Airbus Graduate Scheme 2026: How to Apply, Salary & Deadlines
The Airbus Graduate Scheme runs through the Airbus Global Graduate Programme (AGGP) — a two-year rotational programme across engineering, digital technology, cyber security, supply chain, procurement, HR and finance. If you’re weighing aerospace against other engineering-heavy routes, our BT Graduate Scheme and Amazon Graduate Scheme pages cover comparable tech tracks.
How to Apply for Airbus Graduate Scheme
Airbus runs candidates through three stages:
- Online Application — submit your CV with correct spelling and grammar; you may only make one application to the AGGP, so pick the role that best fits you first.
- Game-Based Assessment — Arctic Shores, an interactive test evaluating cognitive ability and personality fit; you get 3 days from receiving the link to complete it.
- Assessment Centre — virtual, includes group exercises and interviews assessing skills and competencies.
Offers typically come within a week of a successful assessment centre.
Source: Airbus, Global Graduate Programme
Airbus Graduate Scheme Salary and Eligibility
Graduates earn an average of £33,239/year, with a typical range of £28,110–£40,067 depending on location and division (Source: Glassdoor, Airbus Graduate Program salaries). You need a degree-level qualification and no more than 3 years of relevant work experience — there’s no age or nationality limit. Note: Airbus does not sponsor the Skilled Worker Visa for this programme; non-UK candidates need a Graduate Visa or International Youth Mobility route instead. See what your offer looks like after tax with Debut’s Paycheck Calculator.
Programme Structure
The AGGP runs 2 years, with rotational placements — national rotations of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, plus optional (not guaranteed) international rotations of 3 or 6 months. You’ll join a global cohort of 40+ nationalities across 13 countries, with annual residential training at Airbus’s Leadership University. Pension: graduates start on a 4% employee contribution matched by 6% from Airbus (salary sacrifice), plus 6x annual salary death-in-service cover.
Locations
UK roles split by business area: Filton and Broughton for Commercial Aircraft engineering, Portsmouth and Stevenage for Defence & Space.
Application Deadlines 2026
Applications for AGGP 2027 open 1 September 2026. Some roles close earlier than others depending on demand, so apply as soon as the window opens rather than waiting.
Is there an age limit for the Airbus Graduate Scheme?
No, there’s no age or nationality limit, only a maximum of 3 years relevant work experience.
What is the Arctic Shores assessment?
A game-based test Airbus uses after your online application to evaluate cognitive ability and personality fit; you get 3 days to complete it once you receive the link.
Can I apply to more than one Airbus graduate role?
No, Airbus asks for only one application to the AGGP — choose your best-fit role first.
Will I work outside the UK during the programme?
Possibly — international rotations of 3 or 6 months are offered but not guaranteed; national rotations (3-12 months) are standard.
Does Airbus sponsor visas?
Work permit support varies, but the Skilled Worker Visa isn’t available for this programme; non-UK applicants need a Graduate Visa or International Youth Mobility route.
