Tesco has opened applications for its 2027 graduate schemes, with roles across retail, product, technology and finance all carrying an apply-by date of 22 December 2026.

The three-year Retail Graduate Scheme is the largest route. Based nationwide, it pays £33,500 and places graduates in Express and Extra stores, distribution centres and customer fulfilment centres, plus a head-office project, with the aim of preparing them to become store managers. Applicants need a predicted or achieved 2:2 degree, and Tesco warns that graduates may need to relocate after six months and again after the first year.

The two-year Product – Home and Clothing scheme, new for 2026, pays £33,000 at Tesco's Welwyn Garden City campus, rotating through buying and merchandising teams and working with the F&F clothing brand. The Technology – Programme Management scheme, also at Welwyn Garden City, pays £40,000 over two years. A fourth route, Finance, Insight and Commercial Analysis at Booker, pays £33,000 with rotations in Eccles or Wellingborough.

Benefits and how to apply

All four schemes start on 6 September 2027. Tesco lists an annual bonus of up to 10 per cent of base salary, 25 days of holiday plus a personal day, 26 weeks of maternity leave at full pay after a year, six weeks of fully paid paternity leave, and a free 24-hour virtual GP service. Candidates get one application per yearly intake, and Tesco says roles are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so schemes can close before the 22 December date once they have enough applications. Applications go through the Tesco careers site.