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EY Apprenticeship Application — Top Tips for 2026
These are the most important things to know before applying to the EY School Leaver Programme. Most of these aren't obvious — they come from analysing what the top candidates do at every stage.
Apply early
The window is October–January for the following September start. EY makes rolling offers — candidates who apply in week one of the window are competing against hundreds. Candidates who apply in the final week are competing against tens of thousands.
Prepare your STAR stories before you start the form
The motivational questions and video interview both require specific examples. Have at least 5–7 stories ready — covering Integrity, Respect, Teaming at minimum — before you open the application.
Know EY — not just the sector
EY's partnership culture and global network are genuine differentiators. Strong candidates reference specific EY service lines or recent EY reports — not generic 'Big Four' talking points.
Practice the online tests
Cognitive ability tests and a Situational Strength Test (SST). Most candidates don't practice. Those who do score noticeably higher. SHL and Korn Ferry both offer free sample tests online.
Record your video interview practice
Record yourself answering a practice question on your phone and watch it back. You will immediately see what to fix — filler words, pace, eye contact, posture. Do this at least twice before the real interview.
The assessment centre starts when you walk in
Be professional from the moment you arrive — with the receptionist, other candidates, and during breaks. Assessors at EY are watching throughout the day, not just during formal exercises.
Use 'I', not 'we'
Every competency interview answer must isolate your specific contribution. 'We worked together as a team' tells assessors nothing. 'I specifically did X, because Y, which led to Z' is what they're scoring.
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