Skip to content

How can I open a UK bank account?

Home / FAQs / Info for international students / Fees and funding / How can I open a UK bank account?

The safest way of looking after your money when you get to London is by opening a British bank account. We suggest that you don't carry large amounts of money around with you.

There are many high street banks you can choose from. You should look around to see which bank and account suit you best.

To open a UK bank account you'll need:

  • Your passport: this will prove your identification
  • Proof of address in the UK: accommodation letter or tenancy agreement
  • Attendance letter: you can get this from the Gateway desk

Once you have all the above you can open up a UK bank account. If you change address whilst living in the UK you must let your bank know as soon as possible.

If your tuition fee is paid by an Official Sponsor

If your tuition fee is paid by official sponsorship or a Government grant, you must give the University evidence on or before the date of your student registration.

Acceptable evidence is an official letter on your sponsor's letterhead stationary. If you don't send this to us you won't be able to register for your course.

If your sponsor isn't paying the full amount of your tuition or withdraws their sponsorship during the financial year for any reason, it's your responsibility to pay any outstanding amount.

 

Methods of Payment

Make sure you're quoting the correct name and application number on every tuition fee transaction. It's also important that you read all University Financial Policies before sending any payment.

 

There are four ways you can pay tuition fees:

  • Pay online with a credit or debit card
  • Make a bank transfer directly to the University of Sunderland’s bank account
  • Send a bank draft in £ sterling (GBP) addressed to The University of Sunderland, Edinburgh Building, City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD.

If you're making a bank transfer, please use the following details: 

  • Bank: Barclays Bank PLC, Fawcett Street, Sunderland, SR1 1RS, UK
  • Account: University of Sunderland
  • Account Number: 00065692
  • Bank Sort Code: 20-85-59
  • IBAN: GB61 BARC 2085 5900 0656 92
  • SWIFT: BARC GB 22

Please note: It can take up to two weeks for the University of Sunderland to receive money sent through an international bank transfer. We can't register you until we've got the money, so make sure you leave plenty of time to pay your fees.

If you have any questions about payments, please contact the Finance Office: revenues.finance@sunderland.ac.uk / +44 (0) 191 515 2455.