How much money do I need for a UK Student visa?

You need to show enough funds to cover your outstanding tuition fees plus living costs (maintenance). Living costs are £1,334 per month for London or £1,023 per month outside London, for up to 9 months. So the maintenance element alone is up to £12,006 (London) or £9,207 (outside London).

How long must I hold the money in my account?

The required funds must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you submit your visa application.

Can my parents show the funds for me?

Yes. If the funds are in a parent or legal guardian's account, you need a letter from them confirming they consent to fund your studies, plus evidence of your relationship (such as a birth certificate). The 28-day holding period still applies.

Do scholarships count towards the financial requirement?

Yes. If your university or a scholarship body is covering your tuition or living costs, this is recorded on your CAS. The amount covered by the scholarship reduces the amount you need to show in your bank account.

Student Visa Financial Requirements 2026

To get a UK Student visa, you must prove you can pay your tuition fees and support yourself. The amounts depend on whether you are studying in London or elsewhere. This guide explains the exact figures, the 28-day rule, acceptable evidence, and how to use a parent or sponsor.

How Much Do You Need?

The financial requirement for a UK Student visa has two parts:

Outstanding tuition fees. The amount still to be paid as shown on your CAS. If you have already paid all your fees, this is zero.
Living costs (maintenance). A fixed monthly amount for up to 9 months.

Maintenance Amounts (2026)

London: £1,334 per month x 9 months = £12,006
Outside London: £1,023 per month x 9 months = £9,207

Whether your institution counts as London or outside London depends on its location, as stated on your CAS. If your course is shorter than 9 months, you only need to show maintenance for the course length plus any gap before the course starts.

The 28-Day Rule

This is the rule that catches the most applicants. Your bank statements must show that the required funds have been in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. The closing balance on each day of the 28-day period must meet or exceed the required total.

The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you submit your online application. If there is a gap of more than 31 days between the end of your 28-day holding period and your application date, the evidence will be rejected.

Large deposits made just before the 28-day period are not a problem as long as the balance remains above the required amount for the full 28 days. See our financial documents guide for how to present your evidence.

What Counts as Acceptable Evidence?

Bank statements. Official statements (not screenshots) from a regulated financial institution showing your name, account number, and daily or closing balances for the 28-day period.
Bank letter. An official letter from your bank on headed paper confirming the balance and that funds have been held for at least 28 days.
Loan letter. An official letter from a financial institution confirming an approved student loan that covers your fees and living costs.
Government or scholarship letter. A letter confirming funding from a government, international organisation, or scholarship provider.

Funds in savings accounts, fixed deposits, and current accounts are all acceptable as long as the money is accessible. Funds in investments, property, or pension accounts are generally not accepted.

Using a Parent or Guardian's Account

If the money is in a parent or legal guardian's account, you need:

A letter from the parent confirming they will fund your studies
Evidence of your relationship (birth certificate or legal guardianship document)
The parent's bank statements showing the funds for 28 days

The consent letter should state the parent's name, your name, their relationship to you, that they consent to funding your studies, and the amount they will provide.

Scholarships and Fee Payments

If your university has recorded a scholarship or fee payment on your CAS, this reduces the amount you need to show. For example, if your tuition fee is £20,000 and your CAS shows £15,000 has been paid, you only need to show £5,000 in outstanding fees plus the maintenance amount.

Always check your CAS carefully to confirm what has been recorded. If a payment is missing from the CAS, contact your university and ask them to update it before you apply. For help with the English language requirement, see our dedicated guide.

Common Mistakes

Not holding funds for 28 days. Even one day below the required amount resets the clock.
Submitting statements that end too early. The 28-day period must end within 31 days of your application.
Using unofficial documents. App screenshots and printed transaction lists are generally not accepted.
Forgetting to include dependant costs. If you are bringing dependants, you must show additional funds for each one.

Next Steps

Calculate your total financial requirement based on your CAS, then ensure the funds are in your account for the full 28 days before you apply. If in doubt, hold the funds for longer than 28 days to give yourself a buffer.

Related guides:

For official information, see the GOV.UK Student visa page and the GOV.UK visa fees table.