FAQs: Can I get onto a graduate scheme with a third class honours degree?

Graduate Training Schemes are structured periods of training, usually lasting at least two years, which may lead to relevant professional qualifications. Some have rolling recruitment throughout the year, but many don't, and the closing dates for some schemes can be as early as January for schemes starting in August/September.

Many of these schemes are run by large, national and international companies, many of which may have their headquarters in London and the Southeast. They tend to set high academic entry requirements, particularly in anything related to finance.

One very important factor to bear in mind is that these schemes cater for only about 20% of graduates each year in the UK. This means that competition for entry is high, so if you don't meet the initial entry requirements it may not be worth applying. If there are extenuating circumstances as to why you don't meet these requirements, you should provide evidence to support them. Find a graduate scheme.

If you have a lower class degree or decide a graduate scheme is not for you, there are many other ways to build a succesful career, including working in small and medium sized organisations which are more likely to recruit when they have a vacancy. In these smaller organisations you may be given a less structured training, but a wider range of experiences.