NHS Graduate Scheme 2026: Apply for NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme | NHS Graduate Scheme Portal | NHS Graduate scheme login – The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) is open to current NHS employees, known as ‘in-service’ trainees.
We welcome applications from qualifying NHS staff, recognising that in-service trainees have experience they can use and develop on the Scheme. In-service trainees can provide valuable feedback to colleagues and peers, on how healthcare services work in practice. Â
Our recruitment process is designed to assess your strengths. It’s not about what you’ve studied, the university you went to or the work experience you might have done. We’re interested in finding out about your passion and potential to become a future NHS leader.
Entry requirements
2:2 degree minimum in any subject
These requirements apply to all applicants including NHS employees.
The minimum entry requirements for all specialisms is a 2:2 degree in any subject.
There is no specific numeracy proficiency requirement for Finance or Health Informatics, however it is highly recommended that applicants can demonstrate a good numerate ability, have undertaken a numerate subject (Accounting, Finance, Economics or STEM subject) or a degree with at least 30% numerate content. This may be demonstrated through use and treatment of quantitative data or statistics during research, statistics modules or use of mathematical modelling.
OR
A postgraduate qualification (MBA, Masters, PhD)
OR
Health or management related degree level equivalent qualifications Examples of equivalent qualificationsQualifications we do not accept
Our Scheme has a significant academic study element. Candidates must have a strong aptitude for assimilating, analysing and explaining complex concepts, data and statistics.
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Recruitment process/Phase
Eligibility questionnaire & application form
Stage 1 Future Potential Assessment (online)
This online assessment will take you approximately 45 minutes to complete – although it’s not time limited. This will help you learn more about the work you’d be doing on the Scheme. You will have an opportunity to practice each question type before you start the assessment.
The earlier you apply, the more time you’ll have to complete your assessments. If you are successful, you’ll be invited to the next stage. All candidates will receive a feedback report upon completion of this stage.
Stage 2 NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment
You can take this assessment as soon as you’ve been notified of success at stage 1. This stage will include video responses, giving you a great opportunity to show us more about you as an individual. Stage 2 will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. Only the video-based questions will be timed, but don’t worry – you’ll have plenty of time to prepare before recording your answers. You will have an opportunity to practice each question type before you start the assessment.
All candidates will receive a feedback report upon completion of this stage.
Please note: Our team manually review all video interview responses as we do not use artificial intelligence for this process. We appreciate your patience during this time as we complete the review process. Successful candidates will be invited to the Virtual Assessment Centre (VAC). VACs will start in January 2026.
Stage 3 Virtual Assessment Centre (VAC)
During this half-day VAC, we’ll ask you to complete several engaging exercises. You’ll meet the NHS team and other candidates. As with the earlier online assessments, you’ll be encouraged to just be yourself and enjoy the experience. We’ll provide a feedback report after this stage, regardless of the outcome.
VAC outcome
Following your VAC, we’ll contact you with one of three possible outcomes:
1. Successful at VAC – an immediate offer will be made
2. On the reserve list – we’ll get in touch again if a place on the Scheme becomes available
3. Unsuccessful at VAC
Allocation
This is the process of matching successful candidates who receive offers to available placements. This is not part of the assessment process, the VAC is the final assessment stage for candidates. If we are able to offer your a place on the scheme, we’ll consider your assessment scores and preferences and match these with the available placement roles offered by NHS organisations. We will endeavour to try and match individuals to ​the closest possible placement using your indicated preferences.
Offer and onboarding
Candidates who have passed their VAC and been successfully matched with a placement are offered a place on the Scheme. We’ll contact you to begin pre-employment checks and onboarding – so you’re ready to join the scheme on the 7th September 2026.
Applications will close on 29th October 2025 – Midday