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UK student visa guide
UK student visa proof of funds: £1,529 or £1,171 a month and the 28-day rule
For a UK Student visa you must show your course fee for the first year plus living costs of £1,529 a month for London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months. The money must be held for 28 days in a row, and the end of that 28-day period must fall within 31 days of your application date. The visa application fee is £558.
Check my eligibilityJump to the FAQAt a glance
- London living costs
- £1,529 a month, up to 9 months
- Outside London
- £1,171 a month, up to 9 months
- Course fee
- Amount on your CAS, first year
- Holding period
- 28 days in a row
- Visa fee from outside UK
- £558
What you must show
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Course fees | One academic year, up to 9 months, as shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) |
| Living costs in London | £1,529 a month for up to 9 months, which is £13,761 for 9 months |
| Living costs outside London | £1,171 a month for up to 9 months, which is £10,539 for 9 months |
| Dependants | Extra money for each family member who joins you. See the official family members page |
London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. For a short course, you show living costs only for the months of your course, up to 9.
Worked example for an Indian master's student
If your tuition for the first year is £18,000 and you study in Manchester, you must show about £18,000 plus £10,539, which comes to roughly £28,539. The same course in London would need about £18,000 plus £13,761, or £31,761. Subtract any tuition you have already paid and that your CAS records.
Illustration only. Your CAS shows your exact fee and any deposit paid. Budget more than the minimum, using our UK cost guide and cost of living guide.
The 28-day rule explained
The money must be in your account for 28 days in a row. The last day of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. For example, if you apply on 1 January, the 28-day period must end no earlier than 1 December. If your balance dips below the required amount on any day in the period, the evidence can fail, so avoid moving money in and out. If a parent or sponsor funds you, check the rules on official financial evidence, including the relationship and documentation required. A student loan or sponsorship needs written evidence from the lender or sponsor, so see our education loan guide.
Step-by-step: preparing your UK funds evidence
- Get your CAS and note the first-year fee and any deposit paid.
- Work out your total using the London or outside-London monthly figure.
- Move funds early so the 28-day period ends within 31 days of your planned application date.
- Collect evidence: statements, loan or sponsor letters and any relationship proof if a parent funds you.
- Apply online and pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge, following the UK student visa guide.
Planning beyond the visa
Once you finish your degree you may be eligible for the Graduate visa, which is 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026 and 18 months from 1 January 2027. Check UK student work rules and compare countries in UK vs Ireland for MS.
Not sure how much to show for your UK visa?
AbroBot calculates your exact funds for your university, city and intake, and times your 28-day window so nothing is rejected on a technicality.
Get my free eligibility checkAsk the AI counsellorFrequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a UK student visa in 2026?
Your first-year course fee plus £1,529 a month for London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months.
What is the 28-day rule for UK student visa funds?
Your money must be held for 28 days in a row, and the last day of that period must fall within 31 days of your application date.
Do I need to show the full tuition fee?
You show the course fee for one academic year, up to 9 months, as stated on your CAS. Fees already paid and recorded on the CAS are taken into account.
What is the UK student visa fee?
£558 to apply from outside the UK, as published on GOV.UK. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Can my parents' savings be used as proof of funds?
Often yes, but you must meet the rules on relationship and documentation. Check the official financial evidence guidance before you apply.
Do the monthly amounts change?
Yes. They are updated periodically, so confirm the figures on GOV.UK on the day you apply.
Sources and how we verify
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the official sources below and cross-checked with current university and immigration guidance. Fees, thresholds and deadlines change, so confirm the final figure on the official site before you pay or submit anything.