UK Student Visa Financial Requirements

Why financial evidence is required

For a UK Student visa, applicants generally have to show they have enough money to pay for their course and to support themselves while studying, without relying on public funds. This is often called showing your "maintenance funds." The idea is to demonstrate you can meet the real costs of living and studying in the UK.

This page explains the concept so you know what to prepare. It is general information only and not immigration advice — the exact amounts, who is exempt, and how money must be evidenced are set on gov.uk, which you must check before you apply.

What the financial requirement usually covers

In broad terms the requirement is made up of two parts: an amount for your tuition fees (or the outstanding balance after any deposit), and a separate amount for living costs for a set number of months. The living-cost figure commonly differs depending on whether you will study in London or elsewhere in the UK.

The precise figures change from year to year, so treat any number you see second-hand with caution and confirm the current amounts on the official gov.uk page.

• Course fees for your first year (or the balance still owed)
• Living costs for a set number of months — verify the figure on gov.uk
• A common distinction between studying in London and outside London

How long the money must be held

The rules typically require that the required funds have been held in an eligible account for a continuous period (for example a set number of consecutive days) ending shortly before you apply, and that you can evidence this with acceptable financial documents. The exact period, the acceptable account types, and the dating rules are defined by gov.uk.

Because these details are strict and change, do not assume — read the current official guidance carefully, since an account that does not meet the holding-period rule can cause a refusal.

Who may be exempt or have different rules

Some applicants are not required to show maintenance funds in the same way — for example, in certain cases based on how long you have lived in the UK, or where an official financial sponsor covers your costs. There are also specific rules about what counts as acceptable evidence and whose money it can be.

Whether any exemption applies to you depends entirely on your circumstances and the current rules, so check the official gov.uk page or ask your university's international student team.

Preparing your financial evidence

Practically, this means understanding which documents gov.uk accepts (such as certain bank statements or official letters), making sure the money sits in an eligible account for the full required period, and that the documents are recent and clearly dated. Plan ahead so the holding period is complete before you apply.

This is financial information about a visa rule, not financial advice. If you have questions about managing or transferring money, consider speaking to a qualified financial adviser, and verify every figure and rule on the official source.