By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
Graduate schemes · Tesco UK, IMS, Booker and Belfast · 2027 intake
Apply by 22 Dec 2026 · may close earlierThe 2027 graduate ads have closed
Short answer: Apply now. When we checked on 17 October 2026, Tesco listed 12 UK graduate schemes and one in Belfast. Every ad says apply by 22 December 2026, but Tesco closes a scheme once it has enough applications.Tesco’s 2027 graduate ads have closed. Their apply-by date was set for 22 December 2026. Tesco says all applications open in September. You get one application per yearly intake. Then come an online assessment with a video interview, a virtual assessment centre and a feedback call. The UK ads pay £32,000 to £40,000.
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with Tesco.
Tesco’s 2027 graduate schemes start on 6 September 2027.Tesco’s 2027 graduate schemes started on 6 September 2027. This playbook covers Tesco UK, Tesco Insurance and Money Services (IMS), Booker and Belfast, with Supply Chain as the featured scheme.
Each scheme has its own ad, but they share one route. 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. Stages and rules are Tesco’s, checked 17 October 2026. Prep times are ours.
1. Apply: by 22 December 2026closed for 2027
One application per yearly intake, so choose your scheme with care. Prep 1 to 2 days.
2. Online assessment: scenario questions
Scenario questions on motivation, judgement, problem solving and Tesco’s behaviours. Prep 2 to 3 days.
3. Video interview: same stage as the assessment
Recorded questions: 30 seconds to think, 3 minutes to answer. Prep about 1 week.
4. Assessment centre: virtual, one day
A virtual day from 9:00am to 3:30pm, with three exercises. Prep 1 to 2 weeks.
Your ticks save on this device.
02/10
The schemes at a glance
Most UK schemes last two years. They start on 6 September 2027.This intake started on 6 September 2027. Each ad prints its own pay. Where Tesco is silent, we say so.
22 Dec 2026Closed
Apply by; may close earlierApply-by date was set for 22 Dec
13 open13 listed
12 UK and Belfast, 17 Oct 2026
£32,000+
UK ads, up to £40,000
2 years
Tesco UK and IMS ads
6 Sep 2027
Start date on every ad
2:2
Predicted or achieved, any subject
Supply Chain: the featured scheme
“one rotation in operations, one in an analytical role, and one in a project-based role”. £33,000, plus a bonus scheme of up to 10% of base salary.
Your first 4 months: in store
Tesco UK graduates “Spend 16 weeks of your scheme in-store”. Your first placement then “lasts 9 to 12 months”.
Where these facts come from
- Pay. From each ad, read on 17 October 2026. Tesco’s graduates page says “a great salary of £33,000 to £40,000”, plus a bonus. Pension: Tesco will “match contributions up to 7.5%”. Compare salaries in the UK.
- Supply Chain. From the Supply Chain ad: “Annual bonus scheme of up to 10% of base salary”. Holiday starts at 25 days plus a personal day. “Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely.”
- Length. Tesco UK and IMS ads say two years. Booker ads give no length. Belfast is 18 months. The Retail scheme is three years.
- Support. An induction week at Welwyn Garden City, an external coach, a buddy and a mentor. Head office schemes are in “Welwyn Garden City or Farringdon, London”.
- Not published. How many graduates Tesco hires, and what happens when a scheme ends.
03/10
What Tesco looks for
A 2:2 and four behaviours Tesco calls Win Together. Tesco says “We’re looking for potential, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.”
A 2:2, in any subject
“You’ll need a minimum of a 2:2 degree for all graduate schemes”. Predicted is fine.
Potential
“we recruit based on potential, rather than skills or experience”
Be brave
“Taking responsibility for your decisions and making things happen”
Believe in each other
“Building trust-based relationships”
Stay curious
“Looking in different places for new ideas and perspectives”
Live 20/80
“Doing only the few things that will make the biggest difference”
The behaviours and lines come from Tesco’s interview guide, under “What good looks like”. Tesco says “We’ll accept applications from any graduate at any age.” Technology schemes need technical skills. The IMS Technology Engineering ad says “You don’t need a Computer Science degree, but you will need some coding experience”.
04/10Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply
Apply now: schemes can close before 22 December 2026. That is the apply-by date on every ad.Tesco’s 2027 graduate ads have closed. Their apply-by date was set for 22 December 2026. Tesco says: “once the scheme has enough applications, we’ll close it”.
1
Pick one scheme
From the table below
2
Apply online
Through the scheme’s ad
3
Ask for support
Adjustments, if you need them
4
Online assessment
Then the video interview
Tesco’s graduates page says “roles are filled on a first come, first served basis – so don’t wait to apply.” It reviews applications “on a rolling basis”. The form’s questions and word limits are not published.
The one-application rule
Tesco takes one application from you per yearly intake. In its words: “we’ll only accept one application per yearly intake”.
Have a second choice?
“You can only apply for one, but if you have a second choice, let us know in your application”.
Applied to the wrong scheme?
Tesco asks you to withdraw your application by contacting its early careers team, then re-apply to the right one.
From the FAQ on Tesco’s application process page. Tesco adds that it can help you “discover which programme you’re better suited to”.
The open schemes: pick oneThis cycle’s schemes
Tesco groups its schemes as Tesco UK, IMS and Booker. Pay is the figure each ad prints.
| Group | Scheme | Where | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesco UK | Supply Chain (featured) | Welwyn Garden City | £33,000 |
| Tesco UK | Home and Clothing | Welwyn Garden City | £33,000 |
| Tesco UK | Technology Programme Management | Welwyn Garden City | £40,000 |
| Tesco UK | Retail, three years. Open on Tesco’s application portal, not the job board, when we checked on 17 October 2026On Tesco’s application portal, not the job board. Check its closing date thereListed on Tesco’s application portal this cycle, now closed | Nationwide | £33,500 |
| IMS | Technology Engineering | Edinburgh and Glasgow | £34,000 |
| IMS | Technology Programme, Project and Change | Edinburgh or Glasgow | £34,000 |
| IMS | Technology Cyber Security | Edinburgh | £34,000 |
| IMS | Customer Propositions | Edinburgh or Glasgow | £32,000 |
| Booker | Tech Product and Programme Management | Wellingborough | £40,000 |
| Booker | Category Manager | Eccles or Wellingborough | £32,000 |
| Booker | Change Manager | Royton Depot, Oldham | £32,000 |
| Booker | Operations Leadership | Nationwide | £32,000 |
| Booker | Finance, Insight and Commercial Analysis | Eccles or Wellingborough | £33,000 |
Belfast. Tesco Ireland’s Business Support NI Graduate Programme pays €35,000. It is a “structured 18-month development programme” with two placements.
From Tesco’s job board, checked at 23:35 BST on 17 October 2026. Every ad gives 22 December 2026 as its apply-by date.Every ad gave 22 December 2026 as its apply-by date. Not listed that day for 2027: Online, Marketing, Product Food, Finance, and the Welwyn Garden City Cyber Security, Software Engineering and Product Management schemes.
Your application and CV: do and don’t
Do
“Built a stock tracker in Excel that cut weekly ordering time for my team”
Your own example, with a result. Tesco says AI may check your CV’s “spelling, grammar and layout”.
Don’t
“Passionate team player with strong communication skills”
It fits anyone. Tesco says don’t use AI to “Write your CV or application from scratch”.
Tesco asks you to “answer all the questions on the online application as accurately as possible”. Our CV achievement examples show how to give each role a result. 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 Tesco 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.
Your scheme closed, or not selected? Your options
- Another open scheme. Only if you have not applied this year. Tesco takes one application per yearly intake.
- Another scheme. This cycle’s graduate ads have closed. Tesco takes one application per yearly intake, so plan for the next one.
- Summer internships. 11 UK internships run from 14 Jun to 20 Aug 2027.11 UK internships are running from 14 Jun to 20 Aug 2027.This cycle’s 11 UK internships ran from 14 Jun to 20 Aug 2027. Each ad says apply by 22 December 2026.Their ads have closed. The apply-by date was set for 22 December 2026. Ten are at Welwyn Garden City, plus a Retail Internship, Nationwide. You need to be “on track for a 2:2 degree, and be in your penultimate year or have graduated from University” (internships page).
- Internship to scheme. “All interns will attend an end-of-programme assessment and upon passing the assessment will be offered a place on the following years graduate scheme”.
- No placement years. Tesco says “We don’t offer industry placements”.
- Next year. “All applications open in September”. Tesco says to use any feedback “to improve your application next time round”.
05/10Stage 2 · Online assessment
The online assessment
Stage 2 starts with an online assessment of scenario questions. Tesco says “Most importantly, be yourself, take your time and answer as honestly as you can.”
Scenarios
Ones you might face as a graduate
Not published
Length and question count
Feedback
Personalised, after Stage 2
Motivation
“Motivation for joining Tesco Group”
Business sense
“Business thinking and judgement”
Problem solving
“Problem-solving abilities”
Tesco’s behaviours
“How you align with our Win Together Behaviours”
From Tesco’s application process page. Tesco names no provider for this assessment. It recommends “a quiet space using a laptop or desktop computer”.
Extra tests, adjustments and your set-up
- Extra tests. Tesco adds a timed numerical test for Finance and a coding test for Software Engineering. Both schemes are closed for 2027.
- IMS Technology Engineering. Tesco does not say whether this scheme adds a coding test. Ask Tesco if you apply.
- Adjustments. Tesco is a “Disability Confident Leader” and part of the “guaranteed interview scheme”. Past adjustments include “Extra time” and “Larger fonts”.
- Set-up. Your device needs internet, a microphone and camera access.
The AI rules: allowed and banned
Allowed
- AI to check your CV’s spelling, grammar and layout
- AI to suggest words that match the job ad
- AI to practise interview answers
- AI to research Tesco and retail
Banned
- Help from others in any assessment
- AI to complete interviews or assessments
- AI to write your CV or application from scratch
- AI to invent scenarios or examples
“assessments must be completed independently, without support from others or the use of AI tools. If AI-generated content is identified, your application may be withdrawn.” From Tesco’s AI dos and don’ts.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 17 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- Graduate application processTesco careers · no account neededTesco’s own guide to each stage, what the online assessment checks, and its rules on AI.Free
Read
- Psychometric testsProspects · July 2025 · no account neededA UK guide to scenario and reasoning tests. Tesco does not name its test provider.Free
- Video interview tipsProspects · June 2025, updated March 2026 · no account neededHow recorded video interviews work and how to use notes well. Useful for the second half of Stage 2.Free
Skip paid “Tesco test” packs. Tesco names no test provider, so these packs are guessing. Tesco also bans AI and outside help in its assessments.
Next: see how other employers use scenario and reasoning tests in our guide to psychometric and logic tests.
06/10Stage 3 · Video interview
The video interview and Tesco’s questions
Stage 2 ends with a short recorded video interview. Tesco counts it as part of the same stage as the assessment.
30 seconds
To think before recording starts
3 minutes
To answer each question
Practice
Questions first, not assessed
“There’s no need to fill the time, if you’re happy with your answer, move on when ready.” Tesco’s tips: “Find a quiet place and have a glass of water to hand”, “Have your notes to hand”, “Speak slowly and clearly”, and “look at the camera rather than the screen”.
How to answer: Tesco’s STAR method
Tesco’s interview guide says “Our ‘Win Together’ behaviours form most of the interview”, and to answer with STAR.
S
Situation
The context or challenge
T
Task
Your responsibility
A
Action
The specific steps you took
R
Result
The outcome of your actions
Tesco says “You don’t need to prepare answers to every single question”. See also our guides on how to pass a job interview and the toughest interview questions.
Practise: Tesco’s published questions
Be brave and Believe in each other
Questions and “What good looks like” from Tesco’s interview guide, written for all Tesco interviews. The answer tips are ours, built on Tesco’s follow-up prompts.
Be brave
“Describe a situation when you’ve felt most out of your comfort zone.”
What they’re testing: “Being yourself and showing your vulnerabilities”.
Show a strong answer
- A real stretch, why it felt hard and what you did anyway. Tesco may ask “What did you learn about yourself?”
Be brave
“Tell me about a time when you have persisted with something to do the right thing for colleagues or customers.”
What they’re testing: “Doing the right thing for customers, colleagues, communities and the planet”.
Show a strong answer
- Name the obstacle and how long it lasted. Tesco may ask “How did you keep motivated to achieve the task?”
Believe in each other
“Describe a time when you were part of a winning team.”
What they’re testing: “Respecting each other’s expertise and contribution”.
Show a strong answer
- Your own role, not just the team’s win. Tesco may ask “What was your role within the team?”
Believe in each other
“Tell me about a time when you have had to inspire others and engage colleagues to bring them around to your thinking.”
What they’re testing: “Building trust-based relationships”.
Show a strong answer
- Who disagreed, how you listened and what changed their mind. Tesco may ask “Did you get any pushbacks?”
Stay curious and Live 20/80
Questions and “What good looks like” from Tesco’s interview guide. The answer tips are ours, built on Tesco’s follow-up prompts.
Stay curious
“Tell me about something you have learnt about yourself recently.”
What they’re testing: “Embracing change”.
Show a strong answer
- One honest insight and what you now do differently. Tesco may ask “What will you do with this?”
Stay curious
“What’s the best idea you’ve ever had that was implemented?”
What they’re testing: “Looking in different places for new ideas and perspectives”.
Show a strong answer
- Where the idea came from, who backed it and what it changed. Tesco may ask “How did you build support in your team?”
Live 20/80
“Tell me about a time when you have had to act in a flexible way to avoid an issue.”
What they’re testing: “Finding creative ways to get there quicker and with less effort”.
Show a strong answer
- The issue you saw coming and the simple change you made. Tesco may ask “What factors did you consider?”
Live 20/80
“Describe a time where you have had to challenge a situation to do what is right by the customer.”
What they’re testing: “Striving for progress over perfection”.
Show a strong answer
- What you challenged, how you said it and the customer result. Tesco may ask “How did you deliver this message?”
Motivation questions
Our own questions. Tesco assesses “Motivation for joining Tesco Group”, and its final interview checks “your passion for Tesco and your chosen scheme”.
Why Tesco
Why do you want to join Tesco Group?
Show a strong answer
- One real reason, tied to something you have seen or done. Tesco suggests you research “us and the retail industry”.
Your scheme
Why this scheme, and not another?
Show a strong answer
- Use the ad’s own tasks. For Supply Chain, name a rotation you want and why.
In store
What do you expect to learn in your 16 weeks in store?
Show a strong answer
- Link the store to your future office role. Tesco wants you to see “how your work links to your office role”.
Your future
Where do you want this scheme to take you?
Show a strong answer
- A direction, not a job title. Show you would use the coach, buddy and mentor Tesco offers.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two STAR stories for each Win Together behaviour, plus your motivation.
| Behaviour | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Be brave | ||
| Believe in each other | ||
| Stay curious | ||
| Live 20/80 | ||
| Why Tesco and your scheme |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 17 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- Interview guide (PDF)Tesco · 9 pages · no account neededTesco’s four Win Together behaviours, with example questions and STAR answers.Free
- Interview supportTesco careers · no account neededTesco’s own interview tips. It says you can take notes into your interview.Free
Watch
- Hints and tipsTesco News on YouTube · Jan 2023 · 4 min · olderTesco’s recruiters and graduates on the video interview and assessment day. Recorded in 2023, so it uses older names for the online stage and the behaviours.Free
Read
- The STAR methodNational Careers Service · no account neededA government guide to STAR answers, which Tesco suggests you use.Free
- Assessment centresProspects · June 2025 · no account neededA UK guide to the group exercise and other assessment centre tasks.Free
07/10Stage 4 · Final
The assessment centre and your offer
The final round is a virtual assessment centre, from 9:00am to 3:30pm. Tesco says “It’s really important that you contribute and take part throughout the day”.
Coaching first
A group coaching session on “what to expect on the day”, with tips and time for questions. Tesco also sends “a pre-recorded prep video”.
Three exercises
“a group discussion, a one-to-one conversation (based upon a real business scenario that you’ll be presented with on the day) and a motivational interview”.
Meet graduates
“Interactive discussions with current/past graduates”. You may also have “an interview with a manager depending on your scheme”.
What to wear
Smart casual or a suit. “We’re interested in you, not your outfit”.
After the day
“every candidate who attends an assessment centre can join a personal feedback call”.
From Tesco’s application process page, checked 17 October 2026. Hear-back times are not published.
Offer conditions
- Right to work. “For all UK roles, we will need to check your right to work before we can offer you a role with us” (interview support).
- Your degree. Tesco asks for “a minimum of a 2:2 degree for all graduate schemes”.
- Contract. The ads say “Temporary”, and Tesco’s application portal says “Fixed Term”. Tesco does not say what happens when a scheme ends.
Key dates: 2027 intake
22 Sep 2026
Graduate ads posted
9 Sep to 13 Oct 2026
Seven schemes closed on the portal
17 Oct 2026
12 UK schemes and Belfast were open. Apply now
17 Oct 2026
12 UK schemes and Belfast were open
22 Dec 2026
Latest apply-by date on every adApplications were due by this date at the latest
14 Jun to 20 Aug 2027
Summer internships runSummer internships are runningSummer internships ran
Sep 2027
Next cycle likely opens, from Tesco’s FAQNext cycle likely opens around nowCheck Tesco’s job board for the next cycle
6 Sep 2027
Start date on every graduate ad
6 Sep 2027
Start date on every graduate ad
08/10
Visa sponsorship
Our reading: Tesco does not sponsor visas for its graduate schemes. Each scheme page says “Visa or immigration sponsorship is not offered for this role.”
Tesco’s FAQ: “You must have and be able to evidence the right to work for the location you have applied to, before the start date of your programme. Tesco cannot guarantee sponsorship and keeps its approach under review in line with government guidance.” (graduates page)
The Graduate visa
- GOV.UK. It lasts “2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026” and “18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027” (GOV.UK).
- Our reading. A Graduate visa applied for from 1 January 2027 lasts 18 months. Most UK schemes run two years. If you would rely on one, check it covers the scheme length, and ask Tesco.
Need sponsorship? See our guides to UK companies that sponsor visas and staying in the UK after studying. This is general information, so check GOV.UK.
09/10
Key takeaways
Before you apply
- Every ad says apply by 22 December 2026, but Tesco closes a scheme once it has enough applications.The 2027 ads have closed. Next time, apply early: Tesco closes a scheme once it has enough applications.
- You get one application per yearly intake, so pick your scheme first and name a second choice.
- The UK ads pay £32,000 to £40,000, and Supply Chain pays £33,000 plus a bonus scheme.
- Stage 2 is an online assessment of scenario questions, then a recorded video interview.
- Tesco bans AI and outside help in its assessments, but you may have notes to hand on video.
- The virtual assessment centre has a group discussion, a one-to-one scenario and a motivational interview.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save Tesco once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
10/10
Frequently asked questions
When do Tesco graduate applications close?
Every open ad says apply by 22 December 2026. But Tesco closes each scheme once it has enough applications, so apply early. When we checked on 17 October 2026, 12 UK schemes and one in Belfast were open.Tesco’s 2027 graduate ads have closed. Their apply-by date was set for 22 December 2026. Tesco closes each scheme once it has enough applications. It says all applications open in September.
How many Tesco graduate schemes can I apply for?
One. Tesco accepts one application per yearly intake. If you have a second choice, say so in your application. If you applied to the wrong scheme, Tesco asks you to withdraw and re-apply.
What degree do I need for a Tesco graduate scheme?
A predicted or achieved 2:2 in any subject. Tesco says it recruits based on potential. Technology schemes need technical skills, and IMS Technology Engineering asks for some coding experience.
How much does the Tesco Supply Chain graduate scheme pay?
The ad says £33,000, with an annual bonus scheme of up to 10% of base salary. Across the UK ads, pay runs from £32,000 to £40,000. The scheme starts on 6 September 2027.This intake started on 6 September 2027.
What is in the Tesco online assessment?
Scenario questions on your motivation, business thinking and judgement, problem solving and Tesco’s Win Together behaviours. A short video interview follows in the same stage. Tesco names no provider, and it bans AI and outside help.
What happens at the Tesco assessment centre?
It is virtual and runs from 9:00am to 3:30pm, after a group coaching session. There are three exercises: a group discussion, a one-to-one business scenario and a motivational interview. Every candidate can join a feedback call.
Does Tesco sponsor visas for graduate schemes?
Tesco’s scheme pages say visa or immigration sponsorship is not offered. You need the right to work for your location before the start date. Our reading: if you would rely on a Graduate visa, check it covers the scheme length.
