HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme 2026–2027: Launch Your Policy Career at the Heart of UK Government

Are you a graduate looking to build a career in public policy, government, economics, public services and decision-making? The HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme 2026–2027 offers graduates the opportunity to begin a career as a Policy Adviser, working at the centre of UK government decision-making and contributing to policies that affect millions of people across the United Kingdom.

HM Treasury describes its graduates as innovators who can help imagine how the UK could be better and contribute to decisions that make a difference to people’s lives. The Graduate Policy Programme is designed to provide meaningful responsibility from an early stage, structured development, practical policymaking experience and opportunities for long-term career progression within HM Treasury and the wider Civil Service.

The 2026–2027 recruitment campaign is currently open, with applications closing at 12 noon on 5 November 2026.

This is not a programme restricted to economics graduates. HM Treasury welcomes graduates from all degree subjects and backgrounds, provided they meet the required academic, nationality, UK work-right and security-clearance conditions.

About the HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme

The Graduate Policy Programme places successful graduates in the Policy Adviser role, where they can contribute directly to the development and delivery of government policy.

HM Treasury’s work affects many aspects of everyday life in the UK. Its policy responsibilities include areas such as:

• Housing
• Education
• Health
• Local government
• Policing
• Pensions
• Taxation and public spending
• Economic growth
• Business innovation
• Customs and trade
• Wider economic and fiscal policy

As a Policy Adviser, you will provide advice to Ministers and senior decision-makers, helping them understand issues, evaluate evidence and make informed decisions.

The role can involve analysing data, coordinating projects, preparing briefing materials, responding to questions from MPs or members of the public, working with other government departments and external organisations, and supporting Ministers in parliamentary activities.

This means the programme is particularly relevant for graduates who are interested in how governments make decisions, how public resources are allocated, how policy affects communities and how evidence can be transformed into practical government action.

What Does a Policy Adviser Do?

The Policy Adviser role is at the centre of the Graduate Policy Programme.

Policy Advisers work on real government priorities and are given meaningful responsibilities from an early stage. Rather than simply observing experienced policymakers, graduates are expected to contribute to policy development while receiving support, training and mentorship.

Depending on your placement and policy area, your work could involve:

• Analysing evidence and data
• Identifying important policy issues
• Developing policy options
• Preparing briefings for Ministers and senior leaders
• Responding to questions from MPs and members of the public
• Coordinating short- and long-term projects
• Working with colleagues across government
• Engaging with external organisations and stakeholders
• Supporting parliamentary work
• Considering the economic, social and political implications of policy decisions
• Communicating complex information clearly
• Making evidence-based recommendations

HM Treasury highlights examples of previous Policy Adviser work that have included contributing to the UK’s future customs and trade policy, developing regional devolution agreements, developing the Government’s first Islamic Finance bond, and helping design and deliver COVID-19 economic support measures including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

A Graduate Programme for All Degree Subjects

One of the major features of the HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme is that applicants do not need an economics degree.

HM Treasury specifically welcomes graduates with a 2.2 or above in any degree subject and from all universities. The organisation also states that applicants do not need relevant previous work experience to succeed on the programme.

This makes the opportunity potentially relevant to graduates from a wide range of academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Economics
• Business
• Finance
• Law
• Politics
• International relations
• Social sciences
• Education
• Sciences
• Engineering
• Technology
• Mathematics
• Humanities
• Communications
• Other recognised undergraduate disciplines

The key requirement is not the subject itself, but whether applicants meet the minimum degree classification and can demonstrate the capabilities needed for policymaking.

Skills HM Treasury Is Looking For

Academic qualifications are only one part of the selection process. HM Treasury is looking for people who can analyse problems, communicate effectively, work with others and operate confidently in a changing environment.

1. Clear Analysis

Policy Advisers need to deal with complex information and identify what matters most.

HM Treasury looks for people who can:

• Think through challenging problems
• Identify key issues
• Understand complex information
• Reach logical conclusions
• Find practical solutions
• Use evidence to support decisions

2. Interpersonal Skills

Government policy involves working with people who may have very different priorities and perspectives.

Successful candidates should be able to:

• Listen to different viewpoints
• Understand stakeholder perspectives
• Influence and persuade others
• Negotiate effectively
• Build positive working relationships

3. Clear Communication

Policy Advisers frequently need to explain complicated issues to Ministers, senior officials, colleagues and other stakeholders.

Strong candidates should therefore be able to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely and effectively, particularly in writing.

4. Teamwork

HM Treasury works through collaborative teams, and graduates are expected to contribute positively to colleagues and build strong working relationships.

5. Motivation

HM Treasury is looking for graduates who genuinely care about making a difference through public policy and who are interested in how government decisions affect people across the UK.

Because Treasury work can attract significant public and political scrutiny, candidates must also be comfortable taking responsibility and operating in high-profile environments.

6. Resilience and Adaptability

The political and economic environment can change rapidly. Policy Advisers therefore need to be adaptable, flexible and capable of responding when priorities or circumstances change.

Graduate Policy Programme Structure

The Graduate Policy Programme is designed to combine practical experience with structured professional development.

Participants complete two placements during the programme.

First Placement

The first placement provides an opportunity to:

• Develop expertise in a particular policy area
• Take on meaningful responsibilities
• Build a strong foundation in policymaking
• Develop practical knowledge of how government works

Second Placement

During the second placement, graduates may either:

• Deepen their knowledge in a related policy area, or
• Broaden their experience by working on a different policy challenge.

The placement structure depends on individual development needs and HM Treasury’s departmental priorities.

Alongside these placements, graduates receive structured development opportunities covering formal learning, professional skills development and support from managers and colleagues.

Training and Professional Development

The programme is intended to develop graduates into professional Policy Advisers rather than simply providing an entry-level job.

Participants receive training and practical experience in areas including:

• Policy-making
• Economics
• Fiscal policy
• Working with Ministers
• Negotiation
• Influencing
• Creative problem-solving
• Communication
• Evidence-based decision-making

The programme also connects with HM Treasury’s wider policy skills framework, which supports professional development across different grades within the policy profession.

Graduates receive mentoring and support from their line managers and wider teams. HM Treasury says participants will progressively take on greater responsibility as they develop their skills and confidence.

Career Progression After the Programme

The Graduate Policy Programme is intended to be the beginning of a longer policy career.

After approximately two years on the programme, participants have the opportunity to undertake a dedicated assessment process to demonstrate their readiness for promotion to the next grade, SEO.

Promotion is not guaranteed, but the programme is designed to provide graduates with the skills and experience required to pursue future progression opportunities.

Policy Advisers can also develop their careers in different directions after completing the programme.

According to HM Treasury, many continue their careers within the Treasury, while others move into wider Civil Service roles or other public-sector organisations. Some later return to HM Treasury with additional experience.

Employment and Contract

Successful Policy Advisers can join HM Treasury in either London or Darlington.

The roles are offered on permanent contracts. HM Treasury states that once a graduate successfully completes the six-month probation period, they remain a permanent staff member after completing the graduate programme.

Applicants must therefore think carefully about their preferred location when applying.

London or Darlington: Choosing Your Location

The Graduate Policy Programme has positions in:

• London
• Darlington

During the application, candidates must select the location they want to apply for.

Importantly, HM Treasury states that applicants can submit only one application during each recruitment season. Candidates should therefore consider their preferred location carefully before submitting their application, because they generally cannot change it afterwards.

The location does not restrict the type of policy work you can undertake on the programme.

Salary and Employee Benefits

The HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme offers a competitive starting salary together with the wider benefits available to HM Treasury employees.

The current advertised starting salaries are:

• London: £39,130
• Darlington: £36,130

Participants are also eligible for pay awards implemented for staff during the programme, subject to departmental pay arrangements.

Annual Leave

Employees receive:

• 25 days of annual leave initially
• An increase to 30 days after five years
• Public holidays
• The King’s birthday

Pension

HM Treasury offers a defined-benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%.

Parental Leave

The benefits package includes parental leave arrangements, including occupational pay for maternity and adoption leave and shared parental leave options.

Additional Schemes and Discounts

Employees can also access benefits such as:

• Rental deposit support
• Cycle-to-work schemes
• SmartTech
• Season-ticket loans
• Discounts through the HM Treasury benefits portal

Flexible and Hybrid Working

HM Treasury provides flexible-working options including:

• Part-time work
• Job sharing
• Compressed hours
• Flexitime
• Hybrid working where business needs allow

However, this should not be interpreted as a fully remote position. HM Treasury currently operates an office-based approach with an expectation of at least 60% attendance in the office, and the role can only be worked in the UK, not overseas.

Who Can Apply?

HM Treasury welcomes graduates from all degree subjects and backgrounds, but applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Academic Requirement

Applicants must have:

• A minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree or equivalent, or
• Be on track to achieve a minimum 2.2.

There is no requirement to hold an economics degree.

HM Treasury also makes clear that having a Master’s degree does not compensate for failing to achieve the required undergraduate degree classification. The undergraduate degree must meet the 2.2 requirement.

Work Experience

Previous relevant work experience is not required.

The programme is specifically designed to develop graduates into policy professionals through structured training, placements and practical experience.

Nationality

Nationality is an important eligibility condition.

Under the current requirements, HM Treasury accepts applications from:

• British nationals
• European Economic Area (EEA) nationals

This is based on the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Dual nationals who are British citizens and nationals of another country may still be eligible, subject to the applicable rules.

Right to Work in the UK

Applicants must have the right to work in the United Kingdom without requiring employer sponsorship.

HM Treasury states that it cannot sponsor Tier 2 visas for this programme. It also cannot accept applicants whose Tier 4 Student visa restrictions prevent them from undertaking the Policy Adviser role.

UK Residency and Security Clearance

Applicants will normally need to have lived in the UK for at least three of the previous five years to be eligible for the necessary security clearance.

This requirement exists because HM Treasury staff must undergo security clearance before employment.

Having spent more than two of the last five years outside the UK does not automatically mean an applicant is excluded in every circumstance. HM Treasury notes that exceptions can apply in certain situations, such as overseas service with HM Forces or other official representation of the UK Government. Applicants will need to provide information about where they have lived during the relevant period.

Security Clearance

All HM Treasury staff must receive security clearance.

The process involves two main stages.

First, HM Treasury carries out an initial screening after the application is submitted and before candidates are invited to the assessment centre. This determines whether the applicant is likely to meet the necessary security-clearance requirements.

If a candidate progresses and receives a verbal job offer, full pre-employment and security-clearance checks are then undertaken.

Applicants may be asked to:

• Verify their identity
• Provide information accounting for their whereabouts during the previous three years
• Complete an online security-clearance application

All job offers remain conditional on successfully obtaining the required security clearance.

Application Process for the 2026–2027 Campaign

The HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme uses a multi-stage recruitment process designed to assess academic background, reasoning ability, communication, judgement, policy thinking and potential.

Stage 1: Online Application

The first stage is the online application.

Deadline: 12 noon on 5 November 2026.

Applicants create an account using their email address and a password and provide basic personal and educational information.

The application also requires candidates to choose between the available locations of London and Darlington.

Only one application per recruitment season is accepted.

Stage 2: Online Assessment

Candidates who progress will complete an online psychometric assessment.

The assessment contains three main components:

Personality Questions

These questions explore:

• How you prefer to work
• What motivates you professionally
• How you might approach workplace situations

HM Treasury emphasises that there are no right or wrong answers to these questions and encourages candidates to respond honestly based on how they would typically behave at work.

Verbal Reasoning

Candidates will read short passages and answer questions requiring them to understand, interpret and evaluate written information.

This reflects the Policy Adviser role, where professionals must work with information from different sources and draw accurate conclusions from evidence.

Numerical Reasoning

Candidates will work with numerical information presented through formats such as tables and charts.

The questions assess the ability to understand, analyse and interpret numerical information and perform relevant calculations.

HM Treasury recommends completing the assessment in one sitting where possible, in a quiet environment with a reliable internet connection.

Stage 3: Written Questions Assessment

Candidates who successfully complete the online assessment move to the Written Questions Assessment.

Applicants will answer two written questions designed to assess their ability to communicate ideas, explain what matters to them and demonstrate how their perspective influences the way they approach different circumstances.

HM Treasury advises candidates to:

• Answer the question directly
• Address every part of the question
• Remain focused
• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Consider different perspectives and trade-offs
• Proofread their answers before submitting

The written questions are assessed against Civil Service behaviours including Making Effective Decisions and Communication and Influencing.

Stage 4: Virtual Assessment Centre

The final stage is the Virtual Assessment Centre, which evaluates candidates’ judgement, communication skills and potential to become Policy Advisers.

The assessment centre contains three major exercises.

1. Structured Policy Conversation

Candidates receive a general policy topic and supporting articles before the assessment centre.

During the exercise, candidates receive a specific question related to the topic and have 30 minutes to prepare their response.

They then discuss the issue with assessors, considering different perspectives and explaining their reasoning. Candidates are also asked to reflect on their approach and what they learned.

The exercise assesses behaviours including:

• Changing and improving
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Seeing the big picture
• Working together

Candidates are encouraged to research current developments, government positions, House of Commons briefing papers and relevant think-tank reports so that they understand the wider policy context.

2. Written Exercise

Candidates receive information about an unseen topic and are asked to produce a written summary containing their thoughts and a recommendation based on the options presented.

The exercise assesses whether candidates can:

• Analyse information
• Consider different perspectives
• Evaluate options
• Make evidence-based recommendations
• Communicate clearly under time constraints

The relevant Civil Service behaviours include:

• Delivering at pace
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Seeing the big picture

Candidates are encouraged to structure their response with an introduction, an overview of the available options and a final recommendation supported by reasons and evidence.

3. Interview

The final component is an interview designed to understand the candidate’s experiences, motivations and potential fit with HM Treasury.

The interview includes both scenario-based questions and strength-based questions.

Scenario-based questions ask candidates to explain how they have approached situations and the impact of their actions.

Strength-based questions explore areas such as:

• What motivates you
• What you enjoy
• What you naturally do well

The interview assesses Civil Service behaviours including:

• Working together
• Delivering at pace
• Changing and improving

For scenario-based questions, candidates may be asked about situations from employment, volunteering, education or other activities. Previous policy experience is not required.

HM Treasury is interested in the candidate’s thought process, judgement, priorities and decision-making rather than looking for one perfect answer.

How to Prepare for the Selection Process

The recruitment process provides a strong indication of the capabilities HM Treasury values in future Policy Advisers.

Applicants should therefore prepare around several core areas.

Develop Evidence-Based Thinking

Policy work requires decisions to be supported by evidence rather than assumptions. Candidates should practise reading information, identifying important evidence and explaining what conclusions can reasonably be drawn.

Follow UK Policy Developments

Candidates progressing to the policy conversation should stay informed about current UK policy debates and government priorities.

HM Treasury recommends using sources such as House of Commons briefing papers and relevant think-tank reports to develop a broad understanding of policy issues.

Practise Clear Written Communication

Candidates should practise reducing complicated information into concise, structured explanations.

A useful preparation exercise is to read a policy paper or news article, identify its main argument, consider different perspectives and produce a short evidence-based recommendation.

Prepare Real Examples

For scenario-based interview questions, candidates should think about situations from:

• Employment
• Volunteering
• University
• Leadership
• Community activities
• Projects
• Other relevant experiences

HM Treasury explicitly states that applicants do not need a particular type of experience to perform well.

Application Timeline

For the 2026–2027 recruitment campaign, the key information is:

• Application opening: October 2026
• Application deadline: 12 noon, 5 November 2026
• Online assessment: Following eligibility screening and application review
• Written Questions Assessment: Following successful completion of the online assessment
• Virtual Assessment Centre: January or February
• Overall recruitment process: Approximately four months from opening of applications through the assessment-centre stage

HM Treasury states that candidates will normally be informed whether they have progressed to an assessment centre around four weeks after completing the earlier stages.

Candidates should also note that the recruitment process is competitive and progressing through one stage does not guarantee progression to the next.

Click HERE for more information about HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme 2026–2027

What Happens If You Narrowly Miss Out?

HM Treasury provides an additional possibility for strong candidates who narrowly miss securing a place on the Graduate Policy Programme.

Candidates identified as a “near miss” at the assessment centre may be considered for other suitable roles at HM Treasury, typically at a grade below Policy Adviser.

This is not guaranteed, but HM Treasury may retain the candidate’s details for one year after application and contact them if an appropriate opportunity becomes available through this route.

Diversity, Inclusion and Different Perspectives

HM Treasury places significant emphasis on diversity and inclusion because government decisions affect people from different backgrounds and communities.

The organisation states that different experiences, perspectives and ideas help it develop better advice about the impact of decisions on the economy, communities and people across the UK.

HM Treasury aims to attract people from a wide range of backgrounds and locations and create an environment in which employees can contribute and thrive.

Its recruitment process is intended to be fair and inclusive, and applicants are asked to complete a diversity questionnaire. HM Treasury states that the information is securely held and used in anonymised form for monitoring rather than selection decisions.

Working Environment

Although flexible and hybrid working options are available where business needs permit, the Graduate Policy Programme is not an overseas or fully remote opportunity.

HM Treasury operates an office-based approach, with an expectation of at least 60% office attendance. The role can only be undertaken in the UK.

Candidates should therefore ensure that they are able to meet the location and UK work requirements before applying.

Why Consider the HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme?

The programme provides graduates with an opportunity to build a policy career while working on issues that have direct implications for millions of people.

Some of the major attractions include:

1. Direct exposure to government policymaking
   Graduates contribute to work that supports Ministers and senior decision-makers.
2. Meaningful responsibility from the beginning
   Participants are trusted with real work rather than being limited to observation or administrative duties.
3. Two policy placements
   Graduates can develop specialist knowledge while also gaining broader experience across different policy challenges.
4. Structured professional development
   The programme combines formal learning with practical experience.
5. Mentoring and management support
   Graduates receive ongoing support as they develop their careers.
6. Multiple policy areas
   The Treasury’s work spans economic, fiscal and public policy issues affecting everyday life in the UK.
7. Long-term career opportunities
   Participants can pursue progression within HM Treasury, the wider Civil Service or other public-sector organisations.
8. Competitive employee benefits
   The programme comes with a starting salary, pension, annual leave and additional employee benefits.
9. No economics degree requirement
   Graduates from any degree discipline can apply if they meet the academic and other eligibility requirements.

How to Apply for the HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme

Applications are submitted online through the HM Treasury recruitment process.

Applicants should first review the eligibility requirements carefully, particularly the nationality, UK right-to-work and residency/security-clearance conditions.

When applying, candidates should:

1. Create an online application account.
2. Provide the requested personal information.
3. Enter their educational history.
4. Select either London or Darlington.
5. Submit only one application for the recruitment season.
6. Complete the online application before the deadline.
7. Prepare for the subsequent assessment stages if invited to progress.

The official HM Treasury Careers website provides the application route and further information about the Graduate Policy Programme.

Application deadline: 12 noon on 5 November 2026.

APPLY HERE

Conclusion

The HM Treasury Graduate Policy Programme 2026–2027 offers a structured route into a career at the heart of UK government policymaking. Successful graduates join as Policy Advisers and can work on major issues involving the economy, public spending, taxation, housing, education, health, local government, trade and other areas affecting people across the United Kingdom.

The programme stands out because applicants do not need an economics degree or previous policy experience. Graduates from any academic discipline can apply if they meet the minimum 2.2 degree requirement and the programme’s nationality, UK work-right and security-clearance conditions.

Participants receive two placements, structured training, professional development, mentoring and meaningful responsibility from the beginning of their careers. With permanent employment opportunities, competitive salaries and the possibility of progressing to higher Civil Service grades, the programme can provide a strong foundation for a long-term career in public policy.

For eligible graduates who are interested in government, evidence-based decision-making, public services, economics, social impact and solving complex problems, this is an opportunity to gain direct experience in one of the UK’s most influential government departments.

Application deadline: 12 noon on 5 November 2026.

Applicants should review the official HM Treasury requirements carefully and submit their application before the deadline.

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