Penultimate is not a special pen... it means second last year of your degree (i.e. before you graduate!). Many companies often require applicants to be in your penultimate year.

Which year is penultimate year?

Your penultimate year is the second last year of study before you graduate. If you are completing a 3-year degree, your penultimate year is your 2nd year of study. If you are completing a 4-year degree, then your penultimate year is your 3rd year of study.

What is penultimate year at university?

Your penultimate year means all-systems-go for applying for and undertaking your finance internship. The majority of these opportunities are paid and take place during the summer holidays sandwiched between the end of your penultimate year and the beginning of your final year.