Santander UK drops 2:1 requirement for graduate scheme

Bank says changing minimum qualification policy opens scheme to 64,000 more candidates each year

Santander UK will no longer require graduates applying to work there to achieve a 2:1 degree or higher, as part of efforts to boost the socioeconomic diversity of its recruits.

The bank said the change would lead to an extra 64,000 more applicants being eligible for its annual graduate scheme and reflected the fact that university performance did not guarantee success in the workplace.