UK Student Visa Financial Requirements 2025: Expert Guidance

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To qualify for a UK Student Visa, international students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses without relying on public funds. This financial requirement—commonly referred to as “show money” or bank balance—is one of the most critical components of the visa application.

Updated as of March 2025, these rules follow Appendix Student of the UK Immigration Rules, and failure to meet them is a common reason for visa refusals.

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🔢 Minimum Bank Balance Requirements

You must show that you have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days in a valid financial account. The end date of this 28-day period must be within 31 days of your visa application date.

📍 Study Location-Based Maintenance Funds

Study Location	Monthly Amount	9-Month Total
In London	£1,334/month	£12,006
Outside London	£1,023/month	£9,207

These figures apply to most Student Visa applicants, including those on undergraduate, postgraduate, or pathway programs.

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🧮 Example: Total Funds You Need to Show

Let’s say your annual tuition fee is £10,000 and you’ve already paid £5,000.

• If studying in London:
  You must show £17,006 (£5,000 remaining tuition + £12,006 for living expenses)
• If studying outside London:
  You must show £14,207 (£5,000 remaining tuition + £9,207 for living expenses)

Make sure this amount is clearly visible and uninterrupted in your bank account for the full 28-day period.

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🏠 Accommodation Deposit Deduction

If you’ve paid an accommodation deposit to your university or college, you can deduct up to £1,334 from your living costs requirement—but only if this payment is clearly stated on your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

For example:

If your CAS shows you’ve paid £1,000 toward accommodation in London, your living cost requirement will reduce from £12,006 to £11,006.

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✅ Valid Proof of Funds – Acceptable Sources

Apart from personal bank statements, UKVI accepts:

• Official financial sponsorship letters (government, scholarships, international organisations)
• Student loan letters from regulated financial institutions
• Parent or guardian bank statements, with a supporting financial sponsorship declaration
• Education loans, provided funds are accessible before travel

📎 Tip: Even under differentiation arrangements, it’s wise to maintain the full amount in case UKVI requests evidence later.

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❌ Exceptions to the Financial Requirement

You are exempt from the financial requirement if:

• You’ve been in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or more at the time of application.
• You’re applying as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.
• You’re a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a foundation training program.

Even in these cases, we recommend keeping proof of funds handy for credibility interviews or random checks. Learn more: UK Student Visa Interview: Tips to Show Credibility

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🌍 International Applicants – High-Risk Country Note

If you’re applying from a country with historically high refusal rates, such as Pakistan, Nigeria, or Bangladesh, strict compliance with the financial evidence rule is essential. Incomplete or vague documentation is a top reason for refusals.

Explore our Entry Clearance category for detailed country-specific advice.

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2. Tuition Fee Requirements for Student Visa

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Understanding the financial requirements for tuition fees is crucial for prospective students applying for a UK student visa. This includes demonstrating the ability to cover tuition costs and being aware of universities with lower tuition deposits.

Course Fee Requirements and Universities in the UK with Low Tuition Deposits

Financial Capability for Tuition Fees

Prospective students must demonstrate their ability to cover tuition fees. Key examples include:

• University of Bolton:
  • Typically requires a tuition deposit of approximately £2,000.
• University of Sussex:
  • Usually asks for a £1,500 deposit.

International students residing in the UK for over 12 months may not need to provide evidence of financial capability for tuition fees. However, all students must ensure their tuition fees are paid to their educational institution.

The Role of CAS in Tuition Fees

The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a critical document that outlines your tuition fees. For example:

• Salford University:
  • Tuition fees range from £10,000 to £15,000 per academic year, varying by course.

Ensure that your CAS reflects the correct tuition fee structure to avoid any discrepancies.

Evidence of Tuition Fee Payment

Payments made towards tuition fees will be noted in the CAS. For instance:

• University of Birmingham:
  • Charges tuition fees ranging from £9,250 (for UK students) to £18,000 (for international students).

Make sure any advance payments are accurately reflected in your CAS to verify your financial preparedness.

Universities with Low Tuition Deposits

Several UK universities offer low tuition deposits, making them more accessible to international students. Some examples include:

• University of Sunderland:
  • £500 deposit.
• Teesside University:
  • £1,000 deposit (with scholarship opportunities available).
• Staffordshire University:
  • Around £1,000 deposit.
• Selkirk College:
  • £500 deposit.
• Birkbeck University:
  • £1,000 deposit.

Factors Influencing Tuition Deposits

The amount required for tuition deposits can vary based on several factors:

• Program Popularity:
  • High-demand courses may have higher deposit requirements.
  • For example, a popular course at the University of Sussex might require a £2,000 deposit, whereas less popular courses might only require a £1,500 deposit.
• Scholarship Opportunities:
  • Availability of scholarships can affect the required deposit amount.

Considerations for International Students

For international students, proof of tuition fee deposit payment is an important aspect of the UK student visa application. When budgeting and selecting a university, consider the following:

• Deposit Amount:
  • Be aware of the deposit requirements for your chosen university.
• Current Guidelines:
  • Always refer to the most current university admission guidelines.
• Direct Contact:
  • Contact the university’s admissions office for accurate and updated information.

3. UK Student Visa Living Expenses

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To obtain a UK student visa, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. The required amount varies based on your location in the UK, whether you’re a boarding student, and other factors like participation in the Doctorate Extension Scheme. It’s important to note that for courses including partial months, you should calculate living expenses for the full month. For example, a course lasting 6 months and 25 days requires funds for 7 months.

Minimum Living Expenses in the UK for International Students

Maintenance Funds Deductions

If you’ve paid an accommodation deposit to your educational institution, you can deduct up to £1,334 from the required maintenance funds, provided this payment is mentioned in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Living Expense Requirements by Location and Status

• Independent School Students
  • Requirement: Proof of funds for one academic year.
• Non-residential Students
  1. In London:
     • Required Funds: £1,334 per month.
     • Total for 9 months: £12,006.
  2. Outside London:
     • Required Funds: £1,023 per month.
     • Total for 9 months: £9,207.
• Boarding School Students
  • Requirement: Proof of funds for school and boarding fees.

Studying in London vs. Outside London

• In London:
  • Students need £1,334 per month, totaling £12,006 for up to 9 months.
• Outside London:
  • The requirement is £1,023 per month, adding up to £9,207 for 9 months.

4. Proof of Funds for UK Student Visa

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To meet the UK student visa requirements, applicants must submit specific financial documents. These include bank statements, student loan confirmations, or proof of an official financial sponsorship.

Financial Documents Required for UK Student Visa

Acceptable Proof of Funds for UK Student Visa

• Bank Statements
  • Must show available funds sufficient to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Student Loans
  • Confirmed loan agreements from a recognized financial institution.
• Official Sponsorships
  • Letters from sponsors, such as governments or educational bodies, specifying the sponsorship amount.
• Parental Support
  • Evidence of parents’ financial capacity, such as bank statements or income proof.

28-Day Rule for UK Visa

Applicants must maintain the required level of funds in their bank account for an uninterrupted 28-day period. This period should conclude within 31 days prior to the visa application.

Example of 28-Day Rule Calculation

For a visa application on September 30, 2023, the bank statement should consistently show the required balance from August 30 to September 26, 2023.

Withdrawing Funds After the 28-Day Period

It’s advisable not to withdraw funds after this period until the visa is fully processed and approved. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authorities may check account details during the application review or upon arrival in the UK.

Approved Bank Accounts for a UK Student Visa

• Acceptable Accounts
  • Current Accounts
  • Deposit Accounts
  • Savings Accounts
• Unacceptable Accounts
  • Shares
  • Bonds
  • Credit Cards

Bank Statement Requirements

Your bank statement should be up-to-date (within 31 days of your application), clearly displaying:

• Your name
• Account number
• Bank’s details
• Consistent balance meeting the required amount

Sponsorship and Loan Letters

• Official Financial Sponsorship
  • Must be detailed in the CAS or supported by a confirmation letter from the sponsor.
• Loan Letter
  • Recent (within six months), confirming a student-specific loan from a regulated institution, and funds must be accessible upon arrival in the UK.

5. IHS UK Student Visa

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When applying for a UK student visa, students staying for six months or longer must pay an immigration health surcharge (IHS) in addition to the visa application fee. This surcharge grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), providing essential medical coverage during your stay.

Immigration Health Surcharge Details

Understanding IHS UK Student Visa Fees

The IHS fee varies depending on the length of your stay:

• Up to 6 months:
  • £388
• More than 6 months:
  • £776 per year

Family members on dependent visas are also required to pay this fee. The IHS is prorated for partial years, ensuring you only pay for the duration of your stay.

IHS UK Student Visa Calculation for Common Durations

• 1-year visa:
  • £776
• 2-year visa:
  • £1,552
• 3-year visa:
  • £2,328
• 4-year visa:
  • £3,104

Benefits and Limitations of IHS UK Student Visa

Paying the IHS allows students to access the NHS for general, specialist, and emergency medical care. However, certain treatments, such as dental and optical services and prescribed medications, may incur additional costs.

For students on short-term study courses (less than six months), it is advisable to consider medical insurance, as they are not covered by the IHS. Additionally, checking for reciprocal healthcare agreements between your home country and the UK can provide further clarity on available healthcare options.

Role of Private Healthcare Insurance

While private healthcare insurance can offer additional coverage, it does not replace the IHS. Ensure that any existing insurance policies cover healthcare services in the UK to avoid unexpected expenses.

IHS UK Student Visa Refund Policy

The IHS refund policy is straightforward:

• Visa Application Rejected:
  • Full refund
• Leave UK Before Visa Expiry:
  • Non-refundable
• Non-usage of NHS Services:
  • Non-refundable

Special Considerations for EU and Swiss Students

EU and Swiss nationals with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) studying full-time in the UK may be eligible for a full or partial refund of the IHS. This provides a valuable benefit, reducing the overall cost of healthcare during their studies.

Conclusion: IHS UK Student Visa

Understanding the IHS and its implications is essential for international students planning to study in the UK. Ensure you budget for this surcharge and consider additional medical insurance if necessary to cover any gaps in healthcare services. By preparing in advance, you can focus on your academic pursuits without worrying about unexpected healthcare costs.

6. FAQs: UK Student Visa Financial Requirements 2024

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For further details please refer to Appendix Student.