Applications are now open for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) 2027 entry, offering graduates and eligible applicants an opportunity to develop their leadership, management and professional skills while working within the National Health Service.

The NHS GMTS is designed for people who demonstrate passion, potential and leadership capability. According to the programme, its recruitment process is not focused simply on what applicants studied, which university they attended, or what previous work experience they have. Instead, the selection process is designed to assess candidates’ strengths and potential to become future NHS leaders.

Applications for 2027 entry are currently open and will close on 28 October at 11:30am.

Apply for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027

What Is the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme?

The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) is a structured graduate development and employment programme designed to develop future leaders within the NHS.

The Scheme combines employment, professional development, academic study and practical experience. Successful applicants become full-time NHS employees rather than students on a conventional university programme. The official eligibility information states that trainees undertake at least two years of work experience, professional leadership training and academic qualifications.

The programme is intended for individuals who want to build a career in healthcare management and leadership and who are interested in contributing to the delivery and improvement of health and care services.

The NHS currently lists a starting salary of £31,276, with the possibility of an increase to £33,681 after 12 months, alongside NHS employment benefits.

Why Consider the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme?

The GMTS provides an opportunity to develop professional skills while gaining practical experience within the NHS.

Depending on the specialism, trainees can develop experience in areas such as:

• General management
• Human resources
• Finance
• Digital and health informatics
• Engineering and estates management

The exact academic qualification, duration and entry requirements can vary by specialism. For example, the HR pathway is listed as a two-year programme for applicants with any degree at 2:2 or above.

The Scheme also provides structured support throughout the trainee journey, including programme management, placement support, educational support and access to experienced colleagues and previous trainees.

NHS GMTS 2027 Recruitment Process

The 2027 recruitment process consists of several stages. Applicants should be prepared to complete online assessments before progressing to the Virtual Assessment Centre.

Registration and Application Form

The first step is to register and complete the online application form.

Applicants should ensure that they meet the relevant entry requirements before beginning the application process.

The NHS specifically encourages applicants to apply early because successful candidates will need time to complete the assessment stages that follow the application.

Stage 1: Future Potential Assessment

The first assessment stage is the Future Potential Assessment, which takes place online.

The assessment is expected to take approximately 45 minutes, although it is not time limited.

This stage is designed to help applicants learn more about the type of work they could undertake on the Scheme while allowing the NHS to assess aspects of their potential.

Before beginning the actual assessment, applicants will have the opportunity to practise each type of question.

One important feature of the process is that all candidates receive a feedback report after completing this stage, providing information about their performance.

If successful, applicants are invited to proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2: NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment

Successful Stage 1 candidates can move on to the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment.

This assessment takes approximately 60 minutes.

One of its main features is the inclusion of video responses, allowing candidates to demonstrate more about themselves as individuals.

Applicants will have the opportunity to practise each question type before completing the assessment. Although the overall assessment takes approximately one hour, only the video-based questions are timed.

Candidates also receive a feedback report after completing Stage 2.

Human Review of Video Responses

An important point for applicants is that the NHS GMTS states that its team manually reviews video interview responses and does not use artificial intelligence for this part of the process.

Candidates should therefore focus on presenting their own experiences, motivations and examples clearly and authentically.

Successful candidates proceed to the Virtual Assessment Centre.

Stage 3: Virtual Assessment Centre

The Virtual Assessment Centre (VAC) represents the final assessment stage of the recruitment process.

VACs for the 2027 entry process are scheduled to begin in January 2027 and continue through February 2027.

The VAC is a half-day assessment involving several exercises.

During the assessment, candidates will have the opportunity to:

• Complete a range of assessment exercises
• Meet members of the NHS team
• Interact with other candidates
• Demonstrate their strengths in different situations
• Experience the assessment environment virtually

The NHS encourages applicants to be themselves throughout the process.

Candidates receive a feedback report after the VAC regardless of the outcome.

Possible VAC Outcomes

Following the Virtual Assessment Centre, candidates can receive one of three outcomes:

1. Successful at VAC – an immediate offer will be made.
2. Reserve list – the candidate may be contacted if a place on the Scheme becomes available.
3. Unsuccessful at VAC – the candidate will not progress to an offer.

The VAC is the final assessment stage. Placement allocation happens afterwards and is separate from the assessment process.

Placement Allocation

Candidates who successfully pass the VAC and receive an offer then enter the allocation process.

Allocation involves matching successful candidates with available placements within NHS organisations.

The NHS considers factors including:

• Assessment scores
• Candidate preferences
• Available placement roles
• Regional considerations
• Personal circumstances where applicable

The NHS states that it will endeavour to match individuals with the closest possible placement based on their indicated preferences. However, a preferred region cannot necessarily be guaranteed because placement availability and other factors affect the allocation process.

This means applicants should consider flexibility when thinking about potential placement locations.

Offer and Onboarding

Candidates who successfully pass the VAC and are matched with a placement will receive an offer to join the Scheme.

The next stage involves:

• Pre-employment checks
• Qualification verification
• Immigration/right-to-work checks where applicable
• Onboarding
• Preparation for employment

Successful candidates are expected to be ready to join the Scheme on the first Monday of September 2027.

Preparation Materials for Applicants

The NHS GMTS provides preparation resources throughout the assessment process.

Once an applicant applies, relevant preparation materials become available in their account at each stage.

For Stage 1 and Stage 2, applicants can access:

• Hints and tips videos
• Practice tests
• Examples similar to the actual assessments
• Opportunities to practise question types

For the Virtual Assessment Centre, preparation support includes:

• Coaching calls
• Hints and tips
• Platform familiarisation videos

Applicants are not required to complete all preparation materials. However, the NHS encourages candidates to use them because they can help applicants become familiar with the assessment process.

The online practice assessments can also be used to test equipment and internet connections before completing the actual assessments.

The VAC platform has its own technical-check function, allowing candidates to check that their microphone and camera are working correctly.

Reasonable Adjustments During the Recruitment Process

The NHS GMTS recognises that applicants may require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Applicants are encouraged to disclose their adjustment needs if they require additional support.

The programme states that disclosure is a personal decision and that applicants do not need to provide information they prefer to keep private. The recruitment team only needs sufficient information to understand what adjustments are required.

The VAC team may also ask whether there are medical conditions that need to be considered in order to provide appropriate support.

The stated objective is to ensure that candidates can participate in the selection process comfortably and fairly.

Fair and Inclusive Assessment

The NHS GMTS states that assessors receive training designed to support a fair and inclusive recruitment process.

This training includes recognising and avoiding unconscious bias.

The programme describes its approach as being committed to an equitable assessment experience for candidates.

The NHS’s eligibility information also states its commitment to equality of opportunity and says that candidates should not receive less favourable treatment on grounds including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme Entry Requirements

Applicants should carefully check the requirements for their preferred specialism because requirements differ for some pathways.

For General Management, Human Resources, Finance and Digital – Health Informatics, the standard minimum requirement is a 2:2 degree in any subject.

The NHS also recognises certain alternative qualifications, including:

• A postgraduate qualification such as an MBA, Master’s or PhD
• Certain health- or management-related degree-level equivalent qualifications
• NVQ Level 5 in Management
• Diploma in Management Studies
• Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery or Health Visiting
• Diploma from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
• Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy
• Diploma from the College of Occupational Therapy
• Diploma from the College of Radiographers
• Diploma in Social Work or Certificate of Qualification in Social Work

Certain qualifications are specifically listed as not acceptable, including a Certificate in Management Studies, general DipHE qualifications outside the accepted list, ONC/OND, HNC/HND, CGLI/C&G and certain operating department certificates or diplomas.

Engineering and Estates Management Requirements

The Engineering and Estates Management (EEM) pathway has different academic requirements.

Applicants need at least a 2:2 degree in an appropriate engineering discipline, including:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Building Services Engineering

The degree must be accredited by the Engineering Council for the relevant standard route to professional chartership.

The NHS also notes that applicants holding an MEng, whether through a BEng plus Master’s or a structured four-year MEng, are not eligible for the Estates Engineering Management specialism.

Right to Work in the United Kingdom

One of the most important requirements for applicants is the right to work in the UK.

All candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the Scheme.

The NHS GMTS is a full-time employment programme rather than a student programme. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they have the appropriate immigration status or visa to work in the UK for the complete duration of the Scheme.

If an applicant does not have the required right to work, their application or offer may be withdrawn.

Offers are subject to pre-employment checks, which can include:

• Immigration status verification
• Qualification verification
• Recent proof of address in the UK
• Other employment checks

The NHS notes that immigration requirements can change and that applicants should ensure their status allows them to undertake the full programme.

Is Previous Work Experience Required?

The NHS GMTS does not require specific work experience as an eligibility condition.

This is important because the Scheme’s recruitment approach focuses on potential rather than simply selecting applicants based on their previous employment history.

However, the NHS states that tangible examples of work experience, whether paid or unpaid, can be useful during the interview and assessment process.

Examples could include volunteering or other activities that demonstrate skills, initiative, teamwork, leadership, communication or an understanding of healthcare.

For example, the NHS notes that volunteering at a local hospital can provide useful experience and help an applicant better understand the challenges facing NHS services.

Can Current NHS Employees Apply?

Yes.

The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme is open to current NHS employees, who are referred to as “in-service” trainees.

Current NHS staff must still meet the same academic eligibility and right-to-work requirements as other applicants. There are no academic eligibility exceptions simply because someone already works for the NHS.

The recruitment and assessment process is also the same for current NHS employees and external applicants.

Current NHS employees who are successful may have their previous reckonable NHS service considered as part of the employment process.

Final-Year Students Can Apply

Students who have just started their final year of a degree can apply, provided they meet the relevant requirements.

The NHS states that final-year students must have obtained their final confirmed degree classification, with a minimum of 2:2, by mid-August 2027.

Successful candidates then join the Scheme on the first Monday of September 2027.

This makes the 2027 intake relevant to students who are currently approaching the final stage of their undergraduate studies as well as graduates who already hold their qualifications.

No Age Limit

There is no age limit for applying to the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme.

The NHS states that applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements, have an interest in health and care, and consider the GMTS an appropriate career move are welcome to apply.

What Happens After Completing the Scheme?

During the Scheme, trainees are employed on a fixed-term contract.

The NHS states that trainees undertake work experience, professional leadership training and academic qualifications. Depending on the specialism, the employment period can be 24 or 30 months.

The Scheme is intended to support participants in progressing into NHS careers after completing their training.

The NHS reports that the average salary earned by trainees in their first NHS role after completing the Scheme is around £44,000, although actual salaries vary according to the role obtained.

The programme does not guarantee a particular job after completion, but the NHS GMTS provides support with finding a first substantive NHS position, including job-search advice through its support network.

Salary and Benefits

The current NHS GMTS information lists a minimum starting salary of £31,276, with a potential increase after 12 months. Depending on placement location, a High Cost Area Supplement may also apply.

Other benefits include access to the NHS Pension Scheme and employee support programmes.

The Scheme’s published information also highlights benefits such as:

• NHS Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Employment within the NHS
• Structured professional development
• Academic study
• Leadership training
• Placement experience
• Support from programme and placement teams

Current NHS employees may have different salary arrangements depending on their existing NHS employment and recognised service.

Key Features of the NHS GMTS 2027 Opportunity

For applicants considering the programme, the main features include:

• 2027 entry to the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme
• Applications currently open
• Minimum 2:2 degree for most specialisms
• Degree can be in any subject for General Management, HR, Finance and Digital – Health Informatics
• Separate engineering degree requirements for Engineering and Estates Management
• No specific previous work experience required
• No age limit
• Current NHS employees can apply
• Final-year students can apply if they meet the qualification deadline
• Full-time employment during the Scheme
• Professional leadership development
• Academic qualifications
• Practical NHS work experience
• Online assessments
• Virtual Assessment Centre
• Placement allocation following successful assessment
• Structured preparation materials
• Feedback following assessment stages
• Reasonable adjustment support
• Trained assessors
• UK right-to-work requirement

NHS GMTS 2027 Application Timeline

Applicants should be aware of the key dates and stages associated with the 2027 intake.

Application deadline

28 October 2026 at 11:30am

Stage 1

Future Potential Assessment completed online following successful registration and application.

Stage 2

Successful Stage 1 candidates proceed to the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment, including video responses.

January–February 2027

Virtual Assessment Centres are scheduled to take place.

September 2027

Successful candidates who complete the assessment, placement matching and onboarding process are expected to begin the Scheme on the first Monday of September 2027.

How to Apply for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027

Applicants should first review the eligibility requirements for the specialism they wish to pursue.

Step 1: Check eligibility

Confirm that you have:

• The required academic qualification
• The appropriate qualification for your chosen specialism
• The right to work in the UK for the entire Scheme
• Any additional requirements relevant to your pathway

Step 2: Complete the application

Applications are submitted through the NHS GMTS application system.

NHS GMTS 2027 Application Portal

Step 3: Complete Stage 1

If your application progresses, complete the Future Potential Assessment.

Use the available practice materials to familiarise yourself with the question formats.

Step 4: Complete Stage 2

Successful Stage 1 applicants move to the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment, including video responses.

Step 5: Attend the Virtual Assessment Centre

Candidates who successfully pass the online assessment stages are invited to the half-day VAC.

Step 6: Placement allocation

Successful candidates are matched with available NHS placements according to the Scheme’s allocation process.

Step 7: Pre-employment checks and onboarding

Candidates who are successfully matched complete the necessary checks and onboarding before joining the Scheme.

Tips for Preparing Your Application

Although the NHS GMTS does not require applicants to have a particular academic subject or specific work history for most pathways, applicants should still prepare carefully.

1. Understand the pathway you are applying for

Read the requirements for your chosen specialism carefully. The standard requirements do not apply identically to every pathway, particularly Engineering and Estates Management.

2. Use the official practice materials

The Scheme provides practice assessments, hints and tips videos and technical checks. These resources can help applicants understand what to expect.

3. Prepare examples from your experience

Think about situations where you have demonstrated qualities such as:

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Resilience
• Working with others
• Responding to change

These examples do not necessarily have to come from formal employment.

4. Prepare for video responses

Because Stage 2 includes video questions, applicants should become comfortable explaining their experiences and motivations clearly on camera.

5. Check your technology

Make sure your:

• Camera works
• Microphone works
• Internet connection is reliable
• Computer is suitable for the assessment platform
• Assessment environment is appropriate

The NHS provides technical checks as part of its preparation process.

6. Apply early

Although the final deadline is 28 October at 11:30am, applicants are encouraged to apply early because there are multiple assessment stages after the initial application.

Learn more HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Can final-year students apply?

Yes. Final-year students can apply if they meet the Scheme’s requirements and have their final confirmed degree classification of at least 2:2 by mid-August 2027.

Is a specific degree subject required?

For General Management, Human Resources, Finance and Digital – Health Informatics, the minimum requirement is a 2:2 degree in any subject. Engineering and Estates Management has specific engineering-degree requirements.

Do I need previous work experience?

No specific work experience is required. However, paid or unpaid experience can provide useful examples during the recruitment process.

Can current NHS employees apply?

Yes. Current NHS employees can apply as in-service trainees, but they must meet the same academic and right-to-work requirements.

Is there an age limit?

No. The NHS states that there is no age limit for applicants.

Do I need the right to work in the UK?

Yes. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the Scheme.

When does the 2027 Scheme begin?

Successful candidates are expected to join on the first Monday of September 2027.

Does completing the Scheme guarantee a permanent NHS job?

No. Trainees are employed during the Scheme, and the NHS provides support with finding a first substantive NHS role afterwards, but a particular job is not guaranteed.

When is the application deadline?

Applications for 2027 entry close on 28 October 2026 at 11:30am.

Conclusion

The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027 provides an opportunity for eligible graduates, final-year students and current NHS employees to develop their leadership and management careers while gaining practical experience within the NHS.

The recruitment process places considerable emphasis on potential, strengths, motivation and individual capability, rather than requiring applicants to come from one particular academic discipline or have a specific professional background. For most pathways, a 2:2 degree in any subject is sufficient academically, while Engineering and Estates Management has separate engineering requirements. Applicants must also have the right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the Scheme.

The selection process progresses from the application and Future Potential Assessment through the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment and finally to the Virtual Assessment Centre. Successful candidates then go through placement allocation, pre-employment checks and onboarding before beginning the Scheme in September 2027.

With applications currently open, prospective applicants should review the requirements for their preferred pathway, make use of the available preparation resources and submit their application before the 28 October 2026 at 11:30am deadline.

Apply for NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027

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