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About the Fast Stream

The Civil Service Fast Stream is an accelerated leadership development programme.

There are a wide of range opportunities available. These include roles in areas like Finance, Diplomacy, Human Resources, Digital, Data and Technology.

The Fast Stream is typically a 3 to 4 year development programme, although the length varies between schemes.

The Civil Service mission is to keep the UK prosperous and secure, supporting the government in implementing their commitments and delivering high quality public services.

Fast Stream facts

• you don't always have to be based in London. Many civil servants, including some in senior positions, work outside the South East. The majority of Fast Streamers are currently based in London, but opportunities are available in different parts of the UK. Flexibility and mobility is preferred but you can express a location preference when being assigned postings. Most Fast Streamers will need to relocate at least once during the scheme
• you don't need a 2:1 or a first to apply. Many streams accept a 2:2 degree
• applications are welcome from any university and many streams don’t ask for a specific degree
• there is no upper age limit to apply
• starting salaries vary between schemes and are published in the annual recruitment information.
• you don't need a politics background

You can find out more about Fast Stream by reading and on the

Applications for the 2027 Fast Stream open from midday 8 October 2026 until midday 5 November 2026. Students should always check the for current dates.

 

Summer Internship Programme

The Summer Internship Programme (SIP) is an 8-week paid internship. It is for undergraduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The internship gives the opportunity to gain experience in a government department. This will be through project work, research and policy-related activities.

Successful interns may be eligible for the Fast Pass scheme. The Fast Pass scheme skips the initial online stages of the graduate Fast Stream scheme recruitment.

To be eligible, you must:

• be in the final two years of your degree,
• be on track for or have achieved a 2:2 or above
• meet the programme's socio-economic background and nationality requirements.

For full eligibility criteria and deadlines, see the

Applying for the graduate Fast Stream Programme

There are a wide range of Fast Stream schemes available, although the names and availability of schemes can change between recruitment rounds. Check the Fast Stream website for the latest .

Initial Application

To start your application, you'll need to create an account using a gmail email address (rather than a university or work email).

You'll also need to select up to three Fast Stream schemes that match your interests and eligibility.

You'll be asked to provide some background information, including diversity monitoring questions. These do not affect the outcome of your application.

If needed, you can request reasonable adjustments during your application. Provide as much detail as possible so appropriate arrangements can be made. Find out more about reasonable adjustments on the and on our EDI pages.

For more information see

Online tests

After submitting your application, you'll be invited to complete two online assessments. There is sometimes a short wait for this invitation, especially in busy periods. These assements are the Work-Based Scenarios and a Case Study Assessment.

You'll receive an email when the tests are available, and you'll then have seven days to complete them.

The assessments are untimed, so you can work through them at your own pace. Results are usually released in December

All candidates receive feedback, providing insights into their strengths and areas for development. Successful applicants will then be invited to progress to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Find out more about the tests on the and below. 

Additional Information Stage

Depending on the Fast Stream schemes you apply for, you may be asked to complete an Additional Information stage. Check the for details of the schemes it applies to.

This can include:

• Motivation questions
• Academic details

How it works

• A new section will appear on your applicant homepage if this stage is required
• Questions can be completed in any order.
• You must submit all answers within 7 days before progressing to the next stage.

Assessment

Applications are usually reviewed within two weeks of submission. Individual feedback is not available, as all responses are anonymised before assessment.

Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC)

If you pass the earlier stages of the Fast Stream recruitment process, you'll be invited to attend the Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC).

This is a half-day online assessment designed to evaluate your potential for a career in the Civil Service.

The assessment consists of three exercises:

• Written Exercise – you'll analyse information and produce a written response.
• Oral Briefing Exercise – you'll review information and present your recommendations.
• Personal Development Conversation – you'll discuss your experiences, strengths, and development.

Each exercise is assessed independently by different assessors.

Although the exercises may share a common theme, your performance in one exercise does not affect the others.

You'll complete the assessment remotely using a virtual assessment platform on your laptop.

Before attending, you'll need to provide proof of identity, usually a passport or other valid photo ID.

For guidance, examples and preparation materials, see the

Final Selection Board

If you're successful at the Fast Stream Assessment Centre (FSAC), some schemes have a further assessment called a Final Selection Board (FSB). This stage assesses the skills, strengths and knowledge needed for your chosen scheme.

Check require this stage on the Fast Stream website.

Assessments vary by scheme.

If you're invited to an FSB, you'll receive a guide explaining what to expect and how to prepare. Be sure to read this carefully before attending.

If you're successful at this stage, you'll receive information about your job offer. You'll also get details of pre-employment checks and placement into your first role.

For more advice and information on how to prepare and practice for interviews, see our Interviews and Assessment Centres page.

Diversity and inclusion

Fast Stream are committed to recruiting people from a range of different backgrounds.

Fast Stream is a and is committed to supporting candidates with a disability who want additional support.

It’s recommended to ask for adjustments on your initial application form. The Fast Stream recruitment team may contact you to discuss the adjustments.

We also have information on reasonable adjustments on our Equality Diversity and Inclusion page.