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Banking Degree Apprenticeships

A banking degree apprenticeship gives you a full Bachelor's degree with zero tuition fees, plus three to five years of valuable industry experience. You'll work in a real banking role, getting paid a proper salary, while your employer covers your university tuition. By graduation, you'll have both your degree AND years of experience that puts you ahead of traditional graduates.

Whether you're interested in investment banking, fintech innovation, or customer relationships, you’ll get direct access to the financial world that most students only dream about.

The best part? You'll be learning from people who actually work in the industry, using cutting-edge technology, and building your professional network from day one.

AGE REQ: 18+ | QUALIFICATIONS: Two or more A-Levels OR an existing Level 3, 4 or 5 qualification | DURATION: Three to five years | AVG SALARY: £31,400 | WHEN TO APPLY: All year round

Read on to discover everything you need to know about banking degree apprenticeships and how to land your dream role.

What happens in a banking degree apprenticeship?

It all depends on the type of apprenticeship you’re doing, but you’ll work on real projects at major banks like Barclays or HSBC while studying for a degree.

The types of projects you’ll work on will vary. You could help to develop new digital banking features, analyse market trends, or learn how to help customers make smart financial decisions.

Your schedule might include four days at university during study periods or one day per week (with the other four at work) – it varies by program, so it’s best to find what works for you.


What types are there?

Banking degree apprenticeships offer a wide range of pathways, from relationship management to digital banking, financial analytics, and investment operations. While management is super popular, you could also find yourself working in:

  • Corporate banking

  • Financial technology (fintech)

  • Investment operations

  • Risk and compliance

  • Digital transformation

  • Retail banking.

Banking degree apprenticeships typically take around four to five years to complete and are designed to give you practical skills and leadership potential. Whether you dream of leading teams or becoming an expert in your field, your apprenticeship is there to help you grow in a direction that works for you.

Meet Tom, a degree apprentice who breaks down what is really means to be a degree apprentice.



Here’s what this degree apprentice thought about their time as a Financial Services Professional at Lloyds Banking Group.

“I genuinely enjoy my programme, I have been given constant opportunities outside of my day job. I have had a chance to speak with senior individuals across the organisation, I am trusted to take on and lead area projects. I have noticed a significant improvement in my ability to speak publicly since starting this apprenticeship; the opportunities I am given allow me to develop crucial skills relating to confidence, speaking ability, and networking.” Financial Services Degree Apprentice, Lloyds Banking Group
READ MORE BANKING DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP REVIEWS

How much does a banking degree apprentice earn?

Banking degree apprentices typically earn between £25,000 and £31,000 per year, depending on your location and employer. So there’s some serious money to be made.

As degree apprenticeships are at a higher level, employers tend to pay a lot more than the national apprenticeship wage. Many employers review these salaries annually, so it's 200% worth checking recent job listings for the most up-to-date salaries.


What are the entry requirements for a banking degree apprenticeship?

Entry requirements for these schemes vary as employers have individual criteria, however, the minimum requirements employers look for are:

  • Two or more A-Levels (in relevant subjects) OR an existing level 3, 4 or 5 qualification

  • GCSEs in English and Maths (grade 4 or above)

  • Candidates must be aged 18+


How to apply

Opportunities pop up all year round. However, some employers hire apprentices between February and April to start in September. Always read the job description and apply for as many as you can.

If you’re terrible with dates, we’ve got you. Sign up for an account with Higherin, and we’ll let you know when your application deadlines are close.

The application process

The application process varies between employers. Some will ask you to complete online assessments, while some will invite you to a full assessment day. Almost all of the time you'll have to have ready an apprenticeship CV and cover letter.

To help you with your applications, we’ve got lots of free application advice and interview tips for you to browse.

You can also read up on the apprenticeship application process in more depth.


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