Apprenticeships
Finance has the deepest degree apprenticeship ecosystem of any sector. Here is an honest guide to the best options in 2026.
Finance has the deepest and most established degree apprenticeship ecosystem of any sector. The Big Four professional services firms, major banks, insurers, and investment managers all run substantial schemes. Here is an honest overview of the best options and what distinguishes them.
The Big Four professional services firms are the most well-known and most competitive finance degree apprenticeship employers.
EY runs its School Leaver Programme across audit, tax, law and consulting. EY removed its academic entry requirements in 2023, meaning there is no minimum grade threshold — they assess candidates entirely on skills and potential. The degree is delivered in partnership with a university. Salaries typically start around £20,000–£25,000 in London.
Deloitte offers a BrightStart Higher Apprenticeship scheme leading to a Business Studies degree. Entry requirements are typically 96+ UCAS points. Deloitte is known for strong internal progression and a broad range of service lines within finance.
KPMG runs a School Leaver Programme in audit and tax. Typically requires 112+ UCAS points. KPMG has a strong audit practice and its school leaver programme is well established, with the degree funded at a partnered university.
PwC offers Flying Start and School Leaver degrees across audit, deals, tax and technology. Entry requirements tend to be among the higher of the Big Four. PwC pays well and has a strong graduate conversion rate from its apprenticeship programmes.
All four firms offer qualification support beyond the degree — ACA, CTA, ACCA or other professional qualifications depending on the service line — meaning apprentices can reach fully qualified accountant or tax adviser status within five to six years.
Barclays runs a degree apprenticeship programme in banking and financial services with strong placements and competitive salaries.
Lloyds Banking Group offers one of the larger banking degree apprenticeship programmes, with placements across retail banking, commercial banking and insurance.
HSBC runs degree apprenticeships in business and finance, with entry requirements around 96–112 UCAS points.
Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan both offer school leaver and higher apprenticeship programmes in financial services, though these are among the most competitive in the sector. Goldman in particular has historically had very low acceptance rates.
Mercer, Aon, and Willis Towers Watson all run actuarial degree apprenticeship schemes, typically leading to a Maths or Actuarial Science degree and support for the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) exams. These are highly specialised and typically require strong Maths A-level.
Aviva, Legal & General and Munich Re also run finance and actuarial degree apprenticeship programmes.
The employer brand matters for finance. But when comparing schemes, also consider:
Finance degree apprenticeship schemes typically open between September and November for the following September start. Rolling recruitment means schemes close early when places fill. Applying in October or November gives you the best chance of a full process without time pressure.
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