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Eligibility

Who can apply to the Civil Service Fast Stream

· 2 min read

The Civil Service Fast Stream is a leadership development programme with 18 specialist schemes, and it welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. Eligibility comes down to three things: your degree (or your current Civil Service role), your nationality and immigration status, and security vetting. Here is what the official pages say about each.

Degree requirements

The Fast Stream home page states: most schemes are open to graduates with a 2:2 degree or above, and many are also open to degree apprentices. If you are currently a civil servant, you may be able to apply without a degree.

Some schemes set a higher or more specific bar. The Government Operational Research Service (GORS) Fast Stream, for example, accepts candidates who have, or expect to have, a 2:1 or higher degree or degree apprenticeship in a highly numerate subject, or a 2:2 or higher degree together with a highly numerate postgraduate degree. Each scheme page on Civil Service Careers gives its own requirement, so check it for every scheme you choose.

Nationality and immigration

Every Civil Service role follows the Civil Service Nationality Rules. In summary, nationals of the United Kingdom (and British protected persons), the Republic of Ireland and the Commonwealth are generally eligible, and certain EEA, Swiss and Turkish nationals are also eligible. The GORS Fast Stream page sets out the groups who can apply:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, and family members of those nationalities, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or who have made a valid application for it
  • individuals with limited or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

You also need to show that you meet the relevant immigration requirements: an employing department checks your right to work in the UK before it appoints you.

Security vetting

All government roles require security vetting. The GORS page notes that the higher levels require a UK footprint of 3 years, which may affect the role you are assigned. Offers are made subject to security clearance and right to work checks.

What the Fast Stream offers

  • 18 specialist schemes, many with professional qualifications
  • a starting salary of £31,554, with the potential to reach £45,000 to £55,000 after you complete the programme
  • a permanent contract with a personal development plan
  • postings across Great Britain and occasionally overseas
  • the Civil Service Pension and flexible working arrangements

Fast streamers do not choose their department or specific role, and the Fast Stream endeavours to meet location preferences wherever possible. All schemes start on 6 September or 4 October 2027 for this year's applicants.

Eligible? Your next step

Applications for 2027 entry close at midday on 5 November 2026, and the online tests follow within days of your application. See how they work in our online tests guide and test your judgement now with the free practice test.

Sources

Official pages read on 25 October 2026. Crown copyright material quoted under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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