Funds Needed
To study in the UK, you must have sufficient funds to cover your course fees and living expenses.
Amount Required
The amount of money you’ll need varies depending on your situation and the specific visa application you are submitting.
Course Fees
You’ll need enough funds to pay for your course for one academic year, which is usually up to 9 months. The exact amount will be listed on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). If you’ve been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months, you don’t need to prove you have these funds when applying for your visa.
Living Expenses (‘Financial Requirement’)
You’ll need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself, unless you’ve already been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months at the time of your application. The amount required depends on the location of your studies:
- £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) if your course is in London.
- £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) if your course is outside of London.
If you are attending a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay boarding fees as specified on your CAS.
The term “London” refers to the City of London and its 32 boroughs. If you’re bringing family members, you’ll need to show that you have additional funds for each of them.
You must maintain this money in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of this 28-day period must be within 31 days before your visa application date.
Example
If you’re applying on 1 January 2021, you need to show that the funds were available in your account for the 28 days leading up to 1 December.
If you have a student loan or financial sponsorship, you’ll need to provide evidence from your loan provider or sponsor.
For more details on the financial requirements and how to prove them, consult the guidance on student visa financial requirements.
When Proof of Funds Isn’t Needed
You won’t need to prove the financial requirement if:
- You’ve held a UK visa for 12 months before your Student visa application and are currently in the UK.
- You’re applying as a student union sabbatical officer.
- You’re applying as a postgraduate doctor or dentist on a recognised foundation programme.
- You’re from a country listed under the ‘differential evidence requirement’.
Countries Exempt from Financial Proof Requirement
If you’re a British national overseas or from one of the following countries or territories, you won’t need to provide evidence of financial support:
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Croatia
- Republic of Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Oman
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- United Arab Emirates
- United States of America
However, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may still request this evidence before making a final decision on your application. If required, they will contact you after you’ve submitted your application.
