KPMG Graduate Scheme 2026: The Ultimate Salary & Application Guide
KPMG Graduate Scheme is one of the UK’s most established Big Four routes into audit, tax, consulting and technology careers. KPMG runs a genuinely rolling process — its Launch Pad assessment days run from late November right through to July — 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 or PwC, 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”
How to Apply
KPMG’s process runs through four stages:
- Explore and Apply — a non-assessed job preview quiz using everyday work scenarios, followed by an application form covering your academic background and any work experience.
- Online Assessments — a skills assessment (untimed, ~20 minutes) measuring workplace behaviours, plus a timed cognitive assessment (36 minutes) covering numerical and logical reasoning, both hosted on the SHL platform.
- Video Interview — six pre-recorded questions asked by KPMG’s AI avatar “Leah”; your answers are reviewed and scored afterwards by a real member of the Student Recruitment team, not by AI.
- Launch Pad — an in-person half-day assessment combining assessed and non-assessed activities, plus the chance to meet KPMG staff from partners to trainees. Successful candidates typically get an offer within 2 working days.
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.
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. You can only hold one application in KPMG’s system at a time — if you’re 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 operates from offices across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, East Anglia, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Reading and Southampton — so most graduate routes aren’t London-only. (Source: KPMG UK office locations)
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.
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)
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, so early applications are strongly favoured over last-minute ones.
FAQ
Does KPMG require a 2:1 degree?
Yes, typically — though if your grades are a little short, KPMG encourages you to apply anyway, as contextual recruitment can factor in socio-economic background or extenuating circumstances.
What is the KPMG graduate scheme salary?
KPMG doesn’t publish an official figure — pay varies by service line and location. Reported 2026 market figures range from around £28,000-£33,000 for Audit/Tax up to £35,000-£38,000 in London.
Can I apply to more than one KPMG programme?
No — you can only hold one live application in KPMG’s system at a time.
Does KPMG offer roles outside London?
Yes — KPMG has 16+ UK offices, including Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds and Bristol.
What happens at a KPMG video interview?
You’ll answer six pre-recorded questions asked by KPMG’s AI avatar “Leah” — but your actual answers are reviewed and scored by a human recruiter, not AI.
How long does the KPMG application process take?
Four stages from application to Launch Pad — successful candidates typically receive an offer within 2 working days of their Launch Pad event.
