The HSBC graduate scheme is a set of separate graduate programmes across the bank’s business areas, each with its own closing date, location and start date. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and a programme can close early, so apply as soon as you have chosen your route. You can submit only one programme application, so choose carefully. As of 9 October 2026, four UK graduate programmes are open with closing dates between 18 October and 15 November.
If you’re comparing banking employers, see how it stacks up against Barclays or J.P. Morgan, or browse all graduate schemes in our hub.
“Having no knowledge of finance was daunting, but I was encouraged to focus on the skills and perspectives I did bring.”
Source: HSBC, “Students and graduates”
— Libby, Relationship Management Analyst, joined 2023, Birmingham
HSBC graduate scheme at a glance
| Programmes | Separate graduate programmes by business area |
| Application | One programme application only |
| Review | Rolling basis; programmes may close early |
| Selection | Online application, online assessment, assessment centre |
| Start dates | July 2027 for the programmes listed below |
HSBC graduate programmes open for 2027
| Programme | Location | Opens | Closes | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relationship Management – Commercial Bank – Graduate | North (Manchester) | 1 Oct 2026 | 18 Oct 2026 | 5 Jul 2027 |
| Relationship Management – Private Bank – Graduate | London | 1 Oct 2026 | 29 Oct 2026 | 26 Jul 2027 |
| Cyber – Graduate (Global Chief Information Office) | Sheffield | 5 Oct 2026 | 1 Nov 2026 | 26 Jul 2027 |
| Engineering – Graduate (Global Chief Information Office) | Sheffield | 5 Oct 2026 | 15 Nov 2026 | 26 Jul 2027 |
Check HSBC’s graduate programmes page for the current list, because roles are added and closed through the season.
How the HSBC graduate application process works
HSBC uses a three-step process:
- Online application form (10–15 minutes). There are no long written questions, so keep your CV and degree details ready.
- Online assessment (about 90 minutes). You usually hear the outcome within a couple of days.
- Assessment centre (about 3 hours). It is mostly virtual and sometimes in person. Interview shortlisting can take several weeks.
How to prepare
- Use HSBC’s Practice Zone to try the assessment formats before the real one.
- Use the Skills Matcher (about 5 minutes) if you are unsure which programme suits you.
- Read our assessment centre guide for the group exercise and interview.
- Apply early: rolling review means later applicants may find the programme already closed.
Requirements
Academic requirements vary by programme and are not a blanket 2:1, so read the criteria on the listing you apply to. You need the right to work in the UK. In some locations an internship is the best route into the graduate programme.
HSBC graduate scheme locations
The programmes above are based in London, Manchester and Sheffield. HSBC also recruits graduates in other locations, so check the programme page for yours.
HSBC graduate scheme salary
HSBC doesn’t publish one salary for every programme. Glassdoor reports an average of about £38,500 for HSBC graduates, with a range of roughly £35,800 to £48,600. Treat these as a guide and check the figure in your offer. Use Debut’s Paycheck Calculator to see take-home pay.
How HSBC compares
Compare HSBC with Barclays or browse the full list on our Graduate Scheme hub.
FAQ
How many stages are there in the HSBC graduate application?
Three: an online application form, a 90-minute online assessment, and an assessment centre of about three hours.
When does the HSBC graduate scheme close?
Each programme has its own date. Current UK closing dates run from 18 October to 15 November 2026, and programmes may close early because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Do I need a 2:1 for the HSBC graduate scheme?
Requirements vary by programme, so check the listing you apply to.
Can I apply to more than one HSBC graduate programme?
No. HSBC allows one programme application only.
How long does HSBC take to respond?
Online assessment outcomes usually come within a couple of days. The interview shortlist can take weeks.
