Entry requirements

2:2 degree minimum in any subject
Health Analysis requires a 2:2 degree minimum in a numerate subject or a degree with at least 30% numerate content.

There is no specific numeracy proficiency requirement for Finance or Health Informatics, though it is highly recommended.

Requirements apply to graduates and NHS employees

A postgraduate qualification (MBA, Masters, PhD)

Health or management related degree level equivalent qualifications

Examples of equivalent qualifications

NVQ Level 5 in Management

Diploma in Management Studies (DMS)

Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery or Health Visiting (Dip HE Nursing) etc.

Diploma from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Diploma in Speech & Language Therapy

Diploma from the College of Occupational Therapy (DipCOT)

Diploma from the College of Radiographers (DCR)

Diploma in Social Work (DSW) or the Certificate of Qualification in Social Work (CQSW)

Certificate in Management Studies

DipHE (Diploma of Higher Education) in any subject other than that listed above

ONC/OND (Ordinary National Certificate/Diploma)

HNC/HND (Higher National Certificate/Diploma)

CGLI/C&G (City & Guilds)

ODA/ODP Certificate or Diploma (Operating Department Assistant/Operating Department Practice)

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

Right to work in the UK

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 If you do not have the right to work in the UK, your application/offer will be withdrawn.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 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.

Please note that we are unable to sponsor candidates applying for locations outside the London region. Non-London regions do not qualify for the NHS High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) and therefore don’t meet 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.

More information about the Skilled Worker visa requirements can be found here:

This RTW section of this website page was last updated in September 2024 but is subject to any Home Office changes.

Other information

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.

Eligibility FAQs

You need a 2:2 degree or above, or equivalent in any subject and the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the Scheme. Health Analysis requires a 2:2 degree or above in a numerate subject or a degree with at least 30% numerate content.

No, there is no age limit when applying to the NHS GMTS.

I currently work for the NHS and want to join the NHS GMTS. Do I need a degree, or will you recognise an equivalent qualification?

The entry requirements and assessment process are the same for all applicants.

During the Scheme you’ll be employed on a fixed-term contract of 24 or 30 months depending on your specialism.

Towards the end of the Scheme, we will work with you to support you with finding your first management post in the NHS, and this includes NHS job search advice from the the NHS GMTS support network.

There is a wide range of posts to choose from across NHS organisations. Your experiences on on-scheme will help you decide what type of job you want to pursue after leaving the Scheme.

No. The Scheme is open to UK undergraduates with a 2:2 degree or higher in any subject (Health Analysis requires a numerate subject or a degree with 30% numerate content) or a listed equivalent.

Non-graduates can apply for other NHS roles and schemes.

Yes. However, candidates need to wait 12 months between applications to address their assessment feedback.

Yes. Please email our recruitment team at [email protected]

The team aim to respond to emails within 2 working days.