When do Big 4 applications open for 2027?

Summer internships open in July 2026 (Deloitte, EY, PwC) and August 2026 (KPMG). Graduate schemes open August-September 2026. Deadlines extend through December 2026-January 2027.

Should I apply to summer internship or graduate scheme?

If you're currently a student, apply to summer internships. If you're already graduated, apply to graduate schemes (though you can apply to both). Summer internships are easier entry points with higher conversion to permanent roles.

Is the psychometric test the hardest part?

For many candidates, yes. Unlike later interview rounds which test soft skills, tests are purely ability-based and scored objectively. A 15th percentile test score means automatic rejection regardless of interview performance.

What if I fail the psychometric test?

Most firms give one attempt per year. Failing at Deloitte means you can't apply to Deloitte until next year, but you can still apply to EY, KPMG, and PwC. However, this is rare if you've practiced.

How many Big 4 candidates get assessment centre invites?

Typically 15-20% of applicants reach assessment centre stage. This means 80% are filtered out at the CV + test stage. Good test preparation is essential.

Is the assessment centre harder than earlier stages?

No, assessment centre is more about fit and communication. By this stage, you've proven analytical ability. Assessment centre evaluates teamwork, communication, and cultural fit.

Can I do multiple Big 4 internships?

Firms typically ask for exclusivity during the internship. You can do internships at different Big 4 in different years (e.g., Deloitte summer 2027, EY summer 2028). Check each firm's policy.

Last updated 2026-03-24

Big 4 Application Deadlines 2027

Q: What's the conversion rate from summer internship to graduate offer?

Approximately 60-70% of summer interns receive graduate offers. This is exceptionally high compared to other sectors. A successful summer intern is nearly guaranteed to convert.

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Big 4 deadlines

Firm	Programme	Opens	Closes	Status
Deloitte	Summer Internship	July 2026	November 2026	upcoming	Alert me
Deloitte	Spring Programme	September 2026	December 2026	upcoming	Alert me
Deloitte	Graduate Scheme	August 2026	December 2026	upcoming	Alert me
EY	Summer Internship	July 2026	December 2026	upcoming	Alert me
EY	Spring Programme	September 2026	January 2027	upcoming	Alert me
EY	Graduate Scheme	August 2026	January 2027	upcoming	Alert me
KPMG	Summer Internship	August 2026	January 2027	upcoming	Alert me
KPMG	Spring Programme	September 2026	December 2026	upcoming	Alert me
KPMG	Graduate Scheme	August 2026	January 2027	upcoming	Alert me
PwC	Summer Internship	July 2026	December 2026	upcoming	Alert me
PwC	Spring Programme	September 2026	January 2027	upcoming	Alert me
PwC	Graduate Scheme	August 2026	January 2027	upcoming	Alert me

How Big 4 applications work in 2027

The Big 4 (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) are the largest professional services firms and recruit the highest volume of graduates in the UK. They operate on a similar timeline to each other but separately from investment banking and consulting. Summer internships open in July-August 2026 and remain open through December 2026-January 2027. Unlike banking (which uses rolling admissions) and consulting (which have tighter deadlines), Big 4 deadlines are more flexible, giving candidates a longer window.

The application process typically follows five stages: online application (CV, cover letter, competency questions), online assessment (numerical and verbal reasoning tests, logical reasoning), video interview (competency questions answered on camera, no live interviewer), assessment centre (group task, in-tray exercise, individual interview), and offer. The entire process from application to offer takes 8-12 weeks. Assessment centre invitations are typically 3-4 weeks after the online assessment.

Psychometric testing is critical. Unlike banking and consulting where case interviews dominate, Big 4 applications heavily weight numerical and verbal reasoning tests. These are timed assessments where candidates are ranked against competitors. Good test prep (10-15 hours) moves you into the top quartile and significantly increases invitation rates to the next stage.

Summer internships are the strategic entry point. Big 4 hire 800-1200 summer interns across the UK. The conversion rate from summer intern to graduate scheme is 60-70%. This is exceptionally high compared to other sectors. A successful summer intern is nearly guaranteed a graduate offer. This makes summer internships the easiest path into a Big 4 graduate role.

Key dates to know

Summer internship window

Deloitte, EY, PwC open summer internships in July 2026.

KPMG opens in August 2026.

Internship deadlines span November 2026-January 2027.

Summer internships are 8-12 weeks and the primary recruitment vehicle for graduates.

Spring programme window

All Big 4 open spring programmes in September 2026.

Deadlines are typically December 2026-January 2027.

Spring programmes are 2-4 week intensive programmes with moderate conversion to graduate roles (20-30%).

Graduate scheme window

Graduate schemes (post-degree, 2-3 year training) open August-September 2026.

Deadlines extend through December 2026-January 2027.

These are for candidates applying after graduation.

Why early applications matter

Apply to summer internships in July when Deloitte and EY open. Summer internships are the primary recruitment pipeline — 60-70% of graduate scheme hires have previously interned at the firm.

Complete a spring programme if you haven't already done a summer internship. Spring programmes have 20-30% conversion to graduate roles. Doing both a spring and summer programme significantly increases offer odds.

Apply to all Big 4, not just one. Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC are quite different in culture and specialisation. A strategy targeting all four increases your odds significantly.

Prepare your psychometric tests before applications open. Most Big 4 include numerical and verbal reasoning tests. Spend 10-15 hours practicing before your first application.

Have your CV ready in July. Deloitte opens first (July 2026). Being ready immediately gives you scheduling flexibility for interviews.

What to have ready before Big 4 applications open

Tailored CV

Big 4 prefer chronological CVs with clear impact statements. Quantify your achievements (e.g., "Reduced process time by 30%"). Get your CV reviewed by someone who's worked at Big 4.

Psychometric test preparation

Big 4 use numerical and verbal reasoning tests. Spend 10-15 hours practicing on JobTestPrep, AssessmentDay, or Graduates First before your first application.

Competency examples

Prepare STAR method examples covering: teamwork (worked in a diverse team), problem-solving (analysed data to solve a business problem), commercial awareness (understood business impact), and resilience (overcame a challenge).

Why Big 4 answer

Have a 2-3 minute answer ready for "Why Big 4?" and "Why this firm?" Big 4 firms have distinct cultures (Deloitte: people-focused; EY: global; KPMG: audit-strong; PwC: consulting growth). Tailor to each.

Industry research

Understand the professional services industry. Know the difference between audit, tax, consulting, advisory. Understand each Big 4 firm's relative strengths (KPMG is audit leader; Deloitte is consulting leader).

Video interview practice

Most Big 4 use video interviews. These are not live — you record answers to pre-set questions. Practice recording yourself answering questions on camera to get comfortable.

Common application mistakes

Underestimating psychometric tests. These are scored as a percentage of candidates. 30% of applications are rejected at this stage purely on test scores. Invest 10-15 hours of practice before applying.

Applying only to one Big 4. Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC have distinct cultures and recruitment cycles. Applying to all four increases your overall odds significantly.

Missing the July/August opening for summer internships. These are the primary recruitment vehicle. Applying in December or January puts you at a disadvantage (smaller cohort still available, less scheduling flexibility).

Using generic answers in competency questions. Big 4 review thousands of applications. Generic answers ("I'm a team player") are forgettable. Use specific examples with measurable impact.

Weak commercial awareness in interviews. Big 4 expect you to understand the professional services industry, each firm's market position, and recent news. Vague answers signal low interest.

Not following up after assessment centre invitations. When invited to an assessment centre, respond within 24 hours and schedule. Delays suggest low interest and can result in offers being withdrawn.

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