British visa financial requirements for international students
March 29, 2025
To obtain a Student visa for studying in the UK, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover both your course fees and living expenses. The specific financial requirements are as follows:
Course Fees: You need to show that you have enough money to pay your course fees for the first academic year or for the entire course if it is less than a year long. The exact amount will be specified in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) provided by your education institution.
Living Costs: The required amount for living costs depends on the location of your study:
- Studying in London: You must have £1,483 for each month of your course, up to a maximum of 9 months. This totals £13,347 for a 9-month academic year.I
- Studying outside London: You must have £1,136 for each month of your course, up to a maximum of 9 months. This totals £10,224 for a 9-month academic year.
These amounts are set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and are subject to change, so it's important to verify the current requirements before applying.
Demonstrating Financial Evidence: You can prove you have the necessary funds through various means:
- Personal or Parental Funds: Provide bank statements showing the required amount has been held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your visa application. If using your parents' funds, you'll need to include a letter from them confirming their support and proof of your relationship, such as a birth certificate.
- Official Financial Sponsorship: If you have a financial sponsor, such as a government or international company, provide a letter from them detailing the sponsorship amount and duration.
- Student Loans: Present a loan letter from a regulated financial institution confirming the loan amount, which must be available to you before you arrive in the UK.
Exemptions: You may not need to provide financial evidence if:
- You've been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months prior to your Student visa application.
- You're a national of a country listed under the 'differentiation arrangements' by UKVI, which exempts you from providing financial documents upfront. However, you must still meet the financial requirements and be prepared to provide evidence if requested.
It's crucial to ensure that all financial documents meet UKVI's specific requirements to avoid any issues with your visa application. Always check the latest guidelines on the official UK government website or consult with your prospective institution's international student support services for the most accurate and up-to-date information.