Finance application calendar

The pattern: accountancy firms and several banks open between late August and October, many fill or close by January, and a few (Bank of America, the FCA, NatWest) run later. If a firm reviews applications on a rolling basis, applying in the first weeks gives you the best chance.

1. September

   • J.P. Morgan: Applications usually open in early September. In 2025 some London places were gone by mid-September.

     Several independent reportssource

   • Barclays: 2027 Business Banking and Corporate Banking degree apprenticeships were posted on 9 and 18 September 2026. Rolling: roles close when filled.

     Official sourcesource

   • Accountancy firms (Big Four and mid-tier): Usually the first to open, from late August to early October.

     Several independent reportssource

   • EY: 2027 roles were open by September 2026 and close once filled.

     Official sourcesource

2. October

   • Goldman Sachs: 2027 applications opened in early October 2026 (2026 entry opened on 1 October 2025). Reviewed in batches, so apply early.

     Official sourcesource

   • Deloitte: Several BrightStart roles for September 2027 close in October 2026; others are rolling.

     Official sourcesource

   • Lloyds Banking Group: Job boards report October 2026 openings; Lloyds' own page says 3 November. Register interest so you are told.

     Several independent reportssource

   • HSBC UK: Expect roughly October; some routes closed within weeks in the 2025 cycle.

     Several independent reportssource

3. November

   • HSBC UK: The 2026-entry Commercial Banking (Manchester) advert closed on 16 November 2025.

     Official sourcesource

   • KPMG: Launch Pad assessment days start on 17 November 2026 in London.

     Official sourcesource

4. January

   • Bank of England: The 2026 Digital & Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship closed on 12 January 2026.

     Official sourcesource

   • Goldman Sachs: Prep sites report an early-January close.

     Single reportsource

   • PwC Flying Start: Applied for through UCAS: Reading's course uses the 13 January 2027 equal-consideration deadline.

     Official sourcesource

5. February

   • Deutsche Bank: 2026-entry IBCM and Technology programmes closed on 22 February 2026.

     Official sourcesource

   • Bank of America: Data Science and several other 2026 programmes closed on 15 February 2026.

     Official sourcesource

   • Financial Conduct Authority: Applications opened in February 2026 for a September start.

     Official sourcesource

   • Santander UK: The 2025 window opened in early February 2025.

     Several independent reportssource

6. March to May

   • NatWest Group: One round a year, in spring; the next opens in spring 2027. Roles have vanished within a day.

     Official sourcesource

   • Bank of America: Global Markets closed on 2 April 2026, but assessments start before the deadline.

     Official sourcesource

   • Financial Conduct Authority: Assessment centres ran from April to May 2026.

     Official sourcesource

7. June to August

   • CIBC: The latest Investment Banking degree apprentice advert closed on 23 June 2025.

     Official sourcesource

   • KPMG: 2027 Audit listings show a 31 July 2027 deadline, but KPMG says vacancies fill quickly.

     Official sourcesource

8. Rolling (no fixed date)

   • UBS: Recruits on a rolling basis.

     Official sourcesource

   • Morgan Stanley: Listed as 'ongoing' with no closing date; the portal caps how many programmes you can apply to.

     Several independent reportssource

Track your own dates in the application tracker, which can export them to your calendar.