Our application process

We’ve designed a recruitment process that enables you to showcase your unique skills, motivation and experience. Whilst also giving you the chance to learn more about KPMG and your chosen role – so you can be sure that you’ve made the right decision!

The process has both online and in-person elements. Starting with an online application form and ending with the final stage of our recruitment process, an in-person Launch Pad assessment day. 

As you progress through each stage, our Student Recruitment team will be in touch to explain the next steps. If you do have any adjustments, please let us know on your application, email us at graduate@kpmg.co.uk or call the team on 0800 328 5764. You can find out more around the support we offer here. 

We also run other virtual and in-person events throughout the year than you might find helpful, like employability skills workshops and sessions on application hints & tips. You can look at our student event schedule and find out more here. 

Here’s an overview of our 4 key recruitment stages:

Stage 1: Explore and Apply

The first stage of our recruitment process is an opportunity to learn more about life at KPMG and the area of the business you’re applying to. We’ve designed a job preview quiz using everyday scenarios that you could face in your chosen role - this step is not assessed but it should help you decide whether the role you’ve chosen is the right one for you or whether you want to explore an alternative programme.

When you’re happy with the programme you’ve chosen, you’ll be asked to start your application by filling out a form. This is your chance to tell us about your academic background and any work experience you may have undertaken. This allows us to assess you fairly against our entry criteria before we progress you to further stages of the application process. 

You can find the general entry criteria for each of our programmes on the relevant programme pages. These have been carefully considered based on ongoing evaluation of how prior achievements and our selection process predict future performance at KPMG. If you are a few grades or points short, we would still encourage you to apply, as your application will be reviewed together with your performance in our assessments. You‘ll also have the opportunity to provide additional information for us to assess your application and potential in the context of your socio-economic background and/or any extenuating circumstances, which may have a positive uplift on your academic achievements through contextual recruitment. You can find more information in our FAQs.

Stage 2: Online Assessments

After submitting your application, you will be automatically invited to complete two online assessments. The skills assessment is designed to evaluate the core skills that are critical for success in a role at KPMG. You will be presented with various scenarios and asked to rank how you would think, feel or respond in each situation, thinking about yourself at work and picking the answer that is most like you. This part of the assessment is untimed, but we suggest that you allow 20 minutes for completion.

Next is the cognitive assessment, reviewing your numerical and logical reasoning. This is a timed assessment, and you will be given 36 minutes to complete this part of the process. Here you will be presented with a range of scenarios and be asked to interpret information, complete numerical calculations and draw logical conclusions.

There will be opportunities to review practice tests and examples right before moving into the live assessment, we encourage you to complete these to familiarise yourself with the format. The tests most relevant for KPMG are behaviour based and general (cognitive) ability tests (Practice Tests and Assessments | SHL). You can access the assessment using most browsers; however, we recommend using Chrome for optimal functionality. Please ensure you have a good and stable internet connection before starting the assessment. You should also complete the assessment on a desktop or laptop.

Please let us know before you start the live assessment if you need any adjustments. Once you have completed the assessment, you will receive a personalised skills feedback report based on the KPMG skills assessed.

Stage 3: Video Interview

If you are successful at Stage 2, you may be invited to our Video Interview.

This stage gives you the opportunity to showcase your skills and strengths, so we can understand if they’re aligned with those required for success at KPMG, as well as your motivation to join your chosen programme.

You will be presented with 6 pre-recorded questions asked by our AI avatar Leah, you will then be given a set time to prepare and then record your responses. Although your interviewer is AI generated, we’d like to reassure you that your recorded answers will be reviewed and scored by a member of our Student Recruitment team.

As this is a recorded interview, you will be able to complete this stage at a time that suits you and you should allow 40 minutes to complete. Please let us know before you start the live assessment if you need any adjustments.

To prepare, think about your personal strengths and remind yourself of the skills that we will be looking for you to demonstrate – you can find these here.

Stage 4: Launch Pad 

If you are successful at Stage 3, you will be invited to attend the final stage of the recruitment process: Launch Pad, an in-person, half day event.

Our in-person Launch Pad assessment day combines assessed and non-assessed activities. We will be looking for you to demonstrate the skills needed to succeed in your role throughout the day, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to learn more about life at KPMG and your chosen programme. You’ll also meet lots of our people including those within the business area and location you have applied to, from partners to trainees.

The dates of our Launch Pad events can be found below:

• Tuesday 25th November 2025: London Oval
• Tuesday 2ndDecember 2025: London Oval
• Tuesday 9th December 2025: Manchester Midland Hotel
• Monday 12th January 2026: Birmingham NEC
• Tuesday 17th March 2026: Glasgow Raddison Blu
• Tuesday 14th April 2026: Bristol Ashton Gate Stadium
• Tuesday 28th April 2026: Leeds Royal Armouries Museum
• Tuesday 12th May 2026: London Oval

If successful you will have your job offer within 2 working days!

If you are unsuccessful, you will be offered the option to request feedback.

We want you to have a fantastic experience with us, reducing any barriers or worry as far as possible. Full instructions around what to expect and how to prepare for your Launch Pad, including travel expenses and what to wear will be provided ahead of the event, and our team will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Please note

We want to warn you that any external sources (paid for or unpaid) offering to support you through the KPMG recruitment process (including taking assessment tests for you) are not supported or endorsed by us in any way. Please note that any KPMG assessment material provided by these sources have not been obtained from us legitimately, and we advise that you do not use these channels. 

In line with our Values and Code of Conduct, we expect candidates to demonstrate integrity throughout the assessment process. By completing our assessments, you are confirming that you are doing so independently and without the assistance of others, or any artificial intelligence or other resources, to provide responses that are not your own. Candidates who are found to have acted dishonestly during any part of the assessment process, including sharing assessment content, or using assessment content shared by others, will be withdrawn and further action may be taken (including reporting to professional bodies, law enforcement or relevant fraud databases) as deemed appropriate. We will also be re-testing elements of the online assessments.

If you become concerned that someone may be acting dishonestly, please let us know either by contacting apprenticeships@kpmg.co.uk or via our confidential whistleblowing hotline. The hotline is independent of KPMG, and anything reported will remain confidential.