NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027 applications are open until 28 October. Learn about the recruitment process, assessments and September 2027 entry.
Applications are now open for the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) 2027 entry.
The scheme is designed to identify graduates with the passion and potential to become future NHS leaders. The recruitment process focuses on applicants’ strengths rather than the subject they studied, university attended or previous work experience.
Applications close on 28 October 2026 at 11:30am.
NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027 Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme |
| Entry year | 2027 |
| Applications | Open |
| Deadline | 28 October 2026, 11:30am |
| Stage 1 | Future Potential Assessment |
| Stage 2 | NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment |
| Stage 3 | Virtual Assessment Centre |
| VAC period | January–February 2027 |
| Scheme start | First Monday of September 2027 |
| Application | Online |
What Is the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme?
The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme is a graduate development programme focused on identifying candidates with the potential to become future leaders within the NHS.
According to the official application page, recruitment is not based on what applicants studied, which university they attended or the work experience they may have completed.
Instead, the recruitment process is designed to assess candidates’ strengths, passion and potential.
Recruitment Process
The selection process consists of several stages.
Stage 1: Future Potential Assessment
The first stage is an online assessment that takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
It is not time limited.
Candidates are given an opportunity to practise each question type before beginning the assessment. Successful candidates are invited to the next stage.
Candidates also receive a feedback report after completing Stage 1.
Stage 2: NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment
Candidates who successfully complete Stage 1 can proceed to the NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment.
This stage takes approximately 60 minutes and includes video responses designed to give applicants an opportunity to demonstrate more about themselves.
Only the video questions are timed, and candidates have preparation time before recording their answers.
The NHS states that its team manually reviews all video interview responses and does not use artificial intelligence for this process.
Successful candidates proceed to the Virtual Assessment Centre.
Stage 3: Virtual Assessment Centre
The Virtual Assessment Centre is a half-day assessment.
Candidates complete several exercises and have the opportunity to meet members of the NHS team and other candidates.
VACs are scheduled to take place during January and February 2027.
Candidates receive a feedback report following this stage regardless of the outcome.
VAC Outcomes
Following the Virtual Assessment Centre, candidates can receive one of three outcomes:
- Successful at VAC – an immediate offer is made.
- Reserve list – candidates may be contacted if a place becomes available.
- Unsuccessful at VAC.
Allocation and Placement
Candidates who receive offers are then matched with available placements offered by NHS organisations.
Allocation is not part of the assessment process. The Virtual Assessment Centre is the final assessment stage.
The NHS states that matching considers candidates’ assessment scores and preferences alongside available placement roles.
The scheme will endeavour to match successful candidates with the closest possible placement based on their indicated preferences.
Offer and Onboarding
Candidates who successfully pass the VAC and are matched with a placement will be contacted to begin:
- Pre-employment checks
- Onboarding
- Preparation for joining the scheme
Successful candidates are expected to join the scheme on the first Monday of September 2027.
Preparation Materials
After applying, candidates will receive relevant preparation materials in their account as they progress through the assessment stages.
For Stages 1 and 2, the scheme provides:
- Hints and tips videos
- Practice tests
- Equipment and internet connection testing opportunities
For the Virtual Assessment Centre, preparation includes:
- Coaching calls
- Hints and tips
- Platform familiarisation videos
- Technical checks for microphone and camera
The preparation materials are not compulsory, but the NHS encourages applicants to use them.
Reasonable Adjustments and Fair Assessment
Applicants can disclose if they require reasonable adjustments during the selection process.
The NHS states that information provided for adjustments will be handled with respect for candidates’ privacy and used to determine the support required.
Assessors are trained to recognise and avoid unconscious bias, with the scheme stating that it is committed to an equitable and inclusive assessment process.
Entry Requirements
The supplied application page includes an entry requirements section and advises applicants to check that they meet the requirements before starting an application.
However, the detailed requirements are not included in the supplied page content.
Applicants should therefore review the official entry requirements before submitting an application.
NHS Employees
The Graduate Management Training Scheme is also open to current NHS employees, who are referred to as “in-service” trainees.
Application Deadline
Applications for 2027 entry close on:
28 October 2026 at 11:30am.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because successful candidates will need to complete the assessment stages after submitting their application.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme application platform.
Apply for NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027
Official NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme website
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme provides a structured recruitment process for candidates interested in developing their potential for future NHS leadership.
The official source places emphasis on potential, strengths and personal qualities, rather than the university attended, academic subject or previous work experience.
Applicants should carefully review the entry requirements and use the official preparation materials once they gain access to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027 application close?
Applications close on 28 October 2026 at 11:30am.
When does the 2027 scheme start?
Successful candidates are expected to join on the first Monday of September 2027.
How many assessment stages are there?
There are three main assessment stages: the Future Potential Assessment, NHS GMTS Alignment Assessment and Virtual Assessment Centre.
How long is the Stage 1 assessment?
Stage 1 takes approximately 45 minutes and is not time limited.
How long is Stage 2?
Stage 2 takes approximately 60 minutes, with only the video questions being timed.
Does the NHS use AI to review video interviews?
The official source states that the team manually reviews all video interview responses and does not use artificial intelligence for this process.
When will the Virtual Assessment Centres take place?
VACs are scheduled to run during January and February 2027.
Is the scheme open to current NHS employees?
Yes. Current NHS employees can apply as “in-service” trainees.
Where can I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme application platform.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this programme for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme or the NHS and do not recruit applicants on their behalf.
SEO Keywords: NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme 2027, NHS graduate scheme 2027, NHS GMTS, NHS graduate management programme, NHS graduate jobs 2027, NHS leadership programme, UK graduate programmes 2027, NHS graduate applications, NHS graduate training scheme, NHS careers
