EY Launch Program: Complete Guide to Getting In (2026)

Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: March 28, 2026

 

The EY Launch program is a paid summer internship designed for underrepresented college students who are two or more years from graduation. It offers 8 to 10 weeks of hands-on work across EY's Assurance, Consulting, Tax, and Technology service lines, paying between $25 and $37 per hour depending on your track and location.

 

If you are a freshman or sophomore exploring professional services careers, the EY Launch program is one of the best early pipeline programs at any Big Four firm. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to apply, prepare for interviews, and convert your Launch internship into a full-time offer at EY.

 

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What Is the EY Launch Program?

 

The EY Launch program is an immersive, paid summer internship that introduces underrepresented students to careers in professional services. According to EY's official careers site, the program is open to college students who are at least two years from graduation, which typically means rising sophomores or early juniors in five-year programs.

 

EY created the Launch program as a diversity and inclusion initiative. There is a strong preference for candidates affiliated with organizations committed to racial diversity and inclusiveness, such as the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), and the Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA). Target groups include Black, Latinx, Native American, LGBTQ+, veterans, and students with disabilities.

 

Based on candidate data from Glassdoor and LinkedIn, the acceptance rate for EY Launch sits at roughly 10% to 15%. EY receives an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 applications each year for roughly 800 to 1,000 Launch intern spots across all U.S. offices. On Glassdoor, 99% of Launch interns rate their experience positively, and compensation and benefits receive a 4.7 out of 5 rating.

 

During the internship, you work on real business challenges alongside EY professionals. The program begins with a National Launch Training series that introduces EY's business, culture, and service lines. From there, you gain hands-on experience working on projects across multiple service lines and industries.

 

The EY Launch program is not the same as EY's standard service-line internships, which are for juniors closer to graduation. It is also separate from Expedition EY, which is a virtual, self-paced learning experience for freshmen and sophomores. Think of it this way: Expedition EY is the exploration phase, Launch is the first real internship, and a service-line internship is the final step before a full-time offer.

 

What Are the Different EY Launch Program Tracks?

 

EY Launch offers three distinct tracks. Each one aligns with a different set of EY service lines and career paths. You will select your preferred track when you apply, so it is important to understand the differences before submitting your application.

 

What Is the Core and CPA Track?

 

The Core and CPA Track focuses on audit, tax, and accounting services. As a Core Track intern, you will discover how EY assists clients with identifying audit issues, meeting tax obligations, and maintaining effective internal controls. This track is ideal for students majoring in accounting, finance, or business who are considering pursuing a CPA license.

 

According to EY's 2026 360 Careers initiative, new hires who pass all four CPA exam sections within their first year of employment can earn a $10,000 CPA bonus. That bonus applies to full-time hires starting June 2026 and beyond, making the CPA Track especially attractive for students planning an accounting career.

 

What Is the Technology Track?

 

The Technology Track focuses on how EY uses technology, digital solutions, and data analytics to transform client businesses. You will work on projects related to technology implementation, business process design, and data-driven problem solving.

 

To be competitive for this track, EY looks for aptitude or experience in programming languages like Java, Python, or C++, analytics tools like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI, and enterprise systems like SAP or Oracle. According to job postings on WayUp, the Technology Track pays between $32.45 and $36.96 per hour.

 

If you are interested in technology consulting as a career, the Technology Track gives you direct exposure to the type of work you would do as a full-time EY Technology Consultant.

 

What Is the Business Track?

 

The Business Track covers consulting and strategy and transactions work. You will support client teams on projects related to operational efficiency, business transformation, and strategic planning. This track suits students studying business, economics, statistics, supply chain, or industrial engineering.

 

The Business Track is the closest Launch pathway to strategy consulting at EY. If you are interested in eventually joining EY-Parthenon, EY's dedicated strategy consulting arm, the Business Track gives you relevant exposure early in your career.

 

Track

Key Responsibilities

Ideal Majors

Core & CPA

Audit support, tax compliance, internal controls, risk assessment

Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, MIS

Technology

Tech implementation, data analytics, business process design, ERP systems

Computer Science, Software Engineering, MIS, IT, Statistics

Business

Consulting projects, operational efficiency, strategic planning, transformation

Business, Economics, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Statistics

 

Who Is Eligible for the EY Launch Program?

 

To be eligible for the EY Launch program, you must be an enrolled undergraduate student who is at least two years from graduation at the time of the internship. You must also identify as a member of an underrepresented group, including Black, Latinx, Native American, LGBTQ+, veteran, or person with a disability.

 

EY does not publish a hard minimum GPA, but based on candidate reports from Glassdoor and LinkedIn, a 3.3 GPA is the competitive baseline. Candidates with a 3.5 or above have a significantly higher chance of receiving an interview invitation. The average GPA of accepted Launch interns falls between 3.4 and 3.7.

 

Beyond academics, EY strongly values leadership experience and involvement in diversity-focused organizations. According to official job postings, there is a strong preference for affiliation with organizations like NABA, ALPFA, HBSA, Ascend, and Out for Undergrad.

 

Here are the key eligibility requirements at a glance:

 

  • Academic standing: At least two years from graduation (typically freshmen or sophomores)

 

  • Diversity requirement: Must identify as a member of an underrepresented group

 

  • GPA: 3.3+ recommended (3.5+ strongly preferred)

 

  • Major: Varies by track (accounting, business, finance, computer science, engineering, economics, etc.)

 

  • Leadership: Proven history of leadership in a campus club, community organization, or similar

 

  • Work authorization: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. CPT is generally accepted for international students on F-1 visas, but H-1B sponsorship is limited

 

If you meet these requirements and are putting together your application, make sure your consulting resume highlights your leadership experience, academic accomplishments, and any involvement in diversity organizations.

 

How Do You Apply to the EY Launch Program?

 

The EY Launch application process has multiple steps. Missing any step can disqualify your application, so follow this sequence carefully.

 

Step 1: Apply through your school's recruiting system. Many universities have a direct recruiting relationship with EY. Check your career center or school's job board for the EY Launch listing.

 

Step 2: Complete the EY online application. Submit your application through the EY Careers Portal. You can also apply through platforms like RippleMatch or WayUp, which are integrated into EY's diversity sourcing workflow.

 

Step 3: Fill out the Candidate Collect Form. This is a supplemental form EY uses to gather additional information about your background and preferences.

 

Step 4: Take the game-based assessment via HireVue. Within about 48 hours of applying, you will receive a link to a digital assessment that tests situational judgment and cognitive traits. This is non-proctored and can be completed from anywhere.

 

Step 5: Wait for interview invitations. If you pass the initial screening and assessment, EY will invite you to behavioral interviews.

 

When Should You Apply?

 

EY reviews Launch applications on a rolling basis. Based on recruiting data, the majority of offers go to candidates who apply during the first six weeks of the cycle. Positions in popular offices like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco fill quickly.

 

Here is the typical timeline for a summer 2027 internship (recruiting in fall 2026):

 

  • August to September: Early application period (strongly recommended)

 

  • October to November: Standard application period

 

  • December to January: Late applications (positions may already be filled)

 

  • June to August: Program takes place

 

The bottom line: apply as early as possible. Early applicants have a meaningful advantage because EY fills spots as qualified candidates come through the pipeline.

 

What Does the EY Launch Interview Process Look Like?

 

The EY Launch interview process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from application to offer. According to Glassdoor, Launch applicants rate the interview difficulty at 2.3 out of 5, meaning it is on the easier side compared to senior consulting roles. However, you still need to prepare thoroughly to stand out.

 

What Is the HireVue Game-Based Assessment?

 

After submitting your application, you will receive a link to a digital assessment hosted on HireVue. This assessment includes situational judgment questions, short video responses, and gamified cognitive tasks. It is not proctored, so you can complete it on your own schedule.

 

The assessment replaced traditional standalone cognitive tests for recent recruiting cycles. EY uses it to evaluate your problem-solving instincts, personality traits, and communication style before advancing you to live interviews.

 

What Happens in the First Round Behavioral Interview?

 

If you pass the assessment, EY will invite you to a first-round behavioral interview. This is a 30 to 45 minute conversation via Microsoft Teams with a recruiter or senior associate. The focus is on EY's core values and your past leadership experiences.

 

According to Glassdoor reviews, these interviews are conversational and relatively informal. Interviewers genuinely want to get to know you as a person. In my experience coaching candidates, the most common mistake is not preparing specific stories. Even though the tone is casual, you need structured answers ready to go.

 

What Is the Final Round Super Day?

 

The final round is called a Super Day and consists of two back-to-back 30-minute interviews with managers or partners. Both interviews are behavioral in nature. For the Technology Track, you may also face a light technical discussion or a walkthrough of a past project.

 

Glassdoor reviewers note that the two interviews can feel very different. One may be fluid and conversational while the other is more structured with rapid-fire questions. Be prepared for both styles.

 

After the Super Day, most candidates hear back within 48 hours to two weeks. In my experience, offers tend to come quickly for strong candidates, sometimes within days.

 

What Interview Questions Does the EY Launch Program Ask?

 

EY Launch interviews focus almost entirely on behavioral questions. Based on Glassdoor interview reports and candidate debriefs, here are the most commonly asked questions:

 

  • Tell me about yourself. Give a concise summary of your academic background, relevant experiences, and why you are interested in professional services. Keep it under two minutes.

 

  • Why EY? Have at least three specific reasons. You could mention EY's purpose of building a better working world, their investment in diversity and inclusion, or the people you have met during recruiting.

 

  • Tell me about a time you worked with a diverse team. This is the most Launch-specific question. Choose an experience where you valued different perspectives and contributed to an inclusive environment.

 

  • Describe a leadership experience. EY wants evidence of leadership in campus clubs, community organizations, or academic projects. Focus on the actions you took and the results you achieved.

 

  • Tell me about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it. Choose a story with a clear obstacle, specific actions, and a positive outcome.

 

  • What do you know about EY? Research EY's four service lines (Assurance, Consulting, Strategy and Transactions, Tax), their 400,000+ employees in over 150 countries, and their purpose statement.

 

For all of these questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This framework ensures your responses are clear, specific, and concise. For a deeper dive into answering these types of questions, check out our guide on consulting behavioral interview questions.

 

How Does the EY Launch Program Compare to Other Big Four Diversity Internships?

 

All four major accounting and consulting firms offer early-career diversity internships. If you are applying to EY Launch, you should strongly consider applying to the equivalents at Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG at the same time. The programs share similar structures and timelines, so applying to multiple firms dramatically increases your chances of landing at least one offer.

 

Program

Firm

Eligibility

Duration

Hourly Pay

Launch

EY

2+ yrs from grad, underrepresented

8-10 weeks

$25-$37

Discovery

Deloitte

2+ yrs from grad, underrepresented

8 weeks

$25-$35

Start

PwC

1-2 yrs from grad, diverse talent

3-5 days

Varies

Embark Scholars

KPMG

2+ yrs from grad, underrepresented

2-3 weeks

$25-$32

 

EY Launch and the Deloitte Discovery Internship are the most comparable programs. Both are full-length summer internships (8+ weeks) focused on underrepresented students two or more years from graduation. Industry sources recommend treating these as sister programs and applying to both simultaneously during August and September.

 

The KPMG Embark Scholars program is shorter (2 to 3 weeks) and more exploratory, while PwC Start is a brief multi-day experience rather than a full internship. If you want maximum hands-on experience, EY Launch and Deloitte Discovery are the strongest options.

 

What Happens After the EY Launch Program?

 

The EY Launch program is designed as the second step in a multi-stage career pipeline. Here is the typical progression from first exposure to full-time offer at EY:

 

  • Step 1: Expedition EY (freshman/sophomore). A virtual, self-paced learning experience with challenges, live sessions, and scholarship prizes up to $5,000.

 

  • Step 2: EY Launch Internship (sophomore/junior). The 8-to-10-week paid internship covered in this guide.

 

  • Step 3: Service-line internship (junior). A 4-to-8-week paid summer internship in a specific service line like Assurance, Consulting, or Tax.

 

  • Step 4: Full-time offer (senior). Strong service-line interns receive return offers for full-time positions after graduation.

 

According to candidate data, 70% to 85% of strong Launch interns receive a return offer for a second internship (typically a service-line internship the following summer). Because Launch interns are still early in their academic careers, the return offer is almost always for another internship rather than a direct full-time role.

 

Full-time starting salaries for EY service-line roles range from $68,000 to $85,000 depending on track and region, with Technology and Advisory roles at the higher end. These figures are based on Glassdoor salary data and EY's publicly available compensation information.

 

It is important to note that you can enter this pipeline at any stage. Doing Expedition EY is not required to get into Launch, and doing Launch is not required to get a service-line internship. However, each step builds relationships and demonstrates interest that makes the next step easier.

 

Tips for Getting Into and Succeeding in the EY Launch Program

 

Having coached hundreds of candidates for Big Four interviews, here are my top recommendations for maximizing your chances of landing and excelling in the EY Launch program.

 

1. Apply early. EY fills Launch spots on a rolling basis. Based on recruiting data, the majority of offers go to candidates who apply during the first six weeks of the application window. Do not wait until the deadline.

 

2. Tailor your resume to your chosen track. If you are applying for the Technology Track, highlight programming projects, data analytics coursework, and any technical skills. For the Core Track, emphasize accounting coursework and any audit or tax exposure. Generic resumes get filtered out.

 

3. Join diversity-focused organizations now. EY explicitly looks for affiliation with NABA, ALPFA, HBSA, Ascend, and similar groups. Joining these organizations before you apply gives you both a networking advantage and a stronger application.

 

4. Practice HireVue assessments in advance. The game-based assessment catches many candidates off guard. Practice recording video responses and familiarize yourself with situational judgment question formats before you receive the official assessment link.

 

5. Research EY's purpose and values. EY's purpose is 'building a better working world.' Interviewers want to see that you connect with this mission genuinely. Go beyond surface-level research. Read recent EY publications, explore their service lines, and understand what makes EY different from the other Big Four firms.

 

6. Prepare 5 to 7 STAR stories. You need structured stories covering leadership, teamwork, overcoming challenges, working with diverse groups, and achieving results. Having these stories ready and practiced ensures you can adapt to any behavioral question.

 

7. Be proactive during the internship. According to Glassdoor reviews from former Launch interns, the candidates who receive return offers are the ones who ask questions, seek feedback, and volunteer for additional projects. Do not wait to be told what to do.

 

8. Network intentionally. Build relationships with your team, your buddy, and professionals from different service lines. These connections can influence which service line you join for your next internship and can serve as advocates during the offer decision process.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is the EY Launch Program Only for Minority Students?

 

The EY Launch program is primarily designed to support and develop underrepresented groups within professional services. There is a strong preference for candidates who identify as Black, Latinx, Native American, LGBTQ+, veterans, or persons with disabilities. Affiliation with diversity-focused organizations like NABA, ALPFA, and HBSA is strongly encouraged but not always mandatory for all tracks.

 

How Hard Is It to Get Into the EY Launch Program?

 

The acceptance rate is estimated at 10% to 15%, making it moderately competitive. EY receives roughly 12,000 to 15,000 applications for about 800 to 1,000 spots. The interviews themselves are rated 2.3 out of 5 for difficulty on Glassdoor, meaning the behavioral questions are straightforward if you prepare. The biggest hurdle is standing out in the initial application screening.

 

Does the EY Launch Program Lead to a Full-Time Job Offer?

 

Not directly. Because Launch interns are typically two or more years from graduation, the return offer is for a second internship, usually a service-line internship the following summer. Strong service-line interns then receive full-time offers. The conversion rate from Launch to a return internship offer is 70% to 85% for strong performers.

 

What Is the EY Launch Program Salary?

 

EY Launch interns earn between $25 and $37 per hour depending on track, office location, and cost of living. The Technology and Core/CPA tracks pay $32.45 to $36.96 per hour based on recent job postings. Over an 8-to-10-week internship, total summer earnings range from approximately $8,000 to $13,000. EY also provides benefits including medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, and paid time off.

 

When Should You Apply to the EY Launch Program?

 

Apply as early as possible. The application window opens in August and positions are filled on a rolling basis through January. Most offers go to early-cycle applicants. For the strongest chance of landing your preferred office and track, submit your application by the end of September.

 

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