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Planning your finances is one of the most important steps when applying for a UK Student Visa.
International Students must generally show that they have enough money to pay their outstanding course fees and support themselves while studying in the UK. The amount required depends on where you will study and whether you have already paid part of your tuition or accommodation.
For students planning to study in the UK, understanding the UK Student Visa financial requirements early can help avoid delays or problems with your Visa application.
This guide explains how much money you need, how the funds must be held, what financial documents can be used and other important requirements to remember.
How Much Money Do You Need for a UK Student Visa?
For most International Students, you need to demonstrate funds for:
- Outstanding tuition fees for the relevant academic year
- Living costs in the UK
For 2026, the maintenance requirement is:
The maintenance amount is calculated for a maximum of nine months. You must also show enough money to cover outstanding course fees stated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
For example, if your CAS shows £20,000 in outstanding tuition fees and you are studying outside London, you would generally need to demonstrate:
£20,000 + £10,539 = £30,539
This is an example only. Your actual requirement depends on your CAS, payments already made and individual circumstances.
What Counts as “London”?
For Visa purposes, the maintenance requirement depends on your place of study, not simply where you live.
The UK government defines London as the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. If more than half of your course is based within the relevant London area, the London financial requirement applies.
This means that choosing a university outside London can result in a lower required maintenance amount for your Visa application.
How Long Must You Have the Money?
One of the most important parts of the financial requirement is the 28-day rule.
Generally, you must have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days.
The final day of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you submit your Student Visa application.
For example, if you apply for your Visa on 1 September, your financial evidence must show that the required funds were held continuously for the required 28-day period, with the end of that period falling within the permitted timeframe.
This is why students should not wait until the last minute to prepare their financial documents.
What Financial Evidence Can You Use?
The UK government allows several types of financial evidence.
Depending on your circumstances, you may use:
- Your own bank account
- Your parent’s bank account
- A qualifying student loan
- Official financial sponsorship
- Certain other permitted sources of funding
If you are relying on your parent’s money, you generally need evidence of your relationship and confirmation that your parent agrees to you using the funds for your studies.
Official financial sponsorship can also be accepted when it meets the relevant requirements.
What Bank Accounts Are Accepted?
Your financial evidence needs to come from an acceptable, regulated financial institution.
The UK government states that certain types of funds cannot be used, including:
- Overdrafts
- Cryptocurrency
- Stocks and shares
- Pensions
- Certain unregulated bank accounts
- Accounts without appropriate electronic record keeping
Always check the latest official guidance before submitting your application.
Check the official UK government financial evidence guidance
Can Your Tuition Payment Reduce the Amount You Need?
Yes.
Your Student Visa financial requirement is based on your outstanding course fees rather than necessarily the full tuition fee.
If you have already paid part or all of your tuition to your university, this may be reflected on your CAS.
The UK immigration rules state that paid tuition must either be confirmed on your CAS or supported by a receipt from your education provider.
Example
Suppose your annual tuition fee is:
£25,000
You have already paid:
£5,000
Your CAS confirms the payment.
Your outstanding tuition would therefore be:
£20,000
You would then add the applicable maintenance requirement to determine the amount you need to demonstrate.
What About Accommodation Payments?
In some circumstances, money already paid to your student sponsor for accommodation can also affect the amount you need to demonstrate.
The Immigration Rules allow an accommodation deposit paid to the student sponsor to be offset against the financial requirement, subject to a maximum of £1,529.
Make sure any payment is properly documented and reflected in the relevant university records.
Can I Use My Parents’ Bank Account?
Yes, parental funds can be used if the requirements are met.
The official guidance allows applicants to rely on their parent’s money, but the applicant needs to provide the appropriate evidence confirming the relationship and permission to use those funds.
Before applying, make sure:
- The account is acceptable under UKVI rules
- Required balance has been maintained
- Money in the account has been held for the required period
- Supporting documents are consistent
- Your parent’s details match the supporting documents
What If I Have a Scholarship?
An official financial sponsorship can potentially be used to meet the financial requirement.
Examples can include sponsorship from a government, university or other qualifying organization.
You will need appropriate evidence confirming the sponsorship and what costs it covers.
If your scholarship only covers part of your tuition or living costs, you may still need to demonstrate funds for the remaining amount.
Do All Students Need to Show Financial Evidence?
Not necessarily.
There are circumstances where an applicant may not need to provide financial evidence at the point of application.
For example, if you are applying for permission to stay in the UK and have already been living in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months, you generally meet the financial requirement without needing to show funds. Certain other exemptions also apply.
Students applying from overseas should not assume they are exempt and should check their individual circumstances carefully.
Common Financial Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Maintaining the Required Balance
Your account needs to demonstrate that you held the required amount for the full 28-day period.
2. Using an Unacceptable Source of Funds
Cryptocurrency, overdrafts and certain other financial products cannot be used as evidence.
3. Forgetting Outstanding Tuition Fees
Your maintenance funds are in addition to any outstanding tuition fees shown on your CAS.
4. Applying Too Late
The 28-day requirement means you need to prepare your financial documents well before submitting your application.
5. Using Outdated Information
Visa requirements can change. Always check the latest UK government guidance before applying.
How Can You Prepare Your Finances for a UK Student Visa?
Start preparing your financial documents as soon as you receive your university offer.
A simple checklist is:
- Confirm your tuition fee on your CAS
- Check how much tuition you have already paid
- Determine whether your university is in London or outside London
- Calculate your required maintenance funds
- Make sure the required balance is maintained for 28 consecutive days
- Prepare your bank statements or other financial evidence
- Check that your documents meet UKVI requirements
- Review the latest Student Visa guidance before applying
Get support with your UK university application through AUG Student Services
Prepare for Your UK Student Visa with AUG
Understanding the UK Student Visa financial requirements early can make your application process much smoother.
From checking your university documents to preparing your financial evidence, it is important to make sure your application is complete and consistent before submission.
AUG Student Services can assist students with their UK University applications and provide guidance throughout the study abroad process.
Learn more about studying in the UK with AUG
Explore AUG’s UK application support
Check UK application deadlines
Start preparing your finances early, check the latest UKVI requirements and make sure you have the correct evidence before submitting your Student Visa application.
