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Publication - Advice and guidance

Graduate Development Programme: candidate guide 2026

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

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

Salary and benefits

The starting salary for graduates on the programme is £36,202.

Pay awards are reviewed and applied annually in partnership with unions. Pay progression takes place on an annual basis until staff members have reached the top of the salary band.

The Scottish Government also operates a generous pension scheme with employer contributions starting from 28%.

Information on all current pay scales can be found on the financial rewards section of our careers website.

Learn more about our staff benefits.

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
13 February 2026 - show all updates

  1. Key updates made to assessment timings in the assessment centre guidance.

  2. Updated to Key dates and minor punctuation edits.

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

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

  5. 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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