Meeting the UK student visa financial requirements is one of the most critical aspects of a successful visa application. International students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses without relying on public funds. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how much bank balance is required for a UK student visa in 2026, the maintenance funds needed for studying in London versus outside London, bank statement requirements, and the 28-day rule that determines whether your financial evidence will be accepted.
Understanding UK Student Visa Financial Requirements in 2026
The UKVI financial requirements for international students are set out in Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules. To score the mandatory 10 points for financial capacity, applicants must demonstrate they can cover their outstanding course fees plus living expenses for up to 9 months of study. Failure to meet these requirements is one of the most common reasons for UK student visa refusals.
The financial evidence you provide must demonstrate that you have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end date of this period falling within 31 days of your visa application. This is known as the "28-day rule" and is strictly enforced by UKVI caseworkers.
How Much Bank Balance is Required for UK Student Visa?
What is the minimum bank balance for a UK student visa in 2026?
The minimum bank balance for a UK student visa depends on your study location and outstanding tuition fees. For 2026, students must show £1,529/month (London) or £1,171/month (outside London) for up to 9 months, plus any unpaid course fees. A student with £10,000 in unpaid fees studying in London needs a minimum bank balance of £23,761.
The total funds you need to demonstrate is calculated by adding your outstanding tuition fees (as shown on your CAS) to your maintenance fund requirement. If you have already paid some or all of your tuition, this reduces the amount you need to show. Your CAS will confirm any payments made toward your course fees.
Bank Balance Calculation Examples
Example 1 - London: Annual tuition fee £15,000, already paid £5,000. Outstanding fees = £10,000. Total required = £10,000 + £13,761 = £23,761
Example 2 - Outside London: Annual tuition fee £12,000, already paid £6,000. Outstanding fees = £6,000. Total required = £6,000 + £10,539 = £16,539
If you have paid an accommodation deposit directly to your institution, you can deduct up to £1,529 from your living cost requirement, provided this payment is recorded on your CAS. This deduction applies only to deposits paid to the educational institution, not to private landlords.
Living Expenses and Maintenance Funds for UK Student Visa
What are the UKVI living expenses requirements?
UKVI living expenses (maintenance funds) are calculated for up to 9 months of your course, regardless of actual course length. Students in London must show £1,529 per month (£13,761 total), while those studying outside London need £1,171 per month (£10,539 total). Partial months are rounded up to full months.
The maintenance fund requirement is capped at 9 months, even if your course is longer. For courses shorter than 9 months, you calculate based on the actual course length (rounded up for partial months). For example, a 6-month and 15-day course requires funds for 7 full months.
UKVI Living Expenses: London vs Outside London
The distinction between London and outside London rates applies based on where your main campus is located, not where you choose to live. Universities within the Greater London area attract the higher London rate, while institutions elsewhere in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland qualify for the lower rate.
Exemptions from Financial Requirements
Certain applicants are automatically awarded the 10 points for financial requirements without needing to provide evidence. You are exempt if you have been lawfully resident in the UK for 12 months or more with valid immigration permission at the time of your application. Student Union Sabbatical Officers and postgraduate doctors or dentists on foundation training programmes are also exempt.
Even if exempt, it is advisable to maintain proof of funds in case you are called for a credibility interview or random verification checks.
UK Student Visa Bank Statement Requirements
What is the 28-day rule for UK student visa bank statements?
The 28-day rule requires applicants to maintain the minimum required balance in their bank account for 28 consecutive days. The final day of this 28-day period must fall within 31 days of your visa application submission date. Your bank statement must clearly show this continuous balance without any dips below the required amount.
Example Calculation: If you submit your visa application on 15 October 2026, your bank statement must show the required balance was maintained from at least 14 September to 14 October 2026 (28 consecutive days), with 14 October falling within 31 days of your application date.
UKVI Acceptable Financial Institutions
Not all bank accounts are acceptable for UK student visa applications. UKVI has specific requirements about which financial institutions and account types qualify as valid evidence.
- Current accounts (checking accounts)
- Savings accounts with immediate access
- Fixed deposits (if accessible without penalty)
- Building society accounts
Not Acceptable: Shares, stocks, bonds, pension funds, credit card balances, crypto assets, or any funds that cannot be immediately accessed without penalty. The account must be regulated by the appropriate financial authority in your country.
Bank Statement Information Requirements
Your bank statement must clearly display your name (matching your passport), account number, the bank's name and logo, the bank's contact details, and all transactions during the 28-day period showing the balance never dropped below the required amount. Electronic statements are acceptable if they meet these criteria and are printed on official letterhead or contain verifiable authentication.
Proof of Funds for UK Student Visa
What documents can be used as proof of funds?
Acceptable proof of funds includes personal bank statements, parent or guardian bank statements with a financial declaration, official financial sponsorship letters from governments or organisations, and student loan confirmation letters. All documents must demonstrate funds have been held for the required 28-day period.
If you are using funds from a parent or legal guardian's account, you must provide their bank statements meeting the 28-day requirement, plus a signed letter confirming they are your parent/guardian, that they consent to supporting your studies, and that the funds are available for your use. You should also include evidence of your relationship (such as a birth certificate).
Official Financial Sponsorship
If you have an official financial sponsor (such as a government, international organisation, or your educational institution), the sponsorship must cover at least one of the following: fees, living costs, or both. The sponsorship details should appear on your CAS or be supported by a separate confirmation letter from your sponsor dated within 6 months of your application.
Differential Evidence Requirements
Applicants from certain countries or holding specific passport types may benefit from "differentiation arrangements." This means you may not be required to submit financial evidence with your application, although UKVI reserves the right to request it later. Even if you qualify for differentiation, you must still meet the financial requirements and should have the evidence ready if requested.
For detailed guidance on all UK student visa requirements including eligibility criteria and the points-based system, see our comprehensive requirements guide. For country-specific advice, explore our Entry Clearance category.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Fee for UK Student Visa
How much is the IHS fee for a UK student visa?
Students pay a discounted IHS rate of £776 per year (compared to £1,035 for other visa categories). For courses lasting less than a full year, the charge is £388 for periods of 1-6 months and £776 for periods of 6-12 months. The IHS must be paid upfront when submitting your visa application.
The Immigration Health Surcharge provides access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your studies. This covers GP appointments, hospital treatment, and emergency care. Dental treatment, eye tests, and prescriptions may incur additional charges.
Dependants accompanying the main student must also pay the IHS, but at the full rate of £1,035 per year rather than the discounted student rate. EU and Swiss nationals with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may be eligible for a partial or full refund of the IHS—check the GOV.UK website for eligibility details.
- Show £1,529/month (London) or £1,171/month (outside London) plus outstanding fees
- Maintain funds for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of application
- Use acceptable account types: current, savings, or accessible fixed deposits
- Pay IHS upfront: £776 per year for students
- Parent funds acceptable with declaration letter and relationship evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
UK Student Visa Financial Requirements: FAQs
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa in 2026?
For 2026, students must show maintenance funds of £1,529 per month for studying in London (£13,761 for 9 months) or £1,171 per month for studying outside London (£10,539 for 9 months), plus any outstanding tuition fees shown on their CAS. The total required depends on how much you have already paid toward your course. These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your visa application date.
What is the 28-day rule for UK student visa bank statements?
The 28-day rule requires you to maintain the minimum required balance in your bank account for an uninterrupted period of 28 consecutive days. The last day of this 28-day period must fall within 31 days of your visa application submission date. Your bank statement must show the balance never dropped below the required amount during this entire period. Failure to meet this requirement is a common reason for visa refusals.
Can I use my parent's bank account to show funds for a UK student visa?
Yes, you can use your parent's or legal guardian's bank account as proof of funds. You must provide their bank statements showing the 28-day requirement is met, a signed declaration letter confirming they are your parent/guardian, that they consent to funding your studies, and that the funds are available for your use. You should also include evidence of your relationship, such as a birth certificate. The funds must be in an accessible account, not locked in investments or pension funds.
Which bank accounts are acceptable for UK student visa applications?
UKVI accepts current accounts, savings accounts with immediate access, and fixed deposits that can be withdrawn without penalties. The account must be held at a regulated financial institution. Not acceptable: shares, stocks, bonds, pension funds, cryptocurrency, credit card limits, or any funds that cannot be immediately accessed. The bank must be able to provide official statements showing your name, account number, and transaction history for the 28-day period.
Are there any exemptions from UK student visa financial requirements?
Yes, certain applicants are exempt from providing financial evidence. You automatically meet the financial requirement if you have been lawfully resident in the UK for 12 months or more with valid immigration permission. Student Union Sabbatical Officers and postgraduate doctors or dentists on foundation training programmes are also exempt. Additionally, applicants from certain countries may benefit from "differentiation arrangements" where financial evidence is not required upfront, though UKVI may request it later.
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for students?
Students pay a discounted IHS rate of £776 per year, compared to £1,035 for other visa categories. For courses lasting 1-6 months, the fee is £388. The IHS must be paid upfront when submitting your visa application and provides access to NHS services during your stay. Dependants pay the full rate of £1,035 per year, not the discounted student rate.
Can I work while studying to help fund my living expenses?
Yes, most student visa holders can work while studying. Degree-level students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacations. However, you cannot rely on future UK earnings to meet the financial requirements at application stage—you must show you already have the funds before arriving. After completing your course, the Graduate Route allows 2 years of unrestricted work (or 18 months for applications from January 2027).
Can I deduct my accommodation deposit from the financial requirement?
Yes, if you have paid an accommodation deposit directly to your educational institution, you can deduct up to £1,529 from your living cost requirement. This deduction only applies if the payment is clearly recorded on your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). Deposits paid to private landlords or accommodation providers outside your institution cannot be deducted. For example, if you paid £1,000 accommodation deposit to your London university, your living cost requirement reduces from £13,761 to £12,761.