The NatWest graduate scheme is a set of programmes at NatWest Group rather than a single track. Current listings on Gradcracker include engineering, finance, and wealth product and client solutions, and review sites also describe commercial banking and data and analytics routes. We could not open NatWest’s own early-careers page, and we found no published 2027 deadline. Everything below about timing and stages is reported by job boards and graduates, so check NatWest’s careers site before you apply.
Status update, 27 October 2026: NatWest’s own graduate programmes page lists ten programmes. Engineering, RBS International and Risk are open for applications; Commercial Banking, Corporate and Institutional Banking, Data Science, Economic Crime, Finance, NatWest Markets, and Private Banking and Wealth Management are closed to new applications. Where the older job-board details below differ, follow NatWest’s page. See also our Santander vs NatWest comparison.
When does the NatWest graduate scheme open?
We could not open NatWest’s own early-careers page and found no published 2027 deadline. Gradcracker lists several NatWest graduate trainee roles with an “ongoing” deadline (reported), so check the live listing before you apply. See all dates in the graduate scheme deadlines calendar and the graduate scheme hub.
NatWest graduate scheme at a glance
- Programmes reported: engineering, finance, wealth, commercial banking, data and analytics (check which are open now)
- Applications: Gradcracker lists several NatWest graduate trainee roles with an “ongoing” deadline, which means the window stays open until the intake is filled
- One application: the Wealth and Finance listings say that if you apply more than once, only your first application is accepted
- Engineering entry requirement: a 2:1 in a STEM subject, or being on course for one
- Other programmes: some listings say you do not need a background in finance, banking or tech, so read each role description
NatWest graduate scheme: the programmes
NatWest runs separate graduate trainee programmes, so the right one depends on your degree and interests. Gradcracker’s NatWest listings show the Finance programme, the Engineering programme and a Wealth Product and Client Solutions programme. On Higherin, graduates describe commercial banking, digital transformation, data and risk routes. Entry requirements differ by programme, so use the listing for the route you want rather than assuming one rule fits all.
“The more you know, the easier you will find interviews.”
Johnny, NatWest Group Finance Graduate Programme, Bright Network (2021)
Johnny joined NatWest’s Finance Graduate Programme with a non-finance degree. In his Bright Network interview he says he prepared by learning NatWest’s values, reading its annual report and studying how the three-year programme works, which includes a professional accountancy qualification. His account is from December 2021, so check any programme details against NatWest’s current pages.
NatWest graduate scheme application process (as reported)
NatWest does not publish a full breakdown that we could verify. Graduates and job boards commonly report:
- Online application with your CV and motivation questions
- Online tests
- Video or phone interview
- A final interview or assessment day
Treat the stages as a guide: they can differ by programme. Because several listings stay open until the intake is full, a late application may find the programme already closed, so apply early.
What the NatWest graduate programme is like
Reviews on Higherin from 2025 and 2026 describe rotations across different parts of the business, mentoring and funded professional qualifications, and say placements are matched to a skills matrix. Reviews are mixed. One Data & Analytics graduate said they were disappointed that the business is moving away from the rotation structure, so rotations may not apply to every programme. Another reviewer said some placements were mostly repetitive work. These are individual, self-selected opinions, so read them as signals rather than facts about every cohort.
How to prepare for the NatWest graduate scheme
Research NatWest’s values and recent annual report, as Johnny did. Practise numerical, verbal and situational tests so the format does not surprise you. Prepare competency examples on teamwork, problem solving and customer focus. For the final stage, our assessment centre guide covers group exercises and interviews.
NatWest vs other banking graduate schemes
Compare the Santander graduate scheme, Nationwide, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and J.P. Morgan. Nationwide, a mutual, runs six groups of Skills Development Programmes for September 2027 with qualification support in Finance and Audit. The full list is in our graduate schemes hub.
NatWest graduate scheme FAQ
Compare the Santander graduate scheme, Nationwide, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and J.P. Morgan. Nationwide, a mutual, runs six groups of Skills Development Programmes for September 2027 with qualification support in Finance and Audit. The full list is in our graduate schemes hub.
FAQ
When does the NatWest graduate scheme open?
NatWest has not published a 2027 date that we could verify. Several listings show an “ongoing” deadline, so check NatWest’s careers site.
Can I apply to more than one programme?
Some listings say you should make only one application and that only the first is accepted. Confirm the rule on the application page.
Do I need a 2:1?
The engineering programme asks for a 2:1 in a STEM subject. Other programmes vary, so check the individual listing.
Do I need a finance degree?
Not necessarily. Johnny joined the Finance programme with a non-finance degree, and some listings say no finance, banking or tech background is needed.
What are the stages?
Graduates commonly report an application, online tests, an interview and a final assessment.
