Are you considering a future in real estate and wondering where to begin? The Savills Graduate Scheme offers a structured, rewarding start for graduates looking to build long-term careers in the property sector.
With a range of specialist pathways, from surveying to sustainability, Savills provides industry-leading training, mentorship and development opportunities.
But what exactly does the programme involve, and how can you stand out in the application process? This guide breaks it all down.
What Is the Savills Graduate Scheme?
Are you a soon-to-be or recent graduate exploring a career in real estate? The Savills Graduate Scheme might just be the perfect launchpad.
Savills, a globally recognised real estate services provider, has created one of the UK’s most respected graduate programmes, offering aspiring professionals not just a job, but a long-term career path filled with development, responsibility, and recognition.
This award-winning programme doesn’t just introduce graduates to the business; it fully integrates them into the organisation. Graduates are exposed to real client projects, industry-leading training, and a structured progression plan.
Savills is proud that 40% of its board members began as graduates. Each year, approximately 45% of those promoted within the company have come through this very scheme.
From day one, graduates are welcomed with a supportive environment and a roadmap to develop up to director-level roles.
Whether you’re looking to work in urban planning, surveying, housing, engineering, or energy, Savills offers tailored pathways that reflect the breadth of its services. The graduate programme is not only about what you do but who you become through that journey.
When Do Applications for the 2025 Savills Graduate Programme Open and Close?
Timing is everything when it comes to applying for graduate schemes, and Savills provides a clear schedule for those keen to join in 2025. If you’re eyeing a place in the next intake, here’s what you need to know:
2025 Application Timeline
| Stage | Date Range |
| Applications Open | 16 September 2024 at 10:00 AM |
| Applications Close | 3 November 2024 |
| Skills-Based Assessment | Post-application stage |
| Screening | Immediately after applications close |
| Assessment Centres | Late November 2024 – January 2025 |
| Offers Sent | By the end of February 2025 |
This structured timeline allows applicants plenty of time to research, prepare, and complete each step thoughtfully. It also gives Savills the ability to thoroughly assess and match candidates to their most suitable career pathway.
Key Tips
- Apply early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Start preparing your CV and responses to essay questions well in advance.
- Keep your availability open for assessment centre invitations from late November.
Which Graduate Pathways Are Available at Savills Across the UK?
Savills offers a wide array of graduate schemes across its departments and regions. Whether you’re interested in residential, commercial, environmental, or rural work, there’s likely a role that suits your passion and skillset.
Main Graduate Pathways
- Urban Design (Oxford, Southampton, London)
- Surveying (Residential, Commercial, Development roles)
- Affordable Housing (London)
- Building & Project Consultancy (London and regions)
- Rural (UK-wide, over 30 offices)
- Planning (London and regional offices)
- Forestry (Chester, Telford, Petworth)
- Food & Farming (Inverness, Perth, Salisbury)
- Engineering (London)
- Energy (Newcastle, Edinburgh, London, Cambridge)
- Environment & Infrastructure (Brighton)
Each scheme follows a structured training plan, often with opportunities to study towards chartership or a postgraduate qualification. Many roles are open to both cognate and non-cognate degree holders.
What Makes the Surveying Graduate Scheme at Savills Unique?
Among the most popular routes within the Savills Graduate Scheme is Surveying. This path prepares graduates for the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and a long-term role as a property professional.
Surveying roles are available both in London and regional offices. Graduates work across commercial and residential sectors, giving them hands-on exposure to Savills’ client base and real-world projects.
What makes this route particularly attractive is the company’s support for both cognate (relevant degree background) and non-cognate candidates.
Why It Stands Out?
- Tailored training and rotation through key business areas
- Structured mentorship by industry professionals
- Eligibility for APC support
- Clear promotion pathway based on performance
Graduates receive ongoing support and mentorship as they build a solid foundation in property surveying and valuation. It’s ideal for those who want to contribute to high-value real estate deals and strategic development projects across the UK.
How Does the Savills Graduate Scheme Support Non-Cognate Degree Holders?
Savills actively encourages candidates from diverse academic backgrounds to apply. If you don’t hold an RICS or RTPI-accredited degree but are interested in a Surveying or Planning role, you’ll still have an opportunity to join through the non-cognate route.
Masters Sponsorship & Apprenticeship Support
Non-cognate graduates are required to complete a relevant postgraduate degree, which will be fully funded through the apprenticeship levy. This comes at no cost to the graduate.
Apprenticeship Details
Duration: 2.5 years for Surveying, 3 years for Planning
Includes 20% ‘off-the-job’ training, such as:
- Client meetings
- Site visits
- Team shadowing
- Project-based learning
This approach allows candidates without a direct property background to gain both academic and real-world skills, eventually sitting their APC to qualify professionally.
What Should Applicants Know About the Savills Graduate Scheme Application Process?
The application process at Savills is multi-staged but straightforward if you’re prepared. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to stand out.
Key Application Stages
| Step | What’s Required |
| Online Application | Submit CV and answer essay questions |
| SHL Assessment | Skills-based online assessment (approx. 40 mins) |
| Screening | Reviewed by Savills hiring managers |
| Assessment Centre | Group exercises, interviews, and real-time scenario tasks |
| Offers | Sent by the end of February |
CV & Essay Tips
- Keep CV to 2 pages max
- Use a clean, readable font
- Highlight transferable skills and achievements
- Customise your application to the specific role and team
- Avoid spelling and grammatical errors
Savills expects applications to reflect your authentic experiences. You may use AI tools to assist, but the content must be truthful and personal to your background.
How Can Candidates Prepare for the Savills Graduate Scheme Assessment Centre?
The assessment centre is a key part of the selection process. It allows Savills to evaluate not only your skills but also your mindset, potential, and fit within the company culture.
What to Expect?
- Group discussions and tasks
- Interview questions about your past experiences
- Presentations or role-specific scenarios
- Team collaboration exercises
Preparation Tips
- Research Savills and its business model
- Know your CV and application inside-out
- Re-read the job description and prepare real-life examples
- Be yourself, authenticity is valued over perfection
- Speak to current Savills employees when possible
- Expect a possible follow-up interview, often held virtually
Assessment Travel Support
Savills reimburses up to £75 in travel expenses for attending assessment centres, helping ensure accessibility for all applicants.
What Is the Role of Diversity and Inclusion in the Savills Graduate Hiring Process?
Savills is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment. The graduate scheme plays a key role in this, and applicants are asked to provide diversity information during the application. This data is purely for monitoring purposes and helps improve recruitment processes.
The use of the Rare Contextual Recruitment System is particularly notable. This tool allows recruiters to assess a candidate’s achievements in the context of their personal, educational, and socio-economic background. It ensures a fair evaluation beyond just academic results.
This progressive approach enables Savills to attract top talent from all backgrounds, helping to build a workforce that reflects the wider society it serves.
What Are Some Tips to Strengthen a Savills Graduate Scheme Application?
Savills values individuality, initiative, and attention to detail. Here are a few ways to strengthen your application and stand out from the crowd:
Strong Application Practices
- Tailor your application to Savills’ values and the specific role
- Research the company’s departments and service lines
- Reflect genuine interest in real estate
- Highlight teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving examples
- Avoid vague answers and copy-pasted content
Don’t Forget
- Double-check for spelling or grammar issues
- Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills
- Stay within word limits
- Submit all components on time
What Should You Expect After Submitting Your Savills Graduate Scheme Application?
Once your application is submitted, you’ll move through a clear set of next steps. Here’s what happens next:
Post-Submission Process
- All applications are reviewed by Savills’ internal hiring teams
- If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to complete an SHL assessment
- Those who pass the test will be invited to an assessment centre
- Assessment centres may also include a final-stage interview
- Final offers are issued by February
This process ensures that each candidate is carefully assessed across multiple dimensions, including aptitude, motivation, and cultural fit.
Conclusion
The Savills Graduate Scheme is more than a graduate job, it’s a pathway into one of the most respected real estate firms in the UK.
With various entry routes, comprehensive training, and support for both cognate and non-cognate graduates, this scheme opens the door to a rewarding career in property and consultancy.
From the moment you apply to the day you step into your first role, Savills offers structure, support, and the chance to make a real impact.
If you’re ready to shape the future of property while growing your own professional story, then the Savills Graduate Programme could be your next step.
FAQs
What Degree Do I Need for the Savills Graduate Scheme?
Applicants can hold either a cognate or non-cognate degree. Non-cognate candidates will receive support through a sponsored postgraduate course.
Is There a Deadline for the 2025 Savills Graduate Scheme Applications?
Yes, applications open on 16 September 2024 and close on 3 November 2024.
How Long Is the Savills Graduate Programme?
The programme typically runs for two years, with variations depending on the pathway.
Are There Opportunities for Internal Progression?
Absolutely. Many Savills directors started as graduates, and about 45% of promotions annually go to those from the graduate scheme.
Do I Need Work Experience to Apply?
Relevant experience is helpful but not essential. Your application should highlight transferable skills and genuine interest in property.
