Showing enough money is one of the most common reasons UK student visa applications run into trouble. The rules are specific: how much, for how long, and in what kind of account. This guide uses the GOV.UK financial evidence page, last updated 31 December 2025 and checked on 21 October 2026, so you can plan your funds before you apply.
- GOV.UK says you need 1,171 pounds a month for living costs if you study outside London, or 1,529 pounds a month if you study in London, for up to 9 months, plus your first year's course fees as shown on your CAS
- The money must have been in your account for 28 days in a row, and the evidence must be dated within 31 days of your application.
How Much Money Do You Need for a UK Student Visa in 2026?
You need your course fees as shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, plus living costs of 1,171 pounds a month outside London or 1,529 pounds a month in London, for up to nine months. That works out to 10,539 pounds outside London or 13,761 pounds in London for a course of nine months or longer.
| Living costs 2026 | Per month | Up to 9 months |
|---|---|---|
| Student, outside London | 1,171 pounds | 10,539 pounds |
| Student, in London | 1,529 pounds | 13,761 pounds |
| Each dependant, outside London | 680 pounds | 6,120 pounds |
| Each dependant, in London | 845 pounds | 7,605 pounds |
The totals above are our arithmetic from GOV.UK's monthly rates, for a course of nine months or longer. Shorter courses need fewer months. If your course is split between London and elsewhere, ask your university which rate applies.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian StudentsRead →How Long Must the Money Be in Your Account?
You must have held the full amount for 28 days in a row. GOV.UK counts those 28 days back from the closing balance date on the most recent evidence you provide. That evidence must be dated no more than 31 days before you apply. Statements must show your name, the bank's name and the balance.
The account must allow immediate access to the money, and the money must have been acquired legally. If funds are in another currency, the Home Office converts them to pounds at the OANDA spot rate on your application date, so keep a safety margin for exchange-rate changes.
What Kinds of Money and Accounts Can You Use as Proof?
You can use your own money, a parent's money with a letter of consent, a partner's money if they are in the UK or applying with you, a government student loan, or an official sponsorship. You cannot use overdrafts, cryptocurrency, stocks and shares, pensions, or accounts that are not regulated or keep no electronic records.
Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, building society passbooks, certificates of deposit and letters from your bank. The Home Office may check your evidence with your bank, and an application can be refused if it cannot verify it.
Cost of Living in UK 2026: Complete Guide for StudentsRead →Do Indian Students Have to Show Financial Evidence?
Yes, in practice. GOV.UK lists nationalities that do not need to give financial evidence upfront, and India is not on that list. Even for listed countries, the decision maker may still ask for the evidence, so everyone should be ready to show it. Check the current list on GOV.UK before you apply.
A parent's account can be used if the parent writes a letter confirming you may use the money. Prepare the letter and statements early so the 28 days are counted back from a clean closing balance.
How Much More Money Do You Need for Dependants?
For each dependant you bring, you need 680 pounds a month if you study outside London, or 845 pounds a month in London, for up to nine months. This is on top of your own living costs and course fees. A dependant's costs are part of the same financial evidence and the same 28-day rule.