If you graduate in 2027, the applications that matter most are open now or opening within weeks. Most large Belfast employers recruit graduates on a rolling basis: they review applications as they arrive, and can close a scheme once it is full. That makes September to December the window to aim for, not the spring.
This guide covers what the main Belfast employers run, what their published timelines have looked like, and how to build an application that survives the early screening stages. For the wider picture on pay and sectors, see our graduate jobs in Northern Ireland guide.
📌 A note on dates: employers change opening and closing dates every year. The dates below are what was published for the previous cycle, as reported at the time of writing (September 2026). Always confirm on the employer's own careers page before you plan around a deadline.
Belfast Graduate Schemes at a Glance
| Employer | What they run in Belfast | What the published timeline shows |
|---|---|---|
| Citi | Technology analyst programmes (full-time and placement) | Technology graduate applications typically open around August–September and are reviewed on a rolling basis through December |
| Kainos | Graduate, placement and consulting roles; Q-Camp summer programme | For 2026 starts, placement roles closed on 21 October 2025 and a graduate consultant role on 2 December 2025 — expect autumn closing dates again |
| Allstate NI | Graduate development programme; Insights Programme for students | Runs a register-your-interest route for graduate roles; the 2026 Insights Programme ran 31 March–2 April for up to 50 students |
| PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG | Audit, tax, consulting and technology programmes, with a Belfast presence | Rolling recruitment. For the September 2026 intake, EY and KPMG closed on 24 April, Deloitte on 1 May and PwC on 1 June, according to graduate-deadline trackers |
Sources for these dates are linked at the end of this article. Employers such as Almac, Liberty IT and the Northern Ireland Civil Service also recruit graduates, often outside a single annual intake — see our guide to NI Civil Service jobs for how NICS competitions work.
Citi Belfast
Technology analyst programmes
Citi's Belfast graduate technology roles are advertised as Application Development analyst positions, with separate placement (year-in-industry) analyst roles for students still at university. Applicants are typically expected to hold or be working towards a computing or related degree. Because Citi reviews applications on a rolling basis, applying early in the window is worthwhile.
Citi Careers →Kainos
Graduate, placement and consulting roles
Kainos advertises graduate roles across software engineering, consulting and project management, plus placement roles for students. It also runs a summer programme called Q-Camp. Kainos asks candidates to apply through its own careers site rather than through LinkedIn quick-apply.
Kainos Belfast opportunities →Allstate NI
Graduate development programme and Insights Programme
Allstate NI's graduate programme covers areas such as development, cybersecurity, machine learning, testing and data. Rather than a single application deadline, it asks graduates to register their interest and then contacts them when roles open. Its Insights Programme gives practical-IT students a short taster, and strong participants may be offered a paid summer internship.
Allstate NI graduate careers →The Big Four in Belfast
PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG
All four recruit rolling intakes, so early applicants are assessed first. Each firm posts its Belfast roles on its own careers site, and the exact schemes on offer (audit, tax, consulting, technology) vary by office and year. If you are aiming for a qualification such as ACA, check what the scheme funds before you compare offers.
Browse finance roles in Belfast →What the Application Process Looks Like
Processes differ by employer, but most large Belfast schemes follow the same shape:
- Online application. A CV or form, often with short written answers.
- Online tests. Numerical, verbal or situational-judgement tests, sometimes video-recorded questions. Practise these beforehand — the format is learnable.
- Interview or assessment centre. Competency-based questions, and for technical roles a coding or problem-solving exercise.
- Offer and start date. Many schemes start in the summer or September after you graduate, so an autumn application can mean a start nearly a year later.
How to Improve Your Chances
Apply early and in order of preference. With rolling recruitment, an application in October is assessed against far fewer candidates than one in February. List your top two or three schemes first.
Use the routes before the scheme. Placement years, insight programmes and summer work experience are often how employers identify graduate hires. If you are in your second or third year, they are worth applying for now.
Tailor your CV to each scheme. Our guide to writing a CV for Northern Ireland employers covers what NI recruiters look for.
Know your salary range before the offer. Official figures put median full-time earnings in Northern Ireland at about £37,100 a year, and graduate starting salaries are usually below that. Our salary guide shows typical ranges by sector.
Don't ignore employers without a formal scheme. Many Northern Ireland employers hire graduates directly into roles without a branded programme. Browse IT and finance vacancies on NIjobsearch, and consider an apprenticeship route if a degree is not your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do graduate schemes in Belfast open?
Most large employers open applications for the following year's start in autumn, from around August to October, and review them on a rolling basis. Check each employer's careers page for the current dates.
Can I apply if I'm still at university?
Yes. Graduate schemes are usually open to final-year students, and placement or insight programmes are aimed at students earlier in their degree.
Do I need a degree in the subject?
For technical roles such as software engineering, employers usually look for a computing or related degree. Many other schemes, including business, finance and consulting, accept a wide range of degree subjects.
What if I miss the deadline?
Many employers recruit on a rolling basis or run more than one intake, and smaller employers hire graduates all year. Keep checking NIjobsearch and set up a job alert for your sector.
Looking for entry-level roles in Belfast?
Browse current vacancies by sector and location on NIjobsearch.
Browse IT Jobs in Belfast →