UK Student Visa Proof of Funds 2026: The 28-Day Rule, Required Amounts and Accepted Evidence

Applying for a UK Student visa requires more than securing admission to a university. You must also demonstrate that you have enough money to pay your outstanding tuition fees and support yourself while studying in the UK.

One of the most important parts of this process is the UK Student visa financial requirement, commonly known as proof of funds. Applicants must understand how much money they need, which financial documents UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accepts, and how long the money must remain in their account.

There is also an important change coming. The required living-cost amounts increase for applications submitted on or after 30 November 2026. Students planning to apply from that date, including those preparing for a September 2027 intake, should take the revised figures into account.

This guide explains the financial requirements, the 28-day rule, acceptable bank statements, education loan letters and other important details, using the figures provided in the source material, which were checked against GOV.UK on 21 October 2026.

How Much Money Do You Need for a UK Student Visa?

The total amount you need to demonstrate is made up of two parts:

1. Any outstanding tuition fees for the first academic year of your course, up to a maximum of nine months.
2. Living expenses based on where you will study in the UK and the length of your course, up to nine months.

UK Student Visa Living-Cost Requirements

The monthly maintenance amounts depend on whether your university is in London or outside London.

You may need to show living costs for up to nine months, depending on the length of your course.

For example, using the figures applicable before 30 November 2026, a student studying in London for a course lasting nine months or longer would need to demonstrate £13,761 in living expenses. A student outside London would need £10,539.

From 30 November 2026, those amounts increase to £14,130 for London and £10,827 outside London.

These figures are for living expenses only. Any outstanding tuition fees must be added.

1. Outstanding Tuition Fees

You must demonstrate that you can pay the tuition fees for the first academic year of your course, covering up to nine months.

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will state the tuition fees payable.

If you have already paid part or all of your fees, the amount paid should normally be reflected on your CAS. You may also provide a university payment receipt where appropriate.

The important figure is the outstanding tuition fee balance, not necessarily the full original course fee.

2. Living Expenses: Understanding the Financial Requirement

Your required living-cost amount depends on your university’s location.

For this purpose, London includes the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. Universities outside these areas fall under the outside-London category.

The revised maintenance amounts apply to Student visa applications submitted on or after 30 November 2026. Applications submitted before that date are assessed using the previous figures, according to the supplied guidance.

What If Your Course Is Shorter Than Nine Months?

If your course lasts less than nine months, you calculate the required living expenses using the relevant monthly amount and the number of months you will be studying.

According to the source material, any part of a month is rounded up to a full month.

Can Your University Accommodation Deposit Reduce the Required Amount?

Yes. If you have paid a deposit to your university for accommodation arranged by the university, you may be able to deduct that payment from the required living-cost amount.

However, the deduction is subject to a maximum limit.

The stated limit is:

• Up to 29 November 2026: £1,529.
• From 30 November 2026: £1,570.

You should check that your accommodation payment meets the relevant requirements before relying on it to reduce the amount you need to demonstrate.

Understanding the UK Student Visa 28-Day Rule

The 28-day rule is one of the most important financial requirements for a UK Student visa application.

If you are using personal savings or money held in a bank account, the required funds must normally remain in the account for at least 28 consecutive days.

The balance must not fall below the required amount at any point during that period.

There is also a 31-day requirement: the final day of the 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the date you submit your visa application.

Example of the 28-Day and 31-Day Rules

Suppose you plan to submit your visa application on 1 January.

The money must have been held at the required level for 28 consecutive days, with the final day of that period falling no more than 31 days before your application.

This means you should plan your finances and bank statement dates carefully rather than transferring the required money into your account shortly before applying.

Keep a Financial Buffer

If your funds are held in Indian rupees or another foreign currency, exchange-rate movements can affect whether your balance meets the required amount when converted into pounds.

The supplied guidance refers to the OANDA exchange rate on the date of application for currency conversion.

For this reason, it is sensible to maintain a reasonable financial buffer above the minimum requirement. The source recommends considering an additional 5–10%, although applicants should calculate their own needs carefully.

What Financial Documents Does UKVI Accept?

UKVI accepts several types of financial evidence, provided the documents meet the relevant requirements.

Examples include:

• Personal bank statements.
• Bank statements belonging to your parent or legal guardian, where permitted.
• Building society passbooks.
• Certificates of deposit.
• Other qualifying bank or building society evidence.

Your financial evidence should clearly show:

• The account holder’s name.
• The name of the financial institution.
• The account balance.
• The relevant statement dates and transaction history, where applicable.

The funds must be accessible to you when required. The financial institution must also meet the relevant regulatory and record-keeping requirements.

If you intend to use a fixed deposit or certificate of deposit, check whether the money can be accessed immediately. A deposit that cannot be withdrawn when needed may not satisfy the requirements.

Can You Use Your Parents’ Bank Statement?

Yes. You may be able to use money held in your parent’s or legal guardian’s bank account.

However, you must provide additional documents to demonstrate your relationship with the account holder and confirm that they have given you permission to use the funds.

You should prepare:

1. Evidence of your relationship with the parent or legal guardian.
2. A written consent letter confirming that they agree to you using the money for your studies.
3. The relevant bank statements or other acceptable financial evidence.

The same financial requirements, including the 28-day rule and immediate-access conditions, generally apply.

What Does Not Count as Proof of Funds?

Not every financial asset is acceptable for a UK Student visa application.

The supplied guidance identifies the following as unacceptable forms of evidence:

• Overdraft facilities.
• Cryptocurrency.
• Stocks and shares.
• Pension funds that cannot be accessed immediately.
• Promises of future financial support from relatives or friends.

Do not assume that having assets or investments automatically means you meet the Student visa financial requirement. The money must be held in an acceptable form and meet UKVI’s evidence rules.

Can an Education Loan Be Used as Proof of Funds?

Yes. A qualifying education loan can be used to demonstrate that you have the funds required for your UK studies.

The supplied guidance states that UKVI accepts certain student loans from:

• Government departments.
• Government-sponsored student loan companies.
• Regulated financial institutions offering academic or educational loans.

For applicants using an education loan from outside the UK, the lender must meet the relevant regulatory requirements in its own country.

What Must an Education Loan Letter Contain?

Your loan approval or sanction letter should meet the relevant UKVI requirements.

According to the supplied guidance, it should:

• Be dated within six months of your visa application.
• Confirm that the funds are provided under a qualifying student loan scheme.
• State the approved loan amount.
• Confirm that the loan is in your name.
• Confirm that there are no conditions on the release of the funds other than a successful UK Student visa application.
• Confirm that the funds will be available before you travel or paid directly to your university before you travel.
• Explain when any portion intended for living expenses will become accessible to you.

For Indian applicants, the source identifies the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the regulator relevant to banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

Before applying, ask your lender to ensure that the loan letter addresses the relevant UKVI requirements. A loan sanction letter containing additional conditions before the money can be released may not satisfy the requirements.

Does the 28-Day Rule Apply to Education Loans?

The supplied guidance explains that the 28-day holding requirement does not apply to funds covered by a qualifying student loan that meets the relevant conditions.

You may also combine an eligible education loan with personal savings. However, the savings portion must independently meet the applicable financial evidence requirements, including the 28-day rule.

Do Indian Students Need to Provide Financial Evidence?

Yes. According to the source material, Indian nationals are not included in the list of countries benefiting from the differential evidence requirement as at 21 October 2026.

This means Indian applicants should be prepared to provide the required financial evidence with their Student visa application.

Do not assume that you can submit your application without proof of funds simply because you have received a university admission offer or CAS.

Other Costs When Applying for a UK Student Visa

The money you demonstrate as proof of funds is separate from the fees you pay to the UK government.

Applicants should also budget for the following costs stated in the supplied material:

Student Visa Application Fee

The stated application fee for applicants applying from outside the UK is £558.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The stated student Immigration Health Surcharge is £776 per year.

Where a visa lasts for more than 12 months but no more than 18 months, the source gives an IHS amount of £1,164.

The amount payable depends on the length of the visa granted, so applicants should calculate this using the official IHS guidance.

When Can You Apply?

The supplied information states that you can apply for a Student visa up to six months before your course begins.

The usual decision time for applications submitted outside the UK is stated as three weeks, although processing times can vary.

How Education Loans Fit into Your UK Study Plans

Many international students and their families use a combination of personal savings and education loans to cover tuition fees and living expenses.

An education loan can help bridge the funding gap, but receiving loan approval does not automatically mean the loan will be accepted as proof of funds.

Before submitting your application, confirm that:

• The lender meets the relevant regulatory requirements.
• The loan letter contains the necessary information.
• The funds will be released within the required timeframe.
• Any personal savings being used alongside the loan meet the 28-day rule.
• The total available funding covers your outstanding tuition fees and required living expenses.

Planning your finances early can help prevent avoidable delays and problems during the visa application process.

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Student Visa Proof of Funds

1. How much money do I need for a UK Student visa in 2026?

You need to demonstrate your outstanding first-year tuition fees, plus living expenses for up to nine months.

For applications submitted up to 29 November 2026, the monthly living-cost amounts are £1,529 in London and £1,171 outside London.

For applications submitted from 30 November 2026, the amounts increase to £1,570 in London and £1,203 outside London.

2. What is the 28-day rule for a UK Student visa?

The required money must normally remain in an acceptable bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The final day of that period must be within 31 days of your visa application date.

The rule does not apply to funds covered by a qualifying student loan that meets the relevant requirements.

3. Can I use my parent’s bank statement?

Yes, provided you meet the relevant conditions. You will generally need to provide evidence of your relationship and written permission from your parent or legal guardian to use the funds.

4. Does UKVI accept education loan letters?

Yes. A qualifying education loan may be accepted if the lender and loan arrangement meet the relevant requirements. The letter must provide the necessary details about the loan amount, release conditions and availability of funds.

5. Can I use a fixed deposit as proof of funds?

The supplied guidance lists certificates of deposit as acceptable evidence, but the money must be accessible when required. Check the withdrawal conditions with your bank before relying on a fixed deposit.

6. Will UK Student visa proof-of-funds amounts increase in 2027?

The figures in this guide show an increase taking effect on 30 November 2026. The source also notes that maintenance amounts may change again in future, so applicants should check the latest official requirements before applying.

Final Advice: Prepare Your Financial Evidence Early

Meeting the UK Student visa financial requirement is an essential part of preparing a successful application.

Before submitting your application, calculate your outstanding tuition fees, check the correct living-cost amount for your university’s location, and make sure your savings or education loan meet the relevant evidence requirements.

Pay particular attention to the 28-day rule and the 31-day statement deadline. If you are applying from 30 November 2026 onwards, use the revised living-cost figures rather than the previous amounts.

Important: Immigration rules and financial requirements can change. The figures in this article are based on the supplied source material, which states that the information was checked on 21 October 2026. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official GOV.UK website before submitting your application.

Join Naija UK Connect

Stay updated with the latest UK visa sponsorship jobs, relocation opportunities, and career guides tailored for Nigerians through Naija UK Connect.

Join here: Naija UK Channel

Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:

Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect

Facebook: Naija UK Connect

Instagram: @naijaukconnect