dates are fixed because the training from day one is designed around them. Other offices may list their own date, so read your office advert.
What qualification do RSM audit graduates study for?
RSM says you start studying towards your Chartered Accountant qualification as soon as you join, and you will have taken your first exams within the first few months.
Do I need an accounting degree or accounting knowledge?
No. An RSM audit assistant, Sean Brown, says you do not need prior accounting knowledge in the interview and that the process is about how you come across. He studied mathematics, and he names colleagues with chemistry, history and Spanish degrees.
What is the RSM closing date?
The RSM advert we checked does not publish a closing date. A third-party listing warns that adverts can close before the deadline, so apply early rather than waiting.
How much does RSM pay graduates?
RSM’s advert does not state a graduate salary, so we do not quote one. Check the salary line in the live advert for your office.
