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Publication - Advice and guidance

Graduate Development Programme: candidate guide 2026

Last updated
4 February 2026 - see all updates
Directorate
People Directorate
Topic
Work and skills

Guidance for candidates applying to the 2026 Scottish Government Graduate Development Programme.

Key dates

Key dates relating to the graduate campaign are included below:

  • applications open: 22 September 2025
  • applications close: 5 October 2025
  • initial online assessments open: 22 September 2025
  • initial online assessment close: 12 October 2025
  • assessment centres to be held: February/March 2026
  • assessment centres to close: March 2026 
  • offers made and pre-employment checks: March 2026 onwards
  • start date in post: September 2026

Contact

To learn more about careers at the Scottish Government, visit our careers website.

You can also keep up to date with notifications about the Graduate Development Programme by following our social media channels.

Facebook: ScotGovJobs

X (Twitter): @scotgovjobs

If you have a specific question relating to recruitment you can e-mail us at: ScottishGovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot

 

First published
28 March 2023
Last updated
4 February 2026 - show all updates

  1. Updated to Key dates and minor punctuation edits.

  2. Addition of new section of guidance for candidates invited to Assessment Centre.

  3. Updates made to technical support section of 'Getting ready for assessment' section.

  4. This guide has been refreshed for the latest graduate programme recruitment round, with updated details on programme structure, nationality eligibility, the role of AI in applications, guaranteed interview schemes, and revised application and assessment processes.

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