Opening a UK bank account
Opening a UK bank account is the safest and most effective way of managing your money while you are in the UK.
In order to open a UK bank account, you will need:
- your passport
- a letter from the College confirming that you are a student
- a document confirming your address in the UK (for example a contract for accommodation).
We would also encourage you to bring information about your existing bank account(s) and evidence of your address in your home country.
You must assume that it will take at least two to three weeks to open a UK bank account. You must make sure you have enough money for this period by making financial arrangements similar to those you might make if you were a tourist (for example, by bringing travellers cheques, a credit card, or a cash card).
Banks offering specialist accounts
A number of UK banks now offer accounts specifically for international students. In a number of cases you can open the account before you arrive in the UK.
We recommend that you shop around to find the best deal for you. The following banks are some of those offering accounts specifically for international students:
We advise you to check with your home bank to see what methods of transferring money are available, including the security of each method and the costs involved.
You should also check whether your home country bank has a special relationship with a bank in the UK, and whether this can help with setting up an account or in any other way. For example, can you use a cash card from your home country bank in UK bank machines, to take money out of your account in your home country?
Paying your fees
If you open a UK bank account, you will be able to pay your tuition fees in eight instalments by direct debit. Read more about paying your fees.
Useful websites
- Advice on opening a UK bank account from the British Bankers Association
- How to open a UK bank account - UKCISA advice
