Be University Wise guides › International students › Visa money
How much money you need for a UK Student visa
You usually need to show enough money to pay your first year of tuition fees and to support yourself. For living costs, that is £1,171 a month outside London or £1,529 a month in London, for up to 9 months, rising to £1,203 and £1,570 a month for applications made on or after 30 November 2026.
Checked against official sources on 9 November 2026.
This is general information, not immigration advice. For your own situation, speak to your university's international student adviser, UKCISA, or a regulated immigration adviser. Rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.
The amounts
| Where you study | A month | For 9 months |
|---|---|---|
| In London (the City of London and the 32 London boroughs), applying before 30 November 2026 | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| In London, applying on or after 30 November 2026 | £1,570 | £14,130 |
| Outside London, applying before 30 November 2026 | £1,171 | £10,539 |
| Outside London, applying on or after 30 November 2026 | £1,203 | £10,827 |
The higher figures come from the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584 (3 September 2026) and apply to applications made on or after 30 November 2026; earlier applications keep the lower figures.
You also need your course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months), less anything you have already paid. The amount is shown on your CAS.
The 28-day rule
The money must have been in your account for at least 28 days in a row, and the end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. For example, if you apply on 1 January, the money must have been there for the 28 days ending on or after 1 December.
When you do not need to show it
You do not need to show the money if you have been living in the UK with a visa for at least 12 months when you apply.
Loans and sponsors
If you have a student loan or official financial sponsorship, you give evidence of it from the lender or sponsor.
This is a minimum
The visa amount is what the Home Office asks you to show, not what living will really cost. Rent alone can be higher in some cities. Compare real rents on our cost-of-living pages, and build a budget in the app.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Student visa, money you need
- Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584 (3 September 2026)
Quick answers
How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?
Your first-year tuition fees, plus £1,171 a month for living costs outside London or £1,529 a month in London, for up to 9 months. That is £10,539 or £13,761. If you apply on or after 30 November 2026 the figures are £1,203 and £1,570 a month (£10,827 or £14,130).
How long must the money be in my account?
At least 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of the date you apply.