Student account

You can apply to open a Student bank account with us online now by simply clicking ‘Ready to apply’. 

If you already have a current account with us, you can choose to either change your existing Ulster Bank current account to a Student account (your account details will stay the same) or open a new Student account (you'll get a new account number and sort code). 

You'll need:

• UK Passport or Drivers Licence (full or provisional)
• Proof of address - Drivers Licence, Utility bill or Bank statement.  If you don’t have one of these,  you can use one of the documents we ask for to verify your UK student status.

You’ll also need to verify your UK Student status. Your UCAS status code is the fastest way to do this - we’ll ask for it in the application form. If you don't provide this code, we'll ask you to confirm your student status another way before we can change your account. This means you may wait a little longer to get your account changed. For more information on what other proof of student status we can accept, see question ‘What do we need to verify your student status?’

In the month of July in the year of your graduation, subject to our assessment of your financial position, we will change your Student account to a Graduate account. We will notify you at least 60 days before we do this at which time we will provide you with up to date copies of Fee Information Document (PDF, 509 KB) and Your Current Account Terms (PDF, 147 KB)

Find out more on our Graduate Account.

Banking My Way is a free service that allows you to record information about the support or adjustments you need to make banking easier. You can also let us know any additional support you may need to ensure all of our colleagues are aware of this. The information will be shared on our internal systems and therefore you will not need to repeat these requirements every time you interact with us.

Once your account is open, you can record this through Anytime Banking or with our colleagues in branches or over the phone.

Learn more about Banking My Way

Your UCAS status code is the simplest and fastest way to show us you’re a student. This is a 16 digit code emailed to you by UCAS and will be unique to you. You'll also be able to find this by logging into the UCAS Hub.

If you can't find your UCAS status code, you can contact UCAS on 0371 468 0468 who will reissue the code within 24 hours.

If you don't provide this code in the application form, we'll ask you to confirm your student status another way before we can change your account. This means you may wait a little longer to get your account changed. 

If you don’t provide your UCAS number in the application form, we’ll accept any of the below documents as proof of your UK student status. You’ll need to manually upload one of the below documents after you submit your Student account application.

• Letter from UCAS
• Letter of acceptance
• Enrolment offer
• Enrolment certificate
• Student loan or finance letter
• Students Awards agency for Scotland (SAAS)
• Local education authority award letter. 

You can only have one Student account with NatWest Group (Ulster Bank/Royal Bank/NatWest) at a time.

To apply for our student arranged overdraft, you’ll need to (subject to lending criteria):

• Have an Ulster Bank Student account
• Be aged 18 or over and have been living in the UK for 3+ years
• Be registered for Anytime Banking.

You can apply for an overdraft once your student account is open. If your course has started or is about to start, you might be able to apply for an overdraft while opening your Student account.

If you’re approved, your interest-free arranged overdraft limit is £1,000. Students studying medicine, dentistry, law, accountancy, pharmacy, optometry, physiotherapy and veterinary science can apply for an overdraft limit of up to £3,000 (interest free).

For more information and to set up an overdraft, view our Student arranged overdraft. 

All kinds of general info about our current accounts. Including details about the Student account.

Your Current Account Terms (PDF, 147 KB)

Very important information about how your money is protected. Just in case.

Financial Services Compensation Sheme sheet (PDF, 156 KB)

How much our charges will be. From taking cash out abroad to an unarranged overdraft.

Fee Information Document (PDF, 509 KB)

Important basic info about the bank. For example, who regulates us and how to complain (hopefully you won't need that bit).

What You Need to Know (PDF, 110 KB)

How we promise to treat you, if we lend you money. And what we expect from you in return.

Our Lending Commitments (PDF, 398 KB)