Applying for a 1-year masters starting Sep 2025 in top UK uni - can I apply to 2026 summer internships for hedge funds, S&T at banks and market making firms?
I'm in the application process to do a master's a top UK that I previously attended for bachelor's. I was wondering if I would be eligible for SA positions in Summer 2026, or just graduate schemes?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, if you are starting a 1-year master's program in September 2025, you would technically be in your ultimate year, not your penultimate year, which could make you ineligible for many Summer Analyst (SA) positions. However, there are strategies to navigate this:
Adjust Graduation Date: Some candidates in 1-year master's programs adjust their graduation date on applications to reflect 1.5 years instead of 1 year. This allows you to present yourself as a penultimate year student, which is a requirement for most SA roles. For example, you could state that your program allows you to extend graduation to March 2027 due to an exchange program or internship, even if you plan to graduate in 2026.
Graduate Schemes: If you do not adjust your graduation date, you would likely be eligible for graduate schemes instead of SA positions. Graduate schemes are designed for ultimate year students or recent graduates.
Networking and Timing: Timing your applications is critical. Start networking early and apply as soon as applications open. Hedge funds, S&T roles, and market-making firms often have competitive timelines, so being proactive is key.
Tailored CVs: As suggested in WSO threads, you might consider creating two CVs—one with a graduation date reflecting 2027 (for SA applications) and another with 2026 (for graduate schemes).
If you choose to adjust your graduation date, ensure consistency across your CV and application forms, and be prepared to explain this decision if asked during interviews.
Sources: International Student - Chance of getting an IBD internship in London?, My Four Year Plan, (London) So you didn’t get any spring weeks, here’s what you need to do:, 43 Diversity Recruiting Programs at Investment Banks - The Most Exhaustive List, 20 Most Frequently Asked Questions - London Edition
It depends on when you graduate then you can do SA if eligible or can apply to graduate schemes
Graduation would be Dec 2025 or Dec 2026 if I delay - it’s a one year programme but I could delay graduation if that helps?
Some places/banks let final years apply to SAs. Some don't.
S&T definitely is more lenient about it across banks.
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