The Deloitte Graduate Scheme is one of the most competitive routes into accountancy, consulting and technology careers at one of the UK’s Big Four professional services firms. In 2026, Deloitte welcomed 1,353 new graduates, apprentices and industrial placement students across 21 offices in the UK — with 44% starting their careers outside London. If you’re weighing it up against other Big Four employers like EY, here’s everything you need to know before applying.
At Deloitte, we are committed to supporting the next generation of talent, through providing meaningful roles and invaluable work experience. We recognise the critical role these young people play in shaping the future of both our firm and society, and the importance of giving them the skills needed to thrive.” — Darren Graves, Deloitte UK CEO
Source: Deloitte UK Press Room, “Deloitte opens doors for 1,500 new graduates, apprentices, and early careers talent”, 01.09.2026
New to the industry? Read our guide to what management consulting is and how the main firm types compare.
Wondering what the job involves day to day? See what a consultant actually does.
How to apply
Deloitte’s graduate process has five steps. Applications are made online, and Deloitte accepts only one application per intake year (September to August).
- Apply online. About 15 minutes: personal details and your education. Complete it in one session, use your personal email, and submit once.
- Immersive online assessment. A behavioural assessment (realistic workplace scenarios, ranking actions) and a cognitive assessment (numerical and verbal reasoning). There is no overall time limit, but some questions are timed. You get a feedback report on your strengths.
- Job simulation. Work-based scenarios with ranking, multiple-choice, written and recorded video responses. Some scenarios mention AI tools, but no AI experience is needed.
- Final stage assessment. Usually in person at the Deloitte office linked to your application. You prepare a topic in advance, then have a discussion with an assessor (about 30 to 40 minutes) and a skills and motivation interview (about 50 minutes).
- Outcome. Deloitte tells you the result and gives feedback. If you are unsuccessful, you can reapply in the next intake year.
Salary and eligibility
Deloitte doesn’t publish one graduate salary on its early careers pages, and pay varies by programme and location. Treat any figure you see elsewhere as an estimate, and check the offer or the job advert for your role.
To be eligible, you’ll typically need:
- A predicted or achieved 2:1 or above in your undergraduate degree, in any discipline. Some programmes have specific degree requirements, so read the job description.
- To have your degree result before you start, since graduate programmes start in September.
- Your academic breakdown at application. Deloitte has removed A-level and GCSE requirements for most programmes, but still asks for them because some professionally qualifying programmes need them.
If you missed the academic criteria for extenuating reasons, explain this in your application, and Deloitte says it will consider it.
Deloitte Graduate Scheme programme structure
Deloitte’s graduate schemes run across several service lines, each with its own track:
- Audit & Assurance — statutory audit and financial reporting work across sectors
- Consulting — strategy, technology and operations consulting for major clients
- Tax Consulting — corporate and personal tax advisory
- Financial Advisory — M&A, restructuring and transaction services
- Technology and Digital — software engineering, data and cloud roles
- Risk Advisory — risk, regulatory and forensic work
Most programmes combine structured training (often working towards a professional qualification like ACA or ACCA) with client-facing project work from day one.
How to prepare for Deloitte’s assessments
For the online assessments, use Deloitte’s Candidate Zone, which has practice assessments and tips. Find a quiet place for the job simulation, because it includes recorded video answers. For the final stage, research your topic carefully and be ready to discuss your analysis, then prepare examples for the skills and motivation interview. Read our assessment centre guide for how final-stage exercises work.
Locations
Deloitte has 21 offices across the UK and offshore, including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading, Southampton, Aberdeen, Belfast, Gatwick, Gibraltar, Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Jersey — with the majority of 2026 intake roles based outside London.
How Deloitte compares
If you’re weighing Deloitte against other employers, it’s worth comparing salary and structure side by side. See how it stacks up against other Big Four and finance/consulting schemes: EY, McKinsey, Accenture, Capgemini, BlackRock and J.P. Morgan, or consider public-sector leadership with the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme, or browse the full list.
Benefits
Deloitte graduate benefits typically include exam sponsorship and study leave for professional qualifications, private medical insurance, pension contributions, and flexible benefits schemes covering things like gym membership and season ticket loans.
Application deadlines
Deloitte has different opening and closing dates for different programmes and locations, and it closes applications early when it receives a very high volume, so apply as early as possible. Check the Deloitte early careers page for the dates of your programme.
FAQ
Do I need A-levels or GCSEs for the Deloitte graduate scheme?
Deloitte has removed A-level and GCSE requirements for most programmes, though it still collects the information at application because some professionally qualifying programmes need it. Check your job description.
What degree classification does Deloitte require?
A 2:1 or above (or on track for one) in any degree subject.
How long does the Deloitte application process take?
Deloitte says it will get back to you within four weeks after the immersive online assessment and again within four weeks after the job simulation. The final stage is a separate invitation, so the whole process can take several weeks to months.
Does Deloitte offer roles outside London?
Yes — in 2026, 44% of new starters were based outside London, across 21 UK and offshore offices.
What’s the starting salary on the Deloitte graduate scheme?
Deloitte doesn’t publish one graduate salary on its early careers pages. Check the job advert or your offer for your programme and location.
Can I apply to more than one Deloitte programme?
No. Deloitte accepts only one application per intake or academic year (September to August), so choose your programme carefully.
