By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
Graduate schemes · UK · 2027 intake
Soonest close: 25 Oct · Last close: 29 NovDeadlines were set for 25 Oct to 29 Nov 2026Scheme closed? Your options
Short answer: Apply now. Nine schemes had 33 live ads on 15 October 2026. The soonest offices close on Sunday 25 October. Most close by 8 November. Tech schemes outside London close on 29 November, and any scheme “may close early”.This year’s ads have closed. The last deadline was set for 29 November. You get one application a year, with no CV. Then come an online assessment or a coding test, a Job Insight Assessment with video, and an assessment centre. Pay runs from £42,000 to £48,500.
Applying now?
Pick one scheme and one office. You get one application a year. How to apply
Scheme closed?
Try another open scheme. Placements close on 8 November. Lloyds also runs summer internships. Your options
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with Lloyds Banking Group.
Lloyds lists eleven graduate schemes for 2027. Nine had live ads on 15 October 2026. They share one journey. Choose with care, because Lloyds says: “Only one application per candidate is accepted per year.”
This playbook walks each stage in Lloyds’ own words. For nearly 10 years, we’ve helped more than 5,000 professionals get hired. Want to know if your CV will pass screening in the UK? Check your CV for free: a score in 30 seconds, then a fix for each problem.
01/10
Your route to an offer
Pick your stage and tick each step when done. The steps come from Lloyds’ process page and practice hub.
1. Apply now
Apply now. The soonest offices close on Sunday 25 October. Most close by 8 November. Tech schemes outside London close on 29 November, and any scheme may close early.This year’s ads have closed. The last deadline was set for Sunday 29 November. If you applied, your next steps are below.
2. Online assessment or coding test
Most schemes: around 60 minutes of reasoning tests. The tech schemes take a coding test instead.
3. Job Insight Assessment
About 60 minutes of work scenarios. It includes video questions.
4. Assessment centre and offer
An interview, a group exercise and a pre-work task. The tech schemes add a technical exercise.
Your ticks save on this device.
02/10
The schemes at a glance
Nine of eleven schemes had live ads when we checked. You get one application a year.
9 of 11
Schemes with live ads, 15 Oct 2026
£42,000
Most schemes in our table
£48,500
The three tech schemes
1 a year
Applications per candidate
| Scheme | Pay as published | Office in the live ad | Closing date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | £48,500 | London | 26 OctDeadline was set for 26 Oct. See note |
| Data Science and AI | £48,500 | London | 25 OctDeadline was set for 25 Oct |
| Accounting and Business Insights | £42,000 | Edinburgh | 25 OctDeadline was set for 25 Oct |
| Risk | £42,000 | Edinburgh, Bristol, Birmingham | 25 OctDeadline was set for 25 Oct |
| Occupational Psychology | £42,000 | Bristol, Edinburgh | 26 OctDeadline was set for 26 Oct |
| People Science | £42,000 | Bristol | 25 OctDeadline was set for 25 Oct |
| People Science | £42,000 | Edinburgh | 26 OctDeadline was set for 26 Oct |
| Product & Partnerships | £42,000 | North West | 25 OctDeadline was set for 25 Oct |
| Accounting and Business Insights | £42,000 | West Yorkshire | 25 OctDeadline was set for 25 Oct |
| Risk | £42,000 | Leeds | 25 OctDeadline was set for 25 Oct |
| Commercial & Wealth Relationship Management | £45,000 | Rotational, including Bristol, Manchester and Leeds | 6 NovDeadline was set for 6 Nov |
| Product & Partnerships | £42,000 | South West, West Yorkshire, Edinburgh | 8 NovDeadline was set for 8 Nov |
| Accounting and Business Insights | £42,000 | South West | 1 NovDeadline was set for 1 Nov |
| Occupational Psychology | £42,000 | Leeds | 8 NovDeadline was set for 8 Nov |
| People Science | £42,000 | Leeds | 1 NovDeadline was set for 1 Nov |
| Software Engineer | £48,500 | Bristol, Chester, Edinburgh, Halifax, Leeds, Manchester | 29 NovDeadline was set for 29 Nov |
| Data Science and AI | £48,500 | Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester | 29 NovDeadline was set for 29 Nov |
| Cyber Security Engineer | £48,500 | Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester | 29 NovDeadline was set for 29 Nov |
From Lloyds’ scheme pages and 33 live ads, checked on 15 October 2026 and again on 21 October 2026. Where a page and its ad differ, we print the earlier date. For Software Engineer in London, see the note.
London note. On 21 October 2026, the Software Engineer page gave 1 November for London. Its London ad still said 11 October, but it was still live. Lloyds’ job board ends that ad on Monday 26 October, so we print that earlier date. Check the ad before you apply.That ad’s deadline was set for Monday 26 October, so we print that date.
Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking and Markets were closed when we checked on 15 October 2026. Each page said: “This scheme has now closed for applications”.Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking and Markets were open again when we checked on 15 October 2026.For Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking and Markets, check each scheme page. Risk and Accounting and Business Insights closed London on 4 October.
Length, office days, location and start date
- Length. 2 years, or 3 for Accounting and Business Insights.
- Office days. The ads ask for a “minimum of two days each week in the office”. The hub adds: “remote work isn’t an option on any of our programmes”.
- Location. “You sign your contract on the basis of accepting the location stated at the time of your verbal offer. If you are on a rotational programme, you are required to be flexible about relocating and are unable to state location preferences.”
- Start date. Not published for 2027 when we checked on 15 October 2026.Lloyds has since given a start date. Check its graduate pages.Lloyds had not confirmed it when we checked on 15 October 2026.Check your offer for the start date. The hub says: “Your start date will be confirmed once your onboarding journey starts.”
03/10
What Lloyds looks for
Lloyds looks for its five values and your potential. Its process page says: “During all stages, the focus is on how you share the values and demonstrate your potential.”
People-first
Show it by: a time you changed your plan to help someone.
Bold
Show it by: a time you tried something new and managed the risk.
Inclusive
Show it by: a time you made sure every voice in a group was heard.
Sustainable
Show it by: a time you weighed the long-term effect of a choice.
Trust
Show it by: a time you kept a promise, or owned up to a mistake.
From Lloyds’ values page. Last cycle’s assessment centre briefing listed the same five. The prompts are ours.
Schemes with extra requirements, in Lloyds’ words
- Software Engineer. It requires “at least one current programming language or framework”. Its page adds: “if your real focus is artificial intelligence, machine learning or data science, our Data Science programme is likely the better route.”
- Cyber Security Engineer. “A strong foundation in Python coding”.
- Data Science and AI. “Python coding experience, knowledge of SQL and the ability to use statistical modelling techniques as this will form a part of the assessments.”
- Commercial and Wealth Relationship Management. “You don’t need previous financial services experience.” You do need “A willingness to learn and work towards professional qualifications”.
- Accounting and Business Insights. You study towards “a globally recognised chartered accountancy qualification requiring focus, discipline and the ability to manage competing priorities.”
- Occupational Psychology. “a Master of Science degree in Occupational Psychology accredited by the British Psychological Society is required.”
04/10Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply
Apply now.Apply early next time. Each scheme page says: “Our graduate schemes may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so it’s best to apply as soon as you can.”
Lloyds’ process page adds: “Both the application form and online assessment need to be completed before the closing date for consideration.”
1
Pick one scheme
And one office
2
Open that ad
Each office has its own
3
Fill in the form
No CV or covering letter
4
Take the first test
Before the closing date
You “register by completing a form with some details about yourself. A CV or covering letter is not required, and there’s no sole reliance on past experiences.”
Your degree and adjustments
- Your degree. You need a degree, “ideally a 2:2 or above”. International degrees are “verified using the NARIC tool”.
- Extenuating circumstances. Lloyds’ FAQ says: “Each case is assessed individually.”
- Disability Confident. “Eligible candidates who meet the minimum criteria can progress if they meet 90% of the standard progression benchmark.”
Your form answers: do and don’t
Do
“Read all nine scheme pages, chose Risk in Leeds, applied that week”
One application a year, and schemes may close early.
Don’t
“Pasted an AI-written answer into the form”
Lloyds lists this under “When not to use AI”.
Lloyds asks for no CV. But your interview stories start with what you have done. Our CV achievement examples and guide to writing a strong CV help you find them. Getting ready to apply for jobs in the UK? Check your CV for free: see it the way a recruiter does, then fix each problem.
Save Lloyds Banking Group and over 2,000 other UK schemes to one free calendar. See what closes next and what you have applied to.
Track my schemes freeFree account, no card.
Scheme closed? Your options
- Another open scheme. Only if you have not applied yet: “Only one application per candidate is accepted per year.”Another scheme next cycle. Lloyds says: “Only one application per candidate is accepted per year.”
- An industrial placement. These last 12 months, for students in their penultimate year. The placement pages say they close on Sunday 8 November.This year’s placement deadline was set for Sunday 8 November. London sites closed on 4 October. See Lloyds’ placement process page.
- A summer internship. Lloyds runs “eight-week Summer Internships”. It says they open in late autumn, so they are likely to open between Nov 2026 and Dec 2026.It said they would open in late autumn. See its internship process page.
- The next graduate cycle. When we checked on 15 October 2026, Lloyds had not said when it would open.Lloyds had not confirmed a date when we checked on 15 October 2026.Lloyds has given a date. Check its graduate pages.It was open when we checked on 15 October 2026.Check Lloyds’ graduate pages for the cycle after. This one opened on 10 September 2026.
- Meet Lloyds. See its events page.
- Other banks. See our guide to the JP Morgan analyst application.
05/10Stage 2 · Online assessment
The online assessment and coding test
Most schemes take an online assessment of around 60 minutes. The three tech schemes take a coding test instead.
Lloyds says: “It should take around 60 minutes. A quiet spot free from distractions, plus a pen, paper and calculator, are recommended.” Then: “A feedback report is received within a few days of completing the assessment.”
Who runs it. Lloyds’ 2026 process page names no test provider. Its practice hub, checked on 15 October 2026, says “Powered by Cappfinity”. In a webinar in October 2025, Lloyds said Cappfinity hosts its online tests.
Which reasoning tests you sit
Lloyds’ hub says: “Which cognitive assessments you complete depends on the scheme you have applied for.”
| Scheme, in the hub’s words | Tests, in the hub’s words |
|---|---|
| Accounting & Business Insights / Actuarial | Critical Reasoning Test & Numerical Reasoning Test |
| Risk / People Science / Occupational Psychology | Combined Critical, Numerical & Diagrammatic Test |
The hub lists more schemes in the second row, some by older names. The diagrammatic test shows “a series of diagrams, shapes, symbols, or visual sequences”. Some tests “take into account your speed and accuracy, whilst others are scored purely on accuracy.”
Step through the screens
Critical reasoning: Cappfinity’s practice version
Lloyds’ hub lists this test for every scheme in its table.
Does it follow?
Each statement comes with four conclusions. For each one, choose from a drop-down whether it follows or not. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Strong or weak argument
A question comes with four arguments. Treat each as true, then mark it as a strong or a weak argument.
How true is it?
Read a short paragraph, then rate each conclusion on a five-step scale from False to True.
Your moves
- Judge each conclusion on the passage alone, not on what you know.
- Check the question type first: follows, strong or weak, or how true.
- Some tests count speed, so do not stall on one item.
Numerical: Cappfinity’s practice version
Lloyds’ hub lists this test for every scheme in its table.
Read the instructions
The test opens with instructions. In the practice version the clock counts the time you take rather than counting down, and speed counts towards your score. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Rank the options
Work out the answer from a table, then drag the options into order. A Time Taken clock runs at the top.
Type the answer
Some questions have no options. Work out the figure from the chart and type it into the answer box.
Your moves
- Keep a pen, paper and calculator ready, as Lloyds recommends.
- Find the one row or bar the question needs before you calculate.
- Check units and percentages before you type an answer.
Our own simplified drawings of Cappfinity’s practice screens, not screenshots. Lloyds sets its own version, so your screens may differ. We do not draw the diagrammatic test or the Codility coding test.
Tech schemes: the coding test
The three tech schemes swap the online assessment for a coding test. Lloyds’ hub links a practice Codility test.
Software Engineer and Cyber: 130 minutes
Three tasks: “API Development & Data Handling”, “Transactional Data Management” and “Graph-Based Problem Solving”.
Data Science and AI: 120 minutes
Four tasks: “SQL Querying”, “Statistical Reasoning with Code”, “AI Awareness & Responsible Use” and “Data Science & Machine Learning Knowledge”.
In a Lloyds tech webinar in February 2026, a speaker said of the test: “It’ll know if you’ve pasted, copied”.
Lloyds says yes
- Pen, paper and calculator
- Form and test done before the close
- Free hub practice, which does not count
Lloyds says no
- “Using AI to answer questions in an assessment”
- Retakes: “it’s not possible to take the tests again”
- Pasting AI-written examples
New to these tests? Read our tips for psychometric tests.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 15 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From Lloyds
- Graduate application processLloyds Banking Group careers · 2026 cycle · no account neededEach stage in Lloyds’ words, with timings and the coding tasks.Free
- Candidate Support HubLloyds Banking Group, run by Cappfinity · free accountPractice tests and a practice video question. They are optional and do not count.Free
Practise
- Cappfinity practice demosCappfinity, Lloyds’ test provider · no account neededShort critical and numerical reasoning demos. Lloyds’ own mix may differ. Skip the verbal one.Free
- Codility demo testCodility · one 30-minute task · no account neededFor the three tech schemes. Lloyds’ hub links this demo. Pick “skip registration” to start.Free
Watch
- Grad Careers Live: AI, Data and Tech DecodedLloyds’ own, from the 2025 cycle · YouTube · Feb 2026 · 53 minLloyds’ tech teams walk through the coding test and the technical exercise.Free
Skip paid packs that claim to be Lloyds’ tests. The free practice above comes from Lloyds and its test providers.
Next: if reasoning tests make you nervous, our guide to psychometric and logic tests explains the common types.
06/10Stage 3 · Job Insight
The Job Insight Assessment and interview
About 60 minutes of work scenarios, with video questions. Lloyds says: “Multiple scenarios with questions explore how you would respond, alongside data for analysis and interpretation.”
Video answers
“All of our Job Insight Assessments include video interview questions.”
Some answers are typed, and some show which responses you prefer. Questions are “time-limited or time-recorded”. The hub says it takes “approximately 60 minutes depending on the programme”. For video questions, “You will have a small amount of time to consider each question before starting your response.” In its October 2025 webinar, Lloyds said the answers “are reviewed by humans”.
Video questions: the likely look
Video questions: the likely look, not confirmed for Lloyds
How Cappfinity video questions look. Lloyds shows no screens of its own.
Test your camera
Before the questions you record a short test clip, play it back and accept it. Employers set their own version, so yours may differ.
Read the question
The question appears with a short preparation countdown. Use the time to plan, then press Record Now.
Record your answer
A second timer shows how long you have to answer. Press Finish Recording when you are done.
Your moves
- Use the thinking time to pick one example and two points.
- Record a practice answer on the hub first.
- Answer the question asked, then stop.
Our own simplified drawings of Cappfinity’s practice screens, not screenshots. Lloyds sets its own version, so your screens may differ. We do not draw the written or preference questions.
How the interview works
The live interview is one-to-one, at the assessment centre. Lloyds’ hub calls it “skills-based”.
“Rather than only focusing on your past experiences, our interviews are designed to assess your potential and what motivates you; whether you already have experience in these areas or not.”
Lloyds does not publish its interview questions. Its process page suggests you “Prepare for interview, including practising STAR style answers.” Using AI “live at interview” is on its “When not to use AI” list.
How to answer
Lloyds suggests STAR for examples from your past. It also assesses “your potential and what motivates you”, so show how you learn.
Situation
Set the scene in one or two lines.
Task
Say what you had to achieve.
Action
Spend most of your time here, on what you did.
Result
Say what changed, and what you learned.
See our guides on how to pass a job interview and the toughest interview questions.
Practise: one question at a time
All seven questions are ours, built on Lloyds’ values and its pre-work topic. They are not Lloyds’ questions.
People-first
“Tell us about a time you changed your plan to help someone.”
What they’re testing: People-first.
Show a strong answer
- Name who needed help and what you changed. End with how it helped them.
Bold
“Tell us about a time you tried something that might not work.”
What they’re testing: Bold.
Show a strong answer
- Say why the old way fell short and how you limited the risk. Give the result and what you learned.
Inclusive
“Tell us about a time you made sure everyone in a group could take part.”
What they’re testing: Inclusive.
Show a strong answer
- Say who was being left out and why. Say what you changed so they could join in. End with what the group gained.
Sustainable
“Tell us about a time you weighed the long-term effect of a choice.”
What they’re testing: Sustainable.
Show a strong answer
- Name the quick option and what it would cost later. Explain what you chose and who you brought with you. Give the result, with a number if you can.
Trust
“Tell us about a mistake you made and how you handled it.”
What they’re testing: Trust.
Show a strong answer
- Own it in your first line. Say how you fixed it and who you told. End with what you now do differently.
Motivation
“Why this scheme, and why Lloyds?”
What they’re testing: what motivates you.
Show a strong answer
- Name one thing from your scheme page that fits you. Link it to something you have done.
Pre-work theme
“Should a bank turn away a profitable customer on ethical grounds?”
What they’re testing: how you reason about ethical business.
Show a strong answer
- Give your view in one line. Weigh both sides, with one example. Say what you would check before you decide.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two stories for each prompt, ready to tell without notes.
| Prompt | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| People-first | ||
| Bold | ||
| Inclusive | ||
| Sustainable | ||
| Trust | ||
| Why this scheme |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 15 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From Lloyds
- Our valuesLloyds Banking Group · no account neededThe five values. Lloyds says every stage looks at how you share them.Free
Watch
- Beyond the Basics: assessment centres and interviewsLloyds’ own, from the 2025 cycle · Young Professionals channel · Apr 2026 · 44 minLloyds graduates answer practice interview questions live, then run a mock group exercise.Free
Read
- The STAR method, step by stepNational Careers Service · general guide, not Lloyds-specificA step-by-step guide to the STAR answers Lloyds suggests.Free
- How assessment centres workProspects · June 2025 · general guide, not Lloyds-specificGroup exercises and other assessment centre tasks, explained.Free
07/10Stage 4 · Final
Assessment centre and offer
The last stage starts with pre-work. Lloyds says: “Pre-work is required, with full details provided well in advance.”
The pre-work
The hub says it covers ethical business and social responsibility. You pick one of “two questions in your information pack” and spend “no more than 2 hours” on it. Then “you will meet with a Line manager to discuss a question in this area”.
On the day
“a one-to-one interview, a group exercise and individual assessments relating to the pre-work completed”. The hub says it is “delivered via Microsoft Teams and Cappfinity’s Events Platform”.
Tech schemes
The day adds “a technical exercise”. In Lloyds’ February 2026 webinar, a speaker said it is “usually done over space of 40 minutes”, with a senior engineer.
The offer
Your location is fixed at the verbal offer. Checks include “credit checks, criminal record checks, and reference checks”.
It is virtual or in person, “depending on the programme applied for”. “Reasonable travel expenses are covered for in-person events.” The hub says: “You are not required to wear a suit.” AI tools are not permitted during the event.
Key dates: Lloyds graduate schemes, 2027 intake
10 Sep 2026
This cycle opened
15 Oct 2026
Nine schemes had 33 live ads. Apply now
15 Oct 2026
Nine schemes had 33 live ads
25 Oct 2026
Soonest offices closeApplications for the soonest offices were due by this date
6 Nov 2026
Commercial & Wealth Relationship Management closesCommercial & Wealth Relationship Management applications were due by this date
8 Nov 2026
Later offices closeApplications for the later offices were due by this date
8 Nov 2026
Industrial placements closePlacement applications were due by this date
29 Nov 2026
Tech schemes close outside London
29 Nov 2026
Last deadline, for tech schemes outside London
Nov 2026 to Dec 2026
Summer internships likely to open. Lloyds says late autumnLloyds said summer internships would open in late autumn
08/10
Visa sponsorship
Lloyds does not sponsor visas for its graduate schemes. Its placements and internships do not either.
No
Graduate schemes
No
Industrial placements
No
Summer internships
Lloyds’ FAQ, checked on 15 October 2026: “No. Sponsorship is not offered for graduate schemes.”
GOV.UK’s Graduate visa page, updated 9 September 2026, says the visa lasts “2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026” and “18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027”.
See our guides to jobs in the UK for foreigners and staying in the UK after studying. This is general information, so check GOV.UK.
09/10
Key takeaways
Before you apply
- Apply now. The soonest offices close on 25 October 2026. The last ads close on 29 November 2026, and schemes may close early.This year’s ads have closed. The last deadline was set for 29 November 2026. Next cycle, apply early, as schemes may close early.
- You get one application a year, so pick your scheme and office first.
- No CV is needed. You fill in a form.
- Most schemes take an online assessment of around 60 minutes. Tech schemes take a coding test.
- The Job Insight Assessment has video questions. Prepare a story for each value.
- The assessment centre has an interview, a group exercise and pre-work.
- Lloyds does not sponsor visas for its graduate schemes.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save Lloyds Banking Group once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
10/10
Frequently asked questions
Is the Lloyds graduate scheme open now?
Yes, for some schemes and offices.No. This year’s ads have closed. The last deadline was set for Sunday 29 November 2026. Nine schemes had 33 live ads on 15 October 2026. The soonest offices close on Sunday 25 October 2026. Most close by 8 November. Tech schemes outside London close on 29 November. Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking and Markets were closed when we checked on 15 October 2026.Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking and Markets were open again when we checked on 15 October 2026.For Business and Commercial Banking and Corporate Banking and Markets, check each scheme page. Any scheme may close early, so apply soon.
Can I apply for more than one Lloyds graduate scheme?
No. Lloyds’ FAQ says only one application per candidate is accepted per year. If your scheme is full, Lloyds may contact you about similar programmes still recruiting.
Do I need a CV to apply for a Lloyds graduate scheme?
No. Lloyds’ process page says a CV or covering letter is not required, for the tech and non-tech schemes alike. You fill in a form with some details about yourself. Then you take the online assessment before the closing date.
How much do Lloyds graduates earn?
Lloyds publishes £48,500 for Software Engineer, Data Science and AI and Cyber Security Engineer. Commercial and Wealth Relationship Management pays £45,000. The other schemes in our table pay £42,000. We checked the scheme pages on 15 October 2026.
What tests are in the Lloyds graduate application?
Most schemes take an online assessment of around 60 minutes. Which reasoning tests you sit depends on your scheme. The tech schemes take a Codility coding test of 130 minutes, or 120 for Data Science and AI. Then comes a Job Insight Assessment with video questions.
Does Lloyds sponsor visas for graduates?
No. Lloyds’ FAQ says sponsorship is not offered for graduate schemes. Its industrial placements and summer internships do not offer it either.
What happens at the Lloyds assessment centre?
You have a one-to-one interview, a group exercise and a discussion based on pre-work you prepare. The tech schemes add a technical exercise. Lloyds says it is virtual or in person, depending on the programme.
