NHS Graduate Scheme 2027 (GMTS): How to Apply

The NHS graduate scheme, formally the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS), is a leadership programme with five pathways: General Management, Finance, Human Resources, Digital – Health Informatics, and Engineering & Estates Management. According to the official Apply page, applications for 2027 entry close on 28 October at 11.30am, and successful candidates start on the first Monday of September 2027.

This guide covers pay, who can apply, each assessment stage and how to prepare while the window is still open.

NHS graduate scheme at a glance

• Pathways: General Management, Finance, Human Resources, Digital – Health Informatics, Engineering & Estates Management
• Starting salary: £31,276, rising to £33,681 after 12 months (per the scheme’s own site)
• Length: fixed-term contract of 24 months, or 30 months for Finance and Engineering & Estates Management
• Deadline: 28 October 2026 at 11.30am
• Start date: first Monday of September 2027
• Entry requirement: a 2:2 degree in any subject (different rules for Engineering & Estates Management)
• Right to work: you need the right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the scheme

NHS graduate scheme pay and benefits

The scheme lists a starting salary of £31,276, rising to £33,681 after 12 months. Trainees are automatically enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme and can use the Employee Assistance Programme and the Cycle2Work scheme. The NHS says trainees earn around £44,000 on average in their first NHS role after completing the scheme. Use our paycheck calculator to see what £31,276 is worth after tax and National Insurance.

Who can apply for the NHS graduate scheme

For General Management, HR, Finance and Digital – Health Informatics, the NHS asks for a 2:2 degree in any subject, a postgraduate qualification (MBA, Masters or PhD), or an accepted health or management-related equivalent. Finance and Health Informatics have no formal numeracy requirement, but the NHS highly recommends a numerate subject or a degree with at least 30% numerate content.

Engineering & Estates Management is stricter. It requires a 2:2 in Mechanical, Electrical or Building Services Engineering from an Engineering Council-accredited course, and applicants with an MEng are not eligible for this pathway.

There is no age limit and no required work experience, though the NHS says examples of paid or unpaid experience help at interview. You can apply in your final year, but you need your confirmed degree classification (minimum 2:2) by mid-August 2027. You can also reapply if you were unsuccessful before. Check the entry requirements page before you start.

“…an organisation that wanted to develop me as a future leader.”

John, General Management trainee, NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme

John applied to the scheme as a candidate with dyslexia. In his trainee story he says the scheme offered flexibility on how he would be assessed, which gave him confidence in the organisation. That is one trainee’s account published by the scheme itself, so treat it as the employer’s own showcase rather than independent feedback.

NHS graduate scheme application process

All of the following comes from the NHS’s Apply page.

1. Registration and application form.
2. Stage 1: Future Potential Assessment. An online assessment of about 45 minutes that is not time limited. You can practise each question type first, and every candidate receives a feedback report.
3. Stage 2: Alignment Assessment. About 60 minutes, including video responses. Only the video questions are timed, and you get time to prepare. The NHS says its team reviews video answers manually and does not use artificial intelligence for this.
4. Stage 3: Virtual Assessment Centre (VAC). A half-day with several exercises, held from January to February 2027. You get a feedback report whatever the outcome.
5. VAC outcome. One of three: an immediate offer, a place on the reserve list, or unsuccessful.
6. Allocation. Successful candidates are matched to available NHS placements using assessment scores and stated preferences. This is not part of the assessment.
7. Offer and onboarding. Pre-employment checks, then the start on the first Monday of September 2027.

The NHS advises applying early: the earlier you apply, the more time you have to complete the assessments.

How to prepare for the NHS graduate scheme

Use the official practice tests. The NHS says preparation materials appear in your account once you apply, including hints and tips videos and practice tests for stages 1 and 2. They also let you test your equipment and internet connection before the real assessments.

Prepare your video answers. In Stage 2 only the recording is timed, so use the preparation time to plan a short structure for each answer.

Get a real example of NHS work. The NHS suggests volunteering at a local hospital as a way to understand the challenges facing the service. Our assessment centre guide and survival guide cover the group exercises and interviews you can expect at the Virtual Assessment Centre.

Ask for adjustments early. The NHS asks candidates to disclose any reasonable adjustment needs during selection and says it only needs enough detail to arrange the support.

NHS graduate scheme compared with other graduate schemes

If you are weighing public service against corporate routes, compare the Deloitte and PwC graduate schemes, or the Santander and NatWest graduate schemes in banking. All current schemes are in our graduate schemes hub. The NHS says the scheme was placed 3rd in the Times Top 100 Graduate Employers.

NHS graduate scheme FAQ