Do You Have Enough Money for Your UK Student Visa? Here’s How to Prove It

Completing education abroad is a dream for many students around the world, but along with getting admission, there is also meeting the financial evidence requirements for your visa. Whatever you may be applying for, proving you have the money to support your education and living costs is essential.

In this article, we will cover - how much money you need, what documents are accepted, who’s exempt and common mistakes you can avoid so you can feel confident about your application.

Importance of Financial Evidence

The UK Home Office needs financial evidence to ensure you are able to pay for your course fees, living costs and the expenses of any dependants without needing public funds. It’s not just about meeting immigration rules, it is about showing you can comfortably focus on your studies without financial debt or burden.

Who Needs to Provide Financial Evidence?

You must provide financial proof if you are applying from outside the UK or if you are in the UK for less than 12 months on your current visa.

However, you don’t need to provide financial evidence upfront if:

• You have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.

• Your nationality is on the UK’s exemption list.

• Applying as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer.

• Studying as a doctor or dentist in training.

How Much Money You Need – Student Visa

1. Course Fees The exact amount is on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by your education provider. You must show you can pay this in full.

2. Living Costs

• Outside London: £1,136 per month (up to 9 months)

• In London: £1,483 per month (up to 9 months)

3. Dependants

• Outside London: £680 per month per dependant (up to 9 months)

• In London: £845 per month per dependant (up to 9 months)

How Much Money You Need – Child Student Visa

The requirement depends on your living arrangements:

• Boarding school: Pay boarding fees for one academic year.
  

• Living with a foster carer/relative in the UK: £570 per month (up to 9 months).
  

• Living with a parent holding a Parent of a Child Student visa:
  

  • £1,560 per month for the first child.

  • £625 per month for each additional child.
    

• Living independently (age 16–17):

  • Outside London: £1,023 per month.

  • In London: £1,334 per month.

How to Prove You Have the Money

You can show funds through:

• Student loans from approved government or regulated providers.

• Official financial sponsorship from a government or organization.

• Personal savings.

Not accepted:

• Overdrafts, cryptocurrency, shares, pensions, unregulated accounts or accounts without electronic record keeping.

Key Documentation Rules

1. Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before your application.

2. Proof must be no more than 31 days old when you apply.

3. Bank statements must clearly show:

   • Your name.

   • Bank’s name.

   • Account balance.

If using a student loan or sponsorship, provide an official letter confirming the loan/sponsorship amount, duration and that the funds are for you.

Common Mistakes

• Submitting statements with less than 28 days of funds.

• Using funds from an ineligible source (e.g., cryptocurrency).

• Not matching the amounts in your CAS with your financial proof.

• Submitting documents that are not in English without certified translation.

Prepare Early, Avoid Stress

Providing financial evidence, procuring documents may seem like a hurdle and a headache, but it is really really to prove that you have the financial capability to handle yourself in a foreign country without the interference of the government body. In order to prepare for such circumstances, gather all your financial proofs and papers, prepare your documents as soon as you accept your offer, double-check amounts against UKVI requirements and keep your proof safe even if you think you’re exempt.

A well-prepared financial file means less stress, fewer delays and a much higher chance of visa success.