Santander vs NatWest Graduate Scheme 2027: Status, Pay & Process Compared
Rolling Status on 27 October 2026: both Santander tracks show “Now Closed”; NatWest has Engineering, RBS International and Risk open and seven programmes closed.
27 October 2026
Santander and NatWest both run graduate programmes, but they are built differently. Santander offers two 27-month tracks at one site, while NatWest lists ten separate programmes by business area. This comparison puts the Santander vs NatWest graduate scheme side by side on length, status, entry and process, using each bank’s own careers pages. Read the individual guides for detail: Santander and NatWest.
Santander vs NatWest graduate scheme 2027: the main difference
| Santander | NatWest | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Two tracks: Global Retail, Data & AI | Ten programmes by business area |
| Length | 27 months | Varies by programme |
| Location | Milton Keynes | Varies; Engineering listed in Bristol, Edinburgh and London |
| Status, 27 Oct 2026 | Both tracks “Now Closed” | 3 open, 7 closed |
| Application style | Rolling review; may close early | Per-programme listings |
Status read from each bank’s careers page on 27 October 2026 and can change within days.
What each bank states
| Santander | Salary £38,000; Milton Keynes; 27 months (2026 intake). | Official |
| Santander | Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; may close early. | Official |
| NatWest | Open: Engineering, RBS International, Risk. | Official |
| NatWest | Closed: Commercial, CIB, Data Science, Economic Crime, Finance, Markets, Private Banking. | Official |
| Deadlines | No 2027 closing date published by either bank. | Not published |
Sources: Santander UK graduate programmes page and NatWest Group graduate programmes page, checked 27 October 2026.
Which one is open for you right now?
This is the practical question. On 27 October Santander showed both tracks closed, so there is nothing to apply for until it reopens. NatWest still had three programmes open, so a candidate with an engineering or risk profile has a live option today. If neither fits, join each bank’s talent alerts rather than waiting on rumour.
How the programmes feel
Santander’s tracks are built around product, data and digital change, with a three-week bootcamp and four rotations in the retail business. NatWest’s breadth is its selling point: you choose a business area first, from engineering to private banking. Pick Santander if you want a single structured rotation path, and NatWest if you already know your function.
Entry and eligibility
Santander accepts a degree in any discipline plus 112 UCAS points, and says its graduate roles are not eligible for visa sponsorship. NatWest sets requirements per programme, so read the listing for yours before applying.
Pay
Santander publishes a £38,000 starting salary for the 2026 intake. NatWest’s pages we checked do not give one figure for all programmes, so compare the salary shown on the specific listing. See our paycheck calculator to turn a gross salary into take-home pay.
How the application routes differ
Santander process
Apply to one of two tracks on the Santander UK page; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. See the Santander guide for stages.
NatWest process
Choose a programme, apply to its listing, and join the talent community for alerts. Details in the NatWest guide.
Tests and interviews
Both banks use online assessment and interview stages; check your invitation for the exact format. Our online tests guide and video interview guide cover the common ones.
What a graduate says
“Every day at work is different.”
Emily Bater, Santander UK retail graduate, in her University of Exeter alumni profile. One person’s account.
“I joined myself 12 years ago on the HR graduate programme.”
Ashley Clifford, Head of Early Talent at NatWest, in the NatWest early talent video transcript. One person’s account.
Checklist
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Which one should you apply to?
If you want the clearest, single path and Santander reopens, apply there. If you want a live application today and your profile fits engineering or risk, NatWest is open. You can apply to both; they do not conflict. Compare other pairs in the graduate scheme hub and see the deadline calendar.
Santander vs NatWest FAQ
Which is open right now?
On 27 October 2026 NatWest had Engineering, RBS International and Risk open. Both Santander tracks showed “Now Closed”.
Which pays more?
Santander states £38,000 for its 2026 intake. NatWest salaries are shown per listing, so compare the one you want.
Can I apply to both?
Nothing we found stops you applying to both banks. Within NatWest, check each listing’s own rules.
Do I need a finance degree?
Santander accepts any discipline plus 112 UCAS points. NatWest says you do not need a finance, banking or tech background.
