Most UK Student visa applicants need funding for the course fees shown on their CAS and living costs. Current monthly amounts are 1,171 pounds outside London or 1,529 pounds in London, for up to nine months. Some financial-evidence exemptions apply; check the rules for your circumstances. [1]
Who it is for
- The Student visa route is for applicants aged 16 or over with an offer from a licensed student sponsor, sufficient funding and the required English ability. Applicants aged 16 or 17 need parental consent. [2]
English requirements
- Applicants usually need to prove their English ability. GOV.UK describes qualifying education and approved tests; a degree taught in English outside the UK may require an Ecctis assessment. For degree-level study, a higher education provider can assess English, but the level must still be equivalent to CEFR B2. [3]
Costs
- Where financial evidence is required, applicants need funds for course fees shown on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), plus living costs. GOV.UK describes exemptions for some applicants. [1]
- For most courses, GOV.UK sets living costs at 1,171 pounds for each month of the course outside London and 1,529 pounds for each month in London, up to a maximum of 9 months. These amounts changed in the past, so check the page for the current figures. [1]
Documents
- Money can be shown through a student loan from a government, a government-sponsored loan company or a regulated student loans scheme, an official financial sponsorship, the applicant own money, a parent money with a letter confirming they agree to its use, or a partner money in some cases. [1]
- When using personal or family money, the funds must have been held for 28 days in a row, counted back from the closing balance date on the most recent evidence. The evidence must be from no more than 31 days before the visa application date. [1]
- Accepted evidence includes paper or electronic bank statements, building society passbooks, certificates of deposit and letters from the bank. The evidence must show the account holder name, the bank name and the amount held. Funds in another currency are converted to pounds at the OANDA spot rate on the application date. [1]
- These cannot be used as proof of funds: overdrafts, cryptocurrency, stocks and shares, pensions, accounts at banks not regulated in their own country, and accounts that do not use electronic record keeping. [1]
Frequently asked questions
How much money must Indian students show for a UK Student visa?
Enough to pay the course fees shown on the CAS plus living costs. GOV.UK sets living costs at 1,171 pounds a month outside London and 1,529 pounds a month in London, up to 9 months. Check the page for the current figures.
FAQ source [1]
How long must the money be in the account for a UK Student visa?
For personal, parent or partner bank funds, GOV.UK normally requires the balance to have been held for 28 consecutive days, counted back from the closing balance on the latest evidence. That evidence must be no more than 31 days before application. Loan and official-sponsorship evidence follows separate instructions.
FAQ source [1]
Can a parent money be used for a UK Student visa?
Yes, if the parent controls the account and provides a letter confirming they agree to the money being used for the student.
FAQ source [1]
Can Indian students skip showing financial evidence for a UK Student visa?
Indian citizenship does not provide the listed nationality-based exemption. Other exemptions can apply, including an application for permission to stay after at least 12 months in the UK with a valid visa. Check the applicable circumstances.
FAQ source [1]
Sources
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