Careers FAQs

HSBC’s business language is English. For our student and graduate programmes you will need to speak English fluently, however, for some of our local entry-level roles, this may not be the case. It’s not always necessary to speak the local language of the office you are applying to. Where a second language is essential or preferred, this will be stated in the eligibility criteria within the job description. Our careers website allows you to view the different student and graduate opportunities available in many countries. Each programme page outlines the eligibility criteria.

Yes. We aim to provide an inclusive recruitment process and if you require assistance with any stage of the application process, please contact your local recruitment team or email us at global.graduates@hsbc.com.

For a global bank, being open to different ideas, perspectives and cultures is vital. That is why we work hard to ensure that HSBC is a diverse and inclusive environment.

We aim for HSBC to be a place where everyone can achieve their potential and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We believe in treating everyone, clients and colleagues, with dignity and respect – whatever their gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexuality or age.

We seek to attract and develop local talent in the communities where we operate. We also continually work hard to support our employees to adopt flexible and alternative ways of working.

No. We actively seek to recruit students from all academic degree disciplines for our programmes.

Yes. We offer a range of apprenticeships across our businesses. You can find out about the different programmes and placements available via the students and graduates programmes page https://www.hsbc.com/careers/students-and-graduates.

Applications in many markets will open from mid-August. We advise that you check our website for our opening and closing dates as they are sometimes different depending on the country or territory you'd like to apply to. We offer a range of opportunities to students and graduates and advise all applicants to apply in good time before the application period closes as applications are reviewed on a continuous basis.

Yes. While we host many events on and off campus there is a limit to the number of different schools/colleges and universities we can visit. We encourage applications from all candidates who meet our criteria. If we are unable to meet you in person at one of our events, we encourage you to find out more about HSBC and the opportunities we offer via this website or you can sign up to attend a virtual event https://www.hsbc.com/careers/careers-events.

We have a number of opportunities from work experience to school-leaver initiatives and entry-level positions. For example, we offer work experience programmes, insight days, industrial placements and apprentice opportunities. Please visit our student and graduates programmes pages to see what opportunities are available. https://www.hsbc.com/careers/students-and-graduates

We do not encourage deferred entry. However, we look at requests on a case-by-case basis.

You may reapply for a student or graduate programme if you applied in a previous recruitment cycle and year. However, we ask you to consider the reason/s why you may not have been successful in a previous application so that you can work on any skills/development gaps. We offer many events to support your ongoing development and would encourage you to take advantage of these.

We no longer recruit MBA students to a specific MBA programme. However, we encourage MBA students to search our roles for experienced professionals available across our global businesses and global functions.

We have Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), also known as Networks. They are similar to clubs and societies you may have had access to at school, college or university. ERGs are voluntary employee-led groups that act as a resource for members and for the organisation as a whole. ERGs are categorised under one of our seven core global diversity-themed networks including Ability, Balance, Embrace, Faith, Generations, Nurture and Pride, or as a common interest group which connects employees on a variety of different topic areas. They are open to all employees.

HSBC offers comprehensive training that starts soon after you join. Our approach includes mentoring and coaching, formal training and qualifications, and learning on the job, where you will be supported by your team and manager. For example, if you join our Market Operations Apprenticeships in the UK you will get the support of a buddy and mentor and work towards your Investment Operations Certificate. For our Global Graduate Programmes we offer sponsorship for exams which will support you in your role. For example if you join our Front office roles you could look to take the FCA/CFA and undertake professional skills training.

Our application process is designed to allow you to demonstrate your strengths and to learn more about what it is like to be a part of HSBC. Our application process is designed around our Graduate Success Framework which includes a short online application form, online immersive assessments which enable you to understand more about the skills required for the Global Business you have applied for and a job simulation in the form of a video interview where you can share more about your strengths and skills that you can bring to HSBC. The last stage of the process is the virtual experience day where you will have the opportunity to meet our colleagues virtually and take part in a number of exercises. This process may vary between countries. All applications need to be submitted online via www.hsbc.com/careers.

As part of your application with HSBC, you'll be invited to register to our Candidate Hub which will provide you with a suite of supportive materials and is tailored to each stage of our virtual selection process. You'll have access to practice assessments and other supportive materials as well as hearing from recently hired graduates on their top tips to be successful in the process.

Our application criteria differs slightly across countries and territories. We encourage students of all ages to apply to our graduate programmes and would recommend that you review the eligibility criteria and consider if a graduate programme is the most suitable route based on your background and experience. We have entry-level and experienced hire opportunities on our Careers site as well as opportunities for current students.

We require all candidates to meet minimum academic requirements for our global graduate programmes which are outlined on the Global Business programme pages. We will ask for documentary evidence of this during the assessment process.

Here are some examples of the minimum requirements we look for:

Mainland China: 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA for students studying in mainland China or a 2.1 or equivalent degree if you are studying outside of mainland China
Hong Kong: 3.2/4.0 or 4.0/5.0 cumulative GPA from a recognised university. For a recognised university that does not follow the GPA system then a 2.1, or equivalent degree
Qatar: Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.8/4.0; or Higher diploma, or equivalent degree
Singapore: Upper second-class honours degree, 3.2/4.0 or 4.0/5.0 GPA, or equivalent degree
United Arab Emirates (UAE): Bachelor’s degree with GPA 2.8/4.0; or Higher diploma, or equivalent degree
UK: Upper second-class honours degree or equivalent degree
USA: Candidates must have a cumulative 3.2 GPA or above, or equivalent degree

No. We ask candidates to make an informed decision by first reviewing the different business areas and location sections of this website. We encourage you to come and meet us at one of our career events. Different programmes may have different requirements so you should think carefully about which is most aligned to your skills and interests. However, if it becomes clear during the recruitment process that you are more suited to a different business area, we will discuss this with you.

If you fulfil our eligibility requirements, you will be invited to take our online immersive assessment. If you're successful, you will be invited to complete the job simulation through taking part in a video interview which will have a number of questions in a variety of formats. If you are successful after the job simulation you will be invited to attend our virtual experience day/ super day.

If you are applying for an internship or global graduate opportunity at HSBC, you need to have the legal right to live and work in the country or territory to which you are applying. In most places, this means that you will need to be a national of the relevant country to apply (e.g. mainland China, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, USA*).

In some countries and territories, you do not need to be a national to apply (e.g. the UK). We recommend that you check the eligibility requirements for the country or territory that you are applying to.

If you require a visa for your role, HSBC will be able to provide guidance and support during your application process but cannot advise you of your work eligibility status. Please note that HSBC’s ability to sponsor visa applications is beyond the control of HSBC and dependent on the relevant legislation of the country you are applying to. Any offer of employment is subject to immigration approval being obtained before your start date.

*If you are applying for a role in the USA in Global Banking & Markets, you must be studying at a US university if you are not a US national

We are unable to provide feedback to you at all stages of the recruitment process. However, you will receive feedback after the online immersive assessment where you will receive a report providing information on your strengths, where you have performed well and areas to support your development. Following virtual experience day / super days we will also aim to provide you feedback from one of our recruiters.

Our assessment process is fully virtual and this includes assessment centres / super days. In the rare instances we need you to attend an office in person, we will reimburse economy travel costs. If travel on the day of the interview is not a realistic option, you'll be able to reclaim the costs of overnight accommodation, up to a set maximum. All overnight accommodation requests must be authorised in advance by your graduate recruitment team contact.

In most cases you will be assessed by senior business representatives at the office to which you applied. We will work with you to make sure all arrangements are made in good time and in line with our travel reimbursement policy.

Once you have submitted your travel expenses claim, the process should take approximately four to six weeks. If you have not received payment after six weeks, please contact your graduate recruitment team.

We are committed to investing in our employees. We will equip you with the technical and behavioural skills you will need to succeed in your career.

As part of this, some countries support you to study towards recognised and relevant professional qualifications. Examples include:

CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or overseas equivalent (e.g. Global Asset Management)
IAQ (Investment Administration Qualification)

Whether you join on a structured graduate programme, internship or straight into a role our training and development is important to us to ensure you perform your role safely and effectively.

Training is tailored to your needs and our business needs, whether you require professional qualifications, technical or even soft skill development.

You will receive on the job development and support, through a buddy, mentor or networks.

Please review the website for further details on training specifics.

Our Internships are typically structured over eight to ten weeks and typically comprise three essential elements. The programmes commence with training (technical and behavioural) providing you with everything you need for a successful Internship with your chosen business area. Throughout the programme you will gain practical experience allowing you to take an active role in contributing to your team. This will be complemented by networking and social events, enabling you to build relationships and grow your network. Whichever area you apply to, our Internships will provide you with a platform to be considered for a position on our full-time graduate programmes.

Our chatbot 'Stitt' is able to answer most common queries about our programmes and the application process. Stitt is available 24/7 and is located in the bottom right hand corner of your application form once you start your application and is available to answer questions throughout the process. Stitt can answer common queries about the assessment process to help you prepare for your application. You can also get in touch with your local recruitment team once you start your application.