Graduate Development Programme: candidate guide 2026
Guidance for candidates applying to the 2026 Scottish Government Graduate Development Programme.
Qualification requirements
You need to have achieved or be expecting to achieve a degree (or equivalent) in any subject by July 2026.
There is no minimum grade requirement and there is no time limit attached to when you achieved your degree. We are happy to accept equivalent qualifications where the total award is equivalent to a level 9 SCQF qualification and 360 credits.
If you are a final year student and on track to obtain your degree before July 2026 you can still apply. If you’re successful in the recruitment process, an offer of a place will be made subject to you successfully graduating.
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