Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme
Build a brilliant career in the Government Economic Service. Join our graduate scheme as an Assistant Economist.
The Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme 2025 is open for applications from 3 February 2025 – 27 February 2025 (13:55).
What does an Assistant Economist do?
The Government Economic Service (GES) is at the heart of decision-making in the UK Government. Our 3,500+ economists work across more than 70 departments and agencies, from HM Treasury to the UK Space Agency! We are the largest employer of economists in the country.
As an Assistant Economist in government, you will have the opportunity to influence how the government responds to the most important public policy challenges of the day. You could be producing analysis, collating and analysing data, providing advice on policy options, and preparing vital briefings for ministers.
You will join a vibrant and supportive economics community. You will be supported to develop your economics and wider skills and to build a network of colleagues across government. You will be able to access learning and development within your department and participate in the GES programme of regular events. As your career develops, you will have the opportunity to seek roles across the Civil Service.
Learn more about the benefits of working for the Government Economic Service.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible you need to have, or be on track to receive, a first or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in economics, or a postgraduate degree in economics.
You must hold, or expect to receive by August of your application year, one of the following:
- an economics degree
- a joint economics degree in which least 50% of the course modules studied are in economics
- a postgraduate degree in economics
All candidates must have studied both micro and macroeconomics to qualify.
If you graduated more than five years ago then you must give examples of how you have maintained your economic knowledge in the relevant section of the application form.
What development opportunities will I get?
We take your development seriously. While earning a competitive salary, you will be able to receive plenty of support to further your development as an economist. You will broaden your subject knowledge through 50 hours of continuous professional development a year and a further 50 hours on personal skills.
We offer plenty of learning opportunities to help you develop:
- strong quantitative skills: you will become an expert in manipulating and presenting data
- writing and presentation techniques: communicating economics clearly and succinctly to senior officials and ministers
- applied economics skills: using economic insights and techniques to inform policy on anything from the environment to transport.
Where will I work?
Opportunities are available in a range of government departments across the UK. Locations vary according to government department and differ from year-to-year. Please see the job descriptions which are included on the application page during the application window.
What will I get paid?
Salary varies according to government department and differs from year-to-year. Please see the job descriptions which are included on the application page during the application window for salary details.
Updates to this page
Published 11 January 2018Last updated 3 February 2025 + show all updates
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The Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme has now opened for applications.
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The Government Economic Service (GES) Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme closed for applications on the 18 March 2024. It will reopen in spring 2025.
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The Q&A slides have now been added.
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The attachment Job Descriptions 2024 was updated.
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The Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme is now live.
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Updated information on the upcoming Assistant Economist Graduate Scheme.
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The scheme is now closed and information on registering your interest for the 2024 scheme has been added.
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Tweaked section on our role in government and who we are looking for
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Application Deadline extended from 13 to 26 February 2023 by 23:55pm. Updated candidate pack with new deadline uploaded
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Application deadline has been extended from 8th to 13th February 2023 at 23.55 pm, new deadline also noted in Candidate Pack.
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Q&A information added.
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2023 attachments have been added. 2023 recruitment process and dates have been added.
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Add dates scheme opens and EAC Guide
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Remove reference to 2022 scheme which has now closed
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Scheme deadline has been extended to 24 March
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Updated - Scheme is now open for applications New Job description and candidate pack
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Date updated for 2022 scheme
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2021 scheme closed at 11.55am on 19 March 2021
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Link to application form for the 2021 scheme included
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Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Scheme for 2021 is due to open for applications on 8 March.
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link to Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) webpage added.
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2020 Job Description Pack included
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First line after Body now has been changed to Government Economic Service Assistant Economist Scheme will open on Thursday 6th February 2020..
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Applications due to open in February 2020
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note - next scheme will be advertised in January 2020
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Social Media links added
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First published.