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KPMG

KPMG Apprenticeships 2026

KPMG offers degree apprenticeships in audit, tax, technology, and consulting across the UK. Their School Leaver Programme (degree apprenticeship) is one of the most competitive in the Big Four, offering a fully-funded degree and a structured path to chartered accountancy.

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About KPMG apprenticeships

Sectors

Professional services, Consulting, Audit, Tax, Technology

Apprenticeship levels

Level 6 (Degree Apprenticeship), Level 7 (Masters)

Typical salary

£22,000–£30,000/yr (varies by service line and location)

Entry requirements

Typically 3 A-levels at ABB minimum. GCSE Maths and English grade 6+ required.

Application process

The typical stages students see when applying to KPMG.

Highly selective

Fewer than 3% of applicants (~18,000 applications for ~350 degree apprenticeship places)

1

Online application

Day 1

2

Strengths-based online test

1–2 weeks after application

Practise strengths-style questions — there are no right answers, but speed and authenticity matter.

3

Video interview

1–2 weeks after test

Expect strengths-based and motivational questions. Keep answers concise and genuine.

4

Virtual assessment centre

2–4 weeks after video interview

Includes a group exercise, written task, and partner interview. Prepare to discuss KPMG's service lines.

Total process:8–12 weeks from application to decision

Application timing

Applications open in September and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply by November for the best chance — many places fill before the January close.

Official careers site

Use Apprentice Wizard to track openings, then double-check final deadlines on the employer site.

Visit careers site

How to stand out at KPMG

Applications benefit from structured problem-solving, teamwork, client awareness, curiosity, and examples of learning quickly in unfamiliar situations.

Use a clear situation-task-action-result structure for competency answers.
Show how you break down ambiguous problems before jumping to a solution.
Research the service line because motivations and day-to-day work differ by team.

Common rejection reasons

Strengths test score below threshold
Vague commercial awareness answers
No genuine interest in KPMG's specific service lines

Interview questions students should expect

motivational

Why KPMG specifically rather than another Big 4 firm?

Show genuine knowledge of KPMG's specific service lines or culture — not generic Big 4 praise.

competency

Tell me about a time you had to explain a complex concept to someone without your technical background.

They want evidence of communication skills and the ability to simplify without losing accuracy.

commercial

How do you stay up to date with business news? What story are you currently following?

Prepare one story linked to KPMG's work — audit, tax, consulting, or technology.

competency

Describe a time you had to adapt your approach mid-project when something changed.

Focus on how you identified the change early, your decision-making, and the outcome.

Frequently asked questions

When do KPMG apprenticeship applications open in 2026?

KPMG School Leaver applications typically open in September and close by February. Apply as early as possible — KPMG uses rolling offers and popular intakes fill up quickly.

Does the KPMG degree apprenticeship lead to ACA qualification?

Yes. The KPMG Audit and Tax degree apprenticeship programmes lead to the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) qualification from the ICAEW as part of your studies, fully funded by KPMG.

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