KPMG Graduate Scheme 2027: Dates, Process & Salary

KPMG Graduate Scheme is one of the UK’s most established Big Four routes into audit, tax, consulting and technology careers. KPMG runs a rolling process, and its in-person Launch Pad assessment days run from November 2026 to May 2027, so applying early matters more than watching a single deadline. If you’re comparing it against other Big Four employers, see how it stacks up against Deloitte, PwC or EY, read our KPMG vs EY comparison, or browse all open graduate roles on our jobs board.

“The process has both online and in-person elements. Starting with an online application form and ending with the final stage of our recruitment process, an in-person Launch Pad assessment day.”

Source: KPMG UK Careers, “Our application process”

KPMG graduate scheme at a glance

How to apply for the KPMG graduate scheme

KPMG’s process is virtual from application through to the final stage, which is an in-person half-day event. It runs through four stages:

1. Explore and Apply (about 45 minutes). A non-assessed job preview quiz using everyday scenarios from your chosen role, followed by an application form about your academic background and any work experience. KPMG uses this to assess you fairly against its entry criteria before moving you on.
2. Online assessments (about 60 minutes). Two tests on the SHL platform. The skills assessment is untimed (allow around 20 minutes): you rank how you would think, feel or respond in work scenarios. The cognitive assessment is timed at 36 minutes and covers numerical and logical reasoning. You get practice tests first, and afterwards a personalised skills feedback report.
3. Video interview (about 40 minutes). Six pre-recorded questions asked by KPMG’s AI avatar Leah. You get set preparation time per question, then record your answer. Your recorded answers are reviewed and scored by a member of KPMG’s Student Recruitment team, not by AI.
4. Launch Pad (half a day). An in-person event combining assessed and non-assessed activities, where you also meet KPMG people from partners to trainees. If you are successful, KPMG says your job offer follows within 2 working days. If you are unsuccessful, you can request feedback.

Launch Pad events run across the UK, including multiple London dates at The Oval, plus Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol and Leeds. (Source: KPMG UK Careers, application process page)

If you don’t meet the standard entry criteria, KPMG explicitly encourages you to apply anyway — grades a little short of the bar are reviewed alongside your assessment performance, and KPMG’s contextual recruitment process can give a positive uplift based on socio-economic background or extenuating circumstances.

KPMG Launch Pad dates 2026/27

Dates are taken from KPMG’s own application process page and can change, so check it before you plan travel. KPMG sends full instructions on what to expect, what to wear and travel expenses ahead of the event.

How to prepare for KPMG’s assessments

• Online assessments. Use the practice tests KPMG shows right before the live assessment. The most relevant test types are behaviour-based and general cognitive ability tests, so you can also practise on SHL’s practice tests. Use a desktop or laptop, Chrome if possible, and a stable internet connection.
• Video interview. Think about your personal strengths and re-read the KPMG skills KPMG looks for, then prepare one real example for each. Allow around 40 minutes in a quiet place.
• Launch Pad. Read our assessment centre guide for how group exercises and final interviews work, and our tips on surviving an assessment centre.
• Be honest in every stage. KPMG asks you to complete the assessments independently, without help from others or AI tools, and can withdraw candidates who act dishonestly and re-test parts of the online assessments.

Salary and eligibility

KPMG doesn’t publish one fixed graduate salary — pay varies by service line and office location. Reported market figures for 2026 put London graduate salaries at roughly £35,000-£38,000, with regional offices typically around £30,000-£33,000; Audit and Tax routes specifically tend to start closer to £28,000-£33,000. (Source: market salary data via Glassdoor)

To apply, you’ll typically need a 2:1 degree or equivalent in any discipline, plus the right to work in the UK. KPMG lists the general entry criteria on each programme page and encourages you to apply if you are a few grades or points short, because your application is reviewed together with your assessment performance. You can only hold one application in KPMG’s system at a time, so if you are unsuccessful you’ll need to wait until the following year to reapply.

Curious what your offer looks like after tax? Run it through Debut’s Paycheck Calculator.

KPMG graduate programme structure

KPMG groups its graduate routes into four service lines:

• Audit — statutory audit and assurance work across sectors, often working towards ACA
• Consulting — strategy, technology and operations consulting for major clients
• Tax & Law — corporate and personal tax advisory, plus legal services
• Technology & Engineering — software engineering, data and digital delivery roles

Locations

KPMG recruits graduates across the UK, with offices in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading, Southampton, Aberdeen and Watford, so most routes aren’t London-only. You choose your programme and location when you apply, and you can see the current list on KPMG’s graduate careers site.

How KPMG compares

Weighing KPMG against other Big Four employers? Compare salary, degree requirements and structure with Deloitte, PwC, EY or Accenture, or browse the full list on our Graduate Scheme hub. Run any offer through Debut’s Paycheck Calculator to see it after tax.

For a head-to-head view, read our KPMG vs EY comparison.

Benefits

KPMG’s flexible benefits scheme, Flextra, lets you choose from a health cash plan, travel/critical illness/dental/personal accident insurance, a workplace ISA and a cycle-to-work scheme, on top of core pension and life insurance. KPMG also runs BeWell, a confidential employee assistance programme, and “Jump Start” — an early half-day finish on Fridays during the summer months. (Source: KPMG UK Reward and recognition)

KPMG also says graduates start with an immersive five-day induction, dedicated study time and a tutor to help you pass professional exams.

Application Deadlines

KPMG’s standard application deadline typically falls around late April for the following September intake, with a slightly earlier cut-off (around June) for candidates needing visa sponsorship. But KPMG fills Launch Pad slots on a rolling basis well before that date, and Launch Pad events run from November 2026 to May 2027, so early applications are strongly favoured over last-minute ones.

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