The current requirement is £1,529 per month for students studying in London and £1,171 per month for students studying outside London, for a maximum of nine months. The UK government has confirmed an increase to these amounts in its Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 584, published on 3 September 2026. From 30 November 2026, the requirements will increase to £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 per month outside London.
Note: The new figures have been set out in the Immigration Rules, although the GOV.UK Student visa financial guidance has not yet been updated to reflect the November 2026 changes. The current GOV.UK guidance continues to show the existing £1,529 and £1,171 requirements.
How much money do you need for a UK Student visa?
As part of the Student visa application, you must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your course fees and living costs.
The financial requirement has two main components:
- Outstanding course fees, based on the amount shown on the student’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Living costs, based on the location of the student’s main study site
For courses other than boarding at a residential independent school, the current requirement is:
- £1,529 per month for study in London
- £1,171 per month for study outside London
The living-cost requirement applies for a maximum of nine months.
From 30 November 2026, the amounts will increase to:
- £1,570 per month for study in London
- £1,203 per month for study outside London
UK Student visa maintenance requirement
| Study location | Current monthly requirement | Current maximum for 9 months | From 30 November 2026 | New maximum for 9 months |
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 | £1,570 | £14,130 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 | £1,203 | £10,827 |
Important: The new amounts apply from 30 November 2026. Applications made before 30 November will be decided under the rules in force on 29 November 2026.
What does the UK Student visa financial requirement include?
The amount a student needs to demonstrate depends on their individual circumstances. You may need to show enough money to cover:
- Outstanding course fees, as stated on your CAS
- Living costs, based on the location of your main study site
- Living costs for eligible dependants, if they are applying with you
If you have already paid some or all of your course fees to your Student sponsor, the amount paid may reduce the tuition-fee component of the financial requirement, provided the payment can be evidenced appropriately.
The living-cost requirement is separate from tuition fees. For example, a student studying in London for nine months may need to demonstrate up to £13,761 for living costs under the current rules, in addition to any outstanding course fees.
How long must you hold the money?
If you are relying on your own or your parent’s money, you must generally have held enough funds for 28 consecutive days.
The 28-day period is calculated backwards from the closing balance shown on your most recent financial evidence. The evidence must be dated no more than 31 days before the date you apply for your visa.
This makes the timing of your visa application important. It is not enough to transfer the required amount into an account shortly before applying.
What documents can be used as proof of funds?
Students can meet the financial requirement using certain types of financial evidence. The evidence must meet specific UKVI requirements, so having the required balance alone is not enough.
- Bank statements
- Bank or building society letters
- Certificates of deposit
- Student loans
- Official financial sponsorship
What money cannot be used as proof of funds?
GOV.UK says applicants cannot rely on certain types of funds to meet the financial requirement, including:
- Overdrafts
- Cryptocurrency
- Stocks and shares
- Pensions
- Some accounts that do not meet the required regulatory or electronic-record conditions
Conclusion
Meeting the UK Student visa financial requirement requires more than having enough money in a bank account. Students need to calculate their tuition fees and living costs correctly, use an acceptable form of financial evidence and, where applicable, maintain the required funds for 28 consecutive days before applying.
With the maintenance requirement set to increase from 30 November 2026, students planning a UK visa application later in 2026 should check the applicable rules and prepare their financial evidence well in advance.
