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About the company
Novartis develops and markets prescription medicines with a focus on treating serious diseases. The company works with partners from healthcare, science and society.
Program details
Key facts
Program length
18–36 months
Number of rotations
Individual
Departments
Selected departments
International assignment
Optional
Working hours / week
37,5h
Gross salary per year
Not public
Program description
The Novartis Graduate Program
Novartis uses its graduate program to fill entry-level positions for graduates who want to take on responsibility in drug development and commercialization.
Application requirements
Who applies successfully?
Degree
Master's degree or PhD
Field of study
Any discipline relevant to the designated department
Work experience
First relevant practical experience (e.g. internships or working student jobs)
International experience
First international experience (e.g. semester abroad or internship abroad)
Languages
Fluent German and English
Other
Geographic mobility
Application process
How does the application work?
01
Online application
Application documents, typically a CV, cover letter and relevant certificates, are submitted via the company's career portal. An automatic confirmation follows, while substantive feedback from HR is generally provided within one to four weeks.
not required
Online test
A standardized aptitude test completed online, typically covering logical reasoning, numerical and verbal skills as well as personality. The total duration ranges from 20 to 90 minutes.
not required
Recorded video interview
An interview without a live interviewer, in which candidates respond to predefined questions on camera. It typically comprises five to seven questions, each with two minutes to respond.
02
Interview with HR
A personal conversation with an HR representative, usually 45 to 60 minutes. The focus is on motivation, background, soft skills and an initial assessment of fit.
03
Department interview
A technical interview with managers from the target department, covering concrete tasks, projects and the professional requirements of the graduate program. Often includes a case study or technical questions.
04
Assessment center
A selection process of several hours, on site or online, with a group discussion, role play, case study and presentation. It usually takes half a day to a full day and assesses both technical and soft skills.
Questions about the Novartis Graduate Program
What do graduates earn at Novartis?
Novartis does not state a gross salary for this graduate program. The terms are discussed in the interview.
How many months does the graduate program last?
The graduate program lasts 18–36 months. The number of rotations is agreed individually and depends on the chosen department and the course of the program. During the program, graduates move between departments, gradually take on responsibility and receive professional guidance. The goal is a permanent role in the company.
What requirements do I need to meet for the Novartis graduate program?
The graduate program has professional and personal requirements. A master's degree or PhD is required. Candidates from any discipline relevant to the designated department are considered. In addition, companies expect initial relevant practical experience, strong communication and analytical skills, and a high level of initiative.
How do you apply for the graduate program?
The application process for the graduate program comprises four stages: online application, interview with HR, interview with the department and assessment center. You apply through the Novartis career portal, usually with a CV and cover letter. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Does the Novartis graduate program include an assignment abroad?
An assignment abroad is possible in the graduate program but not mandatory. The decision depends on the area and your interests.
When does the application portal for the Novartis graduate program open?
The application portal for the Novartis graduate program is currently closed. The notification option on this page provides you with an update as soon as the next application cycle opens.
The application portal is currently closed.
Sign up and we will let you know as soon as the application portal of Novartis opens again.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Novartis |
| Program | Graduate Program |
| Industry | Pharmaceuticals |
| Main location | Nuremberg, Bavaria |
| Program length | 24-30 months |
| Gross annual salary | Not publicly disclosed |
