By Andre Atallah, CEO of EP Advisory
UK graduate programmes · Science, data, engineering and operations · 2027 intake
Not open yet · checked 18 October 2026Open · see your area’s advertClosed for the 2027 intakeOpening date out · see your area’s pageYour other options
Short answer: Applications for the 2027 intake were not open when we checked on 18 October 2026.Applications for the 2027 intake were open when we checked on 18 October 2026. Check your area’s advert for the close.Applications for the 2027 intake had closed when we checked on 18 October 2026.AstraZeneca has given an opening date for the 2027 intake. Check your area’s page. The Biometrics page says applications will open from November 2026.The Biometrics page said applications would open from November 2026. Other UK pages gave no date on 18 October 2026. Last cycle, UK R&D ran from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Join the Talent Network for alerts. Each area takes its own application. An online assessment and an interview event may follow.
Not open yet: get ready nowOpen: get ready, then applyClosed this year: prepare for next timeOpening date out: get ready now
Join the Talent Network, pick your area and prepare your CV and examples. Get ready now
Still a student?
AstraZeneca also runs summer internships and 12-month placements. Your options
Where are you now?
Independent guide. EP Advisory is not affiliated with AstraZeneca.
AstraZeneca has no single graduate scheme. This guide to the AstraZeneca graduate programme application process covers its six UK programmes: R&D science, Data Sciences and AI, Biometrics, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Engineering and Operations. Every rule comes from AstraZeneca’s own pages.
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01/10
Your route to an offer
Applications for the 2027 intake were not open when we checked on 18 October 2026.Applications for the 2027 intake were open when we checked on 18 October 2026.Applications for the 2027 intake had closed when we checked on 18 October 2026.AstraZeneca has given an opening date for the 2027 intake. We checked its job board and programme pages.Check your area’s advert for the close.Join the Talent Network to hear about the next intake.Check your area’s programme page.
AstraZeneca’s Biometrics page says its applications will open from November 2026.AstraZeneca’s Biometrics page said its applications would open from November 2026. Check it for a live advert. That date is for Biometrics only. The other UK programme pages gave no date on 18 October 2026.
Last cycle (2026 intake), from AstraZeneca’s archived pages
8 Dec 2025
UK R&D applications opened. PT&D opened the same week.
4 Jan 2026
UK R&D applications closed
18 October 2026
Not open for the 2027 intake.Open for the 2027 intake when we checked.Closed for the 2027 intake when we checked.AstraZeneca gives an opening date. Check your area’s page.
The R&D page said “UK: Applications for our 2026 intake will open on 8th December, and close on 4th January” (archived 6 December 2025). The PT&D page said “week commencing 8th December 2025” (archived 6 December 2025). So last year the UK R&D window ran about four weeks, over Christmas. This cycle may differ.
Pick your stage and tick each step when done. Stages are AstraZeneca’s. Prep times are our suggestions.
1. Apply: not open yetopen, see your area’s adclosed this yearsee your area’s page
Get ready now, then apply on your area’s advert. One application per programme. Prep 1 to 2 days.
2. Online assessment: if you are invited
An online assessment may follow your application. Past ads named SHL. Prep a few days.
3. Interviews: online or at a site
An interview and assessment event, online or at an AstraZeneca site. Prep about a week.
4. Feedback and offer: within 14 days
If you reach interview, feedback usually comes within 14 days of the closing date. Then screening before you start.
Your ticks save on this device.
Get ready now: six things to do before you apply
Get the alert
Join the free Talent Network to “Be the first to receive job updates and news from AstraZeneca”. Or set job alerts by category and location.
Pick your area
Read your programme’s page. R&D has separate Chemistry and Bioscience applications, so pick the one that fits your degree.
Fix your CV
AstraZeneca says “One page is preferable” and “Stick to 10-12 point”. Use short sentences.
Map your values
AstraZeneca selects on its five values. Write one real example for each.
Revise your subject
R&D interviews test chemistry or bioscience knowledge. Start revising now.
Try free practice
Past ads named SHL for the online assessment. SHL’s own practice tests are free.
02/10
The programmes at a glance
Six UK programmes, each with its own page and application. Most run two years. Where AstraZeneca is silent, we say so.
Not openOpenClosedCheck
2027 intake, on 18 October 2026Your area’s page has the date
6 areas
UK programmes, one application each
2 years
Most programmes; Engineering differs
3 rotations
8 months each; Engineering 12
Competitive
Salary; no figure published
4 to 8 wks
To hear back after the close
R&D Bioscience and Chemistry
Cambridge, two years
“three eight month rotations” across drug discovery and development. “All three placements will be completed at the site you apply to.”
Entry
“a minimum of a 2:1 (UK)” in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Bioscience, Biology or a related subject. “We have separate applications for Chemistry and Bioscience disciplines.”
Afterwards
“over half of graduates choose to continue their development by moving on to study for a PhD in their chosen field, and many others secure roles within the industry”.
R&D programme page, read 18 October 2026.
R&D Data Sciences and AI
Cambridge, two years
“three eight-month rotations applying machine learning and artificial intelligence” to drug discovery. You stay at the site you apply to.
Entry
A Bachelor’s or Master’s in a quantitative science, such as maths, physics, statistics or computer science. No degree class is stated.
Skills
“Deep understanding of a few key machine learning or statistical models” and “Considerable experience in Python or experience with multiple data-centric programming languages”.
Data Sciences and AI page, read 18 October 2026.
Biometrics and Information Sciences
Seven countries, two years
“Locations: Canada, India, Poland, Spain, Sweden, UK and US”. No UK site is named. AstraZeneca calls these “permanent positions for graduate statisticians, programmers and information scientists”.
Entry
Statisticians: a Master’s in maths or statistics. Programmers: a BSc in maths, statistics, computer science or life science, with “Programming knowledge (preferably SAS)”. Information scientists: a BSc (Hons) in the same subjects.
For all three tracks
“Able to demonstrate leadership and teamwork” and “Good verbal and written communication skills.”
Biometrics page, read 18 October 2026.
Pharmaceutical Technology and Development
Macclesfield, two years
“Locations: Gothenburg, Sweden; Macclesfield, UK”. The programme has “three individual eight-month placements”.
Entry
Chemistry, chemical, mechanical or device engineering, pharmacy, physics, data science, bioscience or a related subject, with “a 2:1 or higher or equivalent grading”.
PT&D page, read 18 October 2026. Parts of the page still describe last year’s intake.
Engineering
Three UK sites
“three twelve month rotations in Macclesfield, Cambridge and Liverpool”, across operations, projects and manufacturing.
Chartership
“accredited schemes with the IET, IMechE and IChemE”. For recent engineering graduates. No degree class is stated.
Five functions
Process, Facilities, Improvement, Global Engineering Project Execution and Front End Studies.
Engineering page, read 18 October 2026. Parts of the page still describe last year’s intake.
Operations Global Graduate Associates Programme
Two years, four countries
“(3) eight-month placements”. “Locations: China, Sweden, UK, US”. No UK site is named. “Since its launch in 2009, over 250 graduates have completed our programme”.
Entry
A degree in engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing technology, biological or physical sciences, or a related field.
Ready to move
“Geographical mobility, and willingness to live and work in different locations, with potential global assignment.”
Operations page, read 18 October 2026.
Pay, start date and what we left out
- Pay. AstraZeneca publishes no figure. The Biometrics, PT&D and Operations pages say “Salary: Competitive”. Compare salaries in the UK.
- Start. AstraZeneca has not yet given a start date for the 2027 intake. Last cycle’s programmes started in September.
- Left out. Biopharmaceutical Development. Its card on the early talent page says Cambridge, but its own page lists Gaithersburg, US only.
- No UK programme in commercial, finance, HR or IT was listed on 18 October 2026.
03/10
What AstraZeneca looks for
AstraZeneca selects on its five values, in every area. Its FAQ says “We are a company with strong values so also use these in our selection processes.”
We follow the science
“We are encouraged to be curious about our ideas and those of the people around us”. Show it by: a time data changed your mind.
We put patients first
“We strive to understand patients’ needs considering them in every decision we take.” Show it by: work where you kept the end user in mind.
We play to win
AstraZeneca encourages people “to come together as a team”. Show it by: a team result you helped deliver.
We do the right thing
“Doing the right thing is an essential part of who we are”. Show it by: a time you spoke up or held a standard.
We are entrepreneurial
“taking smart risks to find effective solutions when bringing new ideas to life”. Show it by: an improvement you started.
Each area adds its own asks
R&D: a passion for drug developmentData and AI: PythonBiometrics: leadership and teamworkOperations: willing to move
Values from AstraZeneca’s values and behaviours page. The “Show it by” lines are our suggestions. R&D also asks for “Strong critical thinking, stakeholder management, planning, organisational and time management skills.”
04/10Stage 1 · Apply
How to apply
Each programme has its own advert and its own application. AstraZeneca’s FAQ says “Yes, please apply for all roles you are interested in.”
The rules for your application
- R&D: one discipline. “Please only apply to the programme which aligns with your knowledge and education background.”
- Graduation year. Last cycle (2026 intake), R&D asked for people “who have graduated in 2025, or are due to graduate by September 2026”. AstraZeneca has not published the 2027 rule.
- Online profile. “If you have a professional online presence on platforms, be sure to include this in your application.”
- Adjustments. If you need support, “please let your Talent Acquisition Partner know”.
- Hearing back. “For Early Talent Programmes, it can take from four to eight weeks after the closing date before we can update you on the progress of your application.”
From AstraZeneca’s application hints and tips and FAQs, and the R&D page archived on 6 December 2025.
Your CV: do and don’t
Do
“Ran 40 HPLC assays for my final-year project and learned to spot a failed run early”
AstraZeneca says “Treat your CV like an advertisement”. Show what you did and what you learned.
Don’t
“Responsible for lab work during my degree”
A duty with no result. AstraZeneca also asks you to “Use short sentences.”
AstraZeneca’s early talent page says “One page is preferable but two makes sense if you’ve got a lot of experience”. Our CV achievement examples show how to give each line 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 AstraZeneca 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.
Not open yetNot ready yetMissed itNot open yet, or still studying? Your options
- Get the alert. Join the Talent Network. AstraZeneca also says “If nothing suitable is currently available, you can sign up for email job alerts based on job categories and/or locations”.
- More than one area. You can apply to every programme that fits you, each with its own application.
- Still a student? AstraZeneca runs 12-month industrial placements for undergraduates. Check its job board for live ones.
- Summer internship. For the UK programme, “Advertisements will be launched throughout the month of January”. You must return to study afterwards, so graduates cannot apply (internships page).
- Turned down before? AstraZeneca’s FAQ says “Yes” to being considered for other roles.
05/10Stage 2 · Online assessment
The online assessment
You may be asked to take an online assessment after you apply. The Engineering page says “During the recruitment process, you may be asked to complete an online assessment.”
SHL
Named in past AstraZeneca ads
Not named
Which SHL test you take
Possible
A game-based assessment
Past ads: AstraZeneca’s UK R&D ad for the 2024 intake named SHL, and so did its Sweden Data Sciences and AI ad for the 2026 intake. No AstraZeneca ad says which SHL test. The FAQ adds: “For certain positions, particularly in graduate roles, we may invite you to take part in a game-based assessment, a video or telephone interview or an assessment day or a combination of all three.”
The AI rules: allowed and banned
Allowed
- AI to refine your CV
- AI to practise interview questions
- AI content you review and make your own
- Saying how AI helped, if asked
Banned
- Real-time AI answers in interviews or assessments
- Recording or transcription tools without approval
From AstraZeneca’s AI guidance for candidates. Recording tools are allowed only “as an agreed accessibility accommodation” or with AstraZeneca’s approval. See also tips for psychometric tests.
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 18 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- Application hints and tipsAstraZeneca careers · no account neededAstraZeneca’s own three steps, and how long early talent applicants wait after the close.Free
- Writing the perfect CVAstraZeneca early talent page · no account neededAstraZeneca’s CV rules: one page preferable, 10 to 12 point, short sentences.Free
- AI guidance for candidatesAstraZeneca careers · no account neededAI is fine for CV polish and practice. Live answers in tests or interviews are banned.Free
Watch
- Applying to work at AstraZeneca: CV tipsAstraZeneca on YouTube · Mar 2024 · 1 minTailor your CV to the advert’s keywords and show impact. Straight from the employer.Free
Practise
- SHL practice testsSHL, the test maker · free SHL sign-inPast AstraZeneca ads name SHL. They do not say which test, so try numerical, verbal and inductive.Free
- SHL example questionsSHL · no account neededWorked examples of each SHL question type before you sign in.Free
Skip paid test packs sold for AstraZeneca. No AstraZeneca ad says which SHL test it sets, so a pack cannot match it. SHL’s own practice is free.
Next: see how other employers use reasoning and personality tests in our guide to psychometric and logic tests.
06/10Stage 3 · Interviews
Interviews and assessment
Next comes an interview and assessment event, online or at an AstraZeneca site. AstraZeneca says “The objective for the interview and assessment is to gain a better understanding of each other.”
Online or in person
“You will attend either a virtual or in-person event at one of our site locations.” Talent Acquisition confirms the details.
A two-way process
“there will typically be an interview process which we encourage to be a two way process”. Your values are part of it.
Subject questions in R&D
“Our chemistry Interviews are based around knowledge of synthetic and medicinal chemistry and the Bioscience question are data driven covering a broad range of areas from biology, biochemistry, pharmacology safety and clinical.”
Engineering: an interview day
“If shortlisted, you will then be invited to an interview day.”
Assessment tasks
“Assessment events give you the opportunity to take part in situations that reflect the position you applied for.”
When assessment days fell in past cycles
- 2024 intake, UK R&D. The ad promised “a full day virtual assessment day in March 2024”.
- 2026 intake, Sweden Data Sciences and AI. Assessment days ran from 24 to 26 March 2026.
- Engineering. Last cycle’s page said “a full day virtual assessment day”. Today’s page says “an interview day”.
A past pattern only. AstraZeneca has not given 2027 interview dates.
How to answer: show what you learned
AstraZeneca says “We are interested in what you’ve done, but we are even more interested in what you’ve learned from your previous experiences.” The STAR method gives each example a shape.
Situation
Where and when, in one line.
Task
What you had to do.
Action
What you did, not the team.
Result
What changed, and what you learned.
Be ready to talk about
What you want to learnWhy this areaYour subject, for R&DEach of the five values
AstraZeneca’s tips: “Pause before answering a question to gather your thoughts. You can refer to any notes that you may have to support building your answer.” And “At any time you can ask the panel for clarification or to repeat before answering a question.” See also how to pass a job interview and the toughest interview questions.
Practise: questions for each value and your area
Values questions
Our own questions, one for each value on AstraZeneca’s values page. AstraZeneca publishes no question list.
Follow the science
Tell us about a time the data told you something you did not expect.
What to show
- Curiosity. AstraZeneca wants people “curious about our ideas and those of the people around us”. Say what you checked and what you changed.
Patients first
When did you put the needs of the person you served first?
What to show
- Whose needs you looked at, and one decision they changed.
Play to win
Describe a team goal you helped reach.
What to show
- Your part, the result and how the team worked together.
The right thing
Tell us about a time you raised a concern or held a standard.
What to show
- What was at stake, what you said and what happened next.
Entrepreneurial
What is something you improved without being asked?
What to show
- The risk you took, how you tested the idea and what you learned.
Questions about your area
Our own questions, built on AstraZeneca’s programme pages and interview tips.
Why this area
Why this programme, and not another AstraZeneca area?
What to show
- Link your degree and one project to your area’s rotations. Name the site you applied to.
Why AstraZeneca
Why do you want to join AstraZeneca?
What to show
- AstraZeneca’s early talent video says: “Our bold ambition for 2030 is to deliver 20 new medicines, become an $80 billion company, and achieve carbon negativity.” Pick the part that matters to you.
Your subject
For R&D: walk us through a reaction, or a data set, from your degree.
What to show
- Chemistry interviews cover “synthetic and medicinal chemistry”. Bioscience questions “are data driven”. Revise the core of your degree.
What you want to learn
What do you want to learn on this programme?
What to show
- AstraZeneca says its “hiring team is looking forward to hearing what you want to learn more about with this exciting opportunity.” Name two skills and why.
Your story bank: a worksheet to print or copy
Two STAR stories for each AstraZeneca value.
| Value | Story 1 | Story 2 |
|---|---|---|
| We follow the science | ||
| We put patients first | ||
| We play to win | ||
| We do the right thing | ||
| We are entrepreneurial |
Go further: the best outside help
Our own picks, checked on 18 October 2026. We are not linked to any of these sites and earn nothing from them.
From the employer
- Values and behavioursAstraZeneca careers · no account neededAstraZeneca uses its five values in selection. Prepare one example for each.Free
- Interview tipsAstraZeneca careers · no account neededYou may use notes and ask the panel to repeat a question. AstraZeneca says so itself.Free
- Candidate FAQsAstraZeneca careers · no account neededFeedback within 14 days after interview, travel costs, screening and the work-permit line.Free
Read
- The STAR methodNational Careers Service, GOV.UK · no account neededA plain four-step shape for each example, with worked answers.Free
Watch
- Early Talent at AstraZenecaAstraZeneca on YouTube · Nov 2025 · 4 minAstraZeneca’s own 2030 goals in its own words. Use them in your why AstraZeneca answer.Free
07/10Stage 4 · Final
Feedback, screening and your offer
If you reach interview, AstraZeneca usually gives feedback within 14 days of the closing date. It does not give feedback to people rejected before interview.
After your interview
“You can send a follow-up note of thanks including your additional reflections.”
Travel costs
“Yes, we will reimburse your expenses if you travel more than 100km for an interview.”
Screening
AstraZeneca runs pre-employment security screening for all posts. Medical checks apply where a role needs them.
After the programme
Engineering: “At the end of the Graduate Programme, you will be supported by a Mentor to help you find your first permanent role in AstraZeneca.” AstraZeneca calls the Biometrics roles “permanent positions”.
Try again
A past rejection does not stop you applying for other roles. AstraZeneca has “no upper age limit for applications”.
From AstraZeneca’s FAQs, hints and tips and programme pages, 18 October 2026. Offer timing, reserve lists and start-date choices are not published.
08/10
Visa sponsorship
Our reading: sponsorship is possible but not promised. Ask about your area before you rely on it.
AstraZeneca’s FAQ says: “It is not always possible to secure work permits for Graduate and PhD opportunities. However we would still encourage applications for these roles so that we can look at all options available for work permits or sponsorship in line with local immigration legislation.”
The Graduate visa
- Graduate visa. 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). “If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.”
- Programme length. Most AstraZeneca programmes run two years. Engineering has three 12-month rotations.
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
- Join AstraZeneca’s Talent Network or set job alerts, so you hear when your area opens.
- Each of the six UK programmes takes its own application. R&D splits Chemistry and Bioscience.
- Last cycle, the UK R&D window ran about four weeks, from 8 December 2025 to 4 January 2026.
- AstraZeneca publishes no pay figure. Three programme pages say “Salary: Competitive”.
- An online assessment may follow your application. Past ads named SHL, but not which test.
- Interviews test your five values, and R&D adds subject questions.
When a scheme gives a close date, we email you a few days before it closes. Save AstraZeneca once and the reminder is set.
Set my reminders freeFree account, no card.
10/10
Frequently asked questions
When do AstraZeneca graduate programme applications open?
Applications for the 2027 intake were not open when we checked on 18 October 2026.Applications for the 2027 intake were open when we checked on 18 October 2026. Check your area’s advert for the close.Applications for the 2027 intake had closed when we checked on 18 October 2026.AstraZeneca has given an opening date for the 2027 intake. Check your area’s page. AstraZeneca’s Biometrics page says applications will open from November 2026.AstraZeneca’s Biometrics page said applications would open from November 2026. The other UK programme pages gave no date on 18 October 2026. Last cycle, the UK R&D programme opened on 8 December 2025 and closed on 4 January 2026.
Which UK graduate programmes does AstraZeneca run?
Six, each with its own page and application: R&D Bioscience and Chemistry, R&D Data Sciences and AI, Biometrics and Information Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Engineering, and the Operations Global Graduate Associates Programme.
What degree do I need for an AstraZeneca graduate programme?
It depends on the area. R&D Bioscience and Chemistry asks for a minimum of a 2:1 in a science such as chemistry or biology. Data Sciences and AI wants a quantitative degree and Python. Biometrics statisticians need a Master’s in maths or statistics.
How much does the AstraZeneca graduate programme pay?
AstraZeneca publishes no figure. The Biometrics, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, and Operations pages say “Salary: Competitive”.
Is there an online test for AstraZeneca graduate roles?
You may be asked to take one. AstraZeneca’s UK R&D advert for the 2024 intake and its Sweden Data Sciences and AI advert for the 2026 intake both named SHL. No advert says which SHL test. The FAQ also mentions a game-based assessment for some graduate roles.
Can I apply to more than one AstraZeneca graduate programme?
Yes. AstraZeneca asks for a separate application for each role and says “please apply for all roles you are interested in”. In R&D, apply only to Chemistry or Bioscience, whichever matches your degree.
Does AstraZeneca sponsor visas for graduates?
Our reading: it is possible but not promised. AstraZeneca says work permits are not always possible for graduate roles, but it still encourages applications and looks at all options. Ask about your area before you rely on sponsorship.
