UK student visa financial requirements mandate proving tuition plus living funds (£1,171/month outside London or £1,529/month in London) for at least 28 days. To secure approval for the 2026/2027 academic year, international students must hold these living costs (maintenance funds) continuously in a regulated bank account. This comprehensive guide breaks down Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) tuition deductions, strict dependent restrictions, and how to format your proof of funds checklist in accordance with official GOV.UK financial requirements.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Rules and thresholds can update, so always review the official UK Government Student Visa Guidance before submitting your application.
UK Student Visa Tuition Fee Requirements
Course Fees & CAS Deductions
You must show enough funds to cover the tuition fees for one academic year (up to 9 months) in accordance with GOV.UK Student Visa Financial Requirements.
- The Amount: Check your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). It lists your total tuition fees and any payments already made to the university.
- Deductions: Any tuition deposit paid to the university (and officially recorded on your CAS) will be deducted from the total tuition requirement you need to prove.
Accommodation Deduction Note: If you have paid money directly to your higher education provider for university/college accommodation, you can deduct a maximum of 1 month's maintenance fee (£1,529 in London or £1,171 outside London) from your required living costs, as set out in UKVI Financial Evidence Policy Guidance.
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UK Student Visa Maintenance Funds (Living Costs)
In addition to course fees, incoming students must prove they have the finances to support themselves. This is known as the ‘Financial Requirement’ or 'Maintenance Funds', and differs based on institution location under official GOV.UK Student Visa Guidance:
- Outside London: You are required to show £1,171 per month for up to 9 months (a total of £10,539).
- Inside London: You are required to show £1,529 per month for up to 9 months (a total of £13,761).
For eligible students bringing dependants, you must show additional living funds for each family member:
- Outside London: £680 per month for each dependant, up to 9 months (max £6,120 per dependant).
- Inside London: £845 per month for each dependant, up to 9 months (max £7,605 per dependant).
While UKVI Dependant Rules mandate specific maintenance funds, most international students cannot bring dependants. Students can only bring a partner or child if they are on a government-funded scholarship or enrolled in a postgraduate research program (such as a PhD or research-based Master's). Standard undergraduate and taught Master’s students do not qualify to bring dependants.
The 28-Day Rule for UK Visa Bank Statements
If using personal cash savings, the required funds must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days in accordance with GOV.UK Financial Evidence Rules.
- No Drops: The cash balance must never drop even one penny below your required total (Outstanding Tuition + Living Costs) at any point during those 28 consecutive days.
- Timing: The closing date of your bank statement must fall within 31 days prior to your online visa application submission date.
- Currency Conversion: Funds held in foreign currencies are evaluated and converted into GBP using the exchange rate on OANDA on the exact date you submit your online visa application.
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Proof of Funds
Note: If relying on parent/legal guardian bank accounts, you must upload: (1) Your official birth certificate/legal adoption paper, and (2) A signed letter of consent authorizing you to use the funds. Note: Relatives other than parents/legal guardians (e.g., uncles, siblings) cannot be used directly unless funds are transferred to your account first.
For detailed guidance on acceptable documents, visit the official UK Government policy on Financial evidence for Student and Child Student visa applicants.
UK Student Visa Financial Document Checklist
Ensure your evidence meets the standards set by GOV.UK Student Visa Document Guidance:
- Loan Letters: Dated within 6 months of application, confirming the loan is fully approved, regulated, and available to you for study purposes.
- Bank Statements: Displaying your name (or parent's name), account number, official financial institution logo, and a 28-day transaction history without dipping below the required balance.
- Sponsorship Letters: Explicitly detailing the financial amounts provided and the covered duration of academic study.
- Translations: Must include official certified translations for any document not originally issued in English or Welsh.
12-Month UK Residence Exemption: According to GOV.UK Financial Rules, if you are applying for permission to stay from inside the UK and have lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to provide financial evidence. This exemption does not apply if you submit your visa application from outside the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount depends on your university's location under
GOV.UK Living Cost Rules,
calculated for up to a maximum of 9 months:
Inside London: £1,529 per month (up to £13,761
total).
Outside London: £1,171 per month (up to £10,539
total).
These funds must be shown in addition to any unpaid tuition fees
for your first academic year.
Yes. Under UKVI Third-Party Fund Rules, you can use your parent’s or legal guardian's bank accounts. You must upload your birth certificate or legal guardianship paper to prove the relationship, alongside a signed letter of consent from them authorizing you to use the funds for your education.
Funds held in foreign currencies are converted to GBP using the exchange rate on OANDA on the exact date you submit and pay for your online visa application. Your balance must meet or exceed the required GBP threshold on that specific date.
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