United Kingdom · study · guide
UK Student visa: money and financial requirements
This guide explains the money you need to show when applying for a UK Student visa.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 17 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money
Who needs to show money
You must have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself in the UK. You must show you have enough money to support yourself unless you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.[1][2]
You must also prove you have extra money for each family member you bring with you.[3]
How much money you need
You must have enough money to pay for your course for up to one academic year, which is up to nine months, as shown on your CAS.[4][5]
If you are studying a course in London, you must have £1,529 per month for up to nine months to support yourself. If you are studying a course outside London, you must have £1,171 per month for up to nine months to support yourself.[6][7]
Holding your funds
You must hold the required support funds in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of your 28-day holding period for funds must be within 31 days of your visa application date.[8][9][10]
Documents and identity
You must prove your identity as part of your application. If you are using a student loan or financial sponsorship, you must provide official evidence from your loan or sponsorship provider.[11][12]
You must set up a UKVI account to access your eVisa. You must link your travel document to your UKVI account to access your eVisa.[13][14]
Visa fees
You must pay a fee of £558 to apply for the visa from outside the UK. If you are inside the UK, you must pay £558 to extend your Student visa or to switch to a Student visa.[15][16][17]
Checklist
- Prove your identity as part of your application.[11]
- Hold your course and support money for at least 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application.[9]
- Provide official evidence from your provider if you use a student loan or financial sponsorship.[12]
- Set up a UKVI account and link your travel document to access your eVisa.[13][14]
Questions people ask
Do I need to show money if I have been living in the UK?
You do not need to show you have enough money to support yourself if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of your application.[2]
How much money do I need for living costs in London?
You must have £1,529 per month, for up to nine months, to support yourself if you are studying a course in London.[6]
How much money do I need for living costs outside London?
You must have £1,171 per month, for up to nine months, to support yourself if you are studying a course outside London.[7]
How long must I keep the money in my bank account?
You must hold the required support funds in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. The 28th day of this holding period must end within 31 days of your visa application date.[8][9][10]
How much does the UK Student visa cost?
It costs £558 to apply for the visa from outside the UK. It also costs £558 to extend your Student visa or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK.[15][16][17]
What if I am using a student loan or financial sponsor?
You must provide official evidence from your loan or financial sponsorship provider.[12]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.