Entry requirements

2:2 degree minimum in any subject 

These requirements apply to all applicants including NHS employees.

The minimum entry requirements for all specialisms is a 2:2 degree in any subject.

There is no specific numeracy proficiency requirement for Finance or Health Informatics, however it is highly recommended that applicants can demonstrate a good numerate ability, have undertaken a numerate subject (Accounting, Finance, Economics or STEM subject) or a degree with at least 30% numerate content. This may be demonstrated through use and treatment of quantitative data or statistics during research, statistics modules or use of mathematical modelling.

OR

A postgraduate qualification (MBA, Masters, PhD)

OR

Health or management related degree level equivalent qualifications 

Our Scheme has a significant academic study element. Candidates must have a strong aptitude for assimilating, analysing and explaining complex concepts, data and statistics.

All candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the entire duration of the Scheme.  It is your responsibility to ensure you have the right visa.  

NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS) trainees will be in full-time employment for the duration of the Scheme. This is not a student programme.

The NHS uses public funds for the recruitment and assessment of candidates, so we ask you to consider this alongside the eligibility requirements to work in the UK, before you apply for a place on the Scheme. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, your application/offer will be withdrawn.

Do you have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the Scheme?

To take up an offer of employment with the NHS Graduate Management Training Scheme (GMTS), you will need to demonstrate that you have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the Scheme. You also need to notify us immediately if there are any changes to your immigration status after you’ve applied.

Any offer made by the Scheme is subject to pre-employment checks which include your immigration status, qualification verification and a recent proof of address in the UK. If you do not pass all of these checks, you will not be permitted to commence the Scheme.

Skilled Worker visa

We accept applications from candidates requiring a Skilled Worker visa.

We adhere to guidance by the Home Office with regard to the sponsorship of individuals at all times. If you will require a Skilled Worker visa, please ensure you meet the Home Office eligibility criteria before applying for a place on the Scheme.

As immigration rules are frequently subject to change, please ensure you familiarise yourself with these via the Home Office website. Non-London regions do not qualify for the NHS High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) and therefore have not in the past met the minimum income requirement stipulated by the Home Office.

Student visa holders applying the join the Scheme must be able to demonstrate that they have completed their UK degree course as stated in Home Office guidance, before working full-time.

Please note the Scheme will cover the cost of the certificate of sponsorship, however, we do not reimburse for the Skilled Worker visa application fee or the healthcare surcharge.

Please note that UK immigration rules are subject to change. Applicants who require visa sponsorship are advised to regularly check the UK Visas and Immigration website for the latest guidance.

The Scheme will assess sponsorship eligibility based on the most current Home Office regulations at the time of application.

This RTW section of this website page was last updated in July 2025 but is subject to any Home Office changes.

If you are offered a place on the Scheme and pass all pre-employment checks within the required timeline, you will undertake at least two years’ work experience, professional leadership training and academic qualifications. 

We don’t require any specific work experience to be eligible for our Scheme. However, any tangible examples of work experience (paid or unpaid) you can gain will be helpful at the interview stage. For example, you could volunteer at your local hospital. This would be a great way to get valuable experience and gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the NHS.

The NHS GMTS is committed to equality of opportunity for all candidates applying the Scheme and is committed to employment practices, policies and procedures which ensure that no trainee, or potential trainee, receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion/belief, sex (gender) and sexual orientation. Diversity will be viewed positively and, in recognising that everyone is different, the unique contribution that each individual’s experience, knowledge and skills can make is valued equally.