UK Student visa financial requirements
Exactly how much money to show, whose account can hold it, and the timing rules behind most refusals.
Check my financial planLast updated 29 September 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
How much you must show
You must show enough money for one academic year of tuition (up to 9 months, as shown on your CAS, minus anything already paid) plus living costs for up to 9 months.
| Where you study | Per month | For 9 months |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
For applications from 30 November 2026 the figures rise to £1,570 (London) and £1,203 (elsewhere). London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
The 28-day and 31-day rules
28 days in a row
The full amount must stay in the account for 28 consecutive days, counted back from the closing balance on your most recent statement. A single day below the total breaks the rule.
Within 31 days
The most recent statement must be dated no more than 31 days before you apply. Plan your application date around your statement date.
What counts and what does not
| Evidence | Accepted? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Your own bank account | Yes | Statement shows your name, the bank and the balance |
| A parent’s account | Yes | Parent’s letter of consent and your birth certificate |
| Student loan | Yes | Letter within 6 months, no conditions except admission, funds available before the course |
| Official financial sponsor | Yes | UK or Bangladesh government, British Council, university or international organisation |
| Relatives other than parents | No | Uncles, siblings and friends cannot sponsor you |
| Overdrafts, crypto, shares, pensions | No | Not accepted as available funds |
Money in Bangladeshi taka is converted to pounds at the OANDA spot rate on the date you apply, so keep a buffer for exchange-rate movement.
Worked example
A 1-year master’s outside London with £18,000 tuition, of which £5,000 was paid as a deposit:
| Outstanding tuition | £13,000 |
|---|---|
| Living costs: 9 × £1,171 | £10,539 |
| Total to hold for 28 days | £23,539 |
Add a margin above this in taka so a small exchange-rate change does not take you below the total.
Funds FAQs
Can I combine my account and my father’s account?
Yes, if both meet the rules and you include your father’s consent letter and your birth certificate.
Can my uncle sponsor me?
No. Only you, your parents or an official financial sponsor can provide the funds.
Does a fixed deposit count?
Certificates of deposit are listed as acceptable formats, but the money must be available to you. Check the terms with your bank.
Is a sudden large deposit a problem?
It can lead to questions about where the money came from. Build the balance well before the 28-day period and keep proof of its source.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: money you need ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- GOV.UK: financial evidence guidance ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- GOV.UK: documents ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 29 September 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.