Proof of Money for a UK Student Visa
Students from India and Pakistan must show money for course fees and living costs. This is money you show in your bank for the visa, not a fee you pay. It must stay there for 28 days in a row.
How Much You Must Show
The rule is the same for students from India and Pakistan.
Amounts in British pounds (£)
Undergraduate
£1,171 a month for up to 9 months outside London, plus course fees for 1 year - £1,529 a month for up to 9 months in London, plus course fees for 1 year
Bachelor's students: the same rule.
Graduate
£1,171 a month for up to 9 months outside London, plus course fees for 1 year - £1,529 a month for up to 9 months in London, plus course fees for 1 year
The same rule for master's and PhD students.
Dependents
£680 a month for up to 9 months outside London - £845 a month for up to 9 months in London
For each partner or child who can join you.
How It Is Worked Out
Add your course fees for 1 academic year to the money for living costs for each month of your course, up to 9 months.
- Course fees: the amount for 1 academic year, as on your CAS
- Money for living costs: the monthly amount in the table above, for each month of your course, up to 9 months
- Use the London amount or the outside London amount, depending on where your university is
- Each family member: £845 a month in London, £680 outside
Notes
- The money for living costs is for up to 9 months, even if your course is longer
- Your course fees for 1 academic year are added on top
- Students from India and Pakistan must always show this proof of money. Some other countries are on a list that skips it
Papers You Can Use
You can use your own money, a parent's money, your partner's money, an education loan or money from a government or university that pays for you.
- •
Your name (or your parent's)
- •
The bank's name
- •
The amount in the account
- •
No more than 31 days old on the day you apply
- •
Dated no more than 6 months before you apply
- •
The only condition is that you get your visa
- •
The amount, in your name
- •
The loan money must be paid before your course starts
- •
Shown on your CAS, or in a letter from the one that pays for you
- •
The letter shows the date, who pays, contact details, how long it pays and how much
Other Accepted Proof
- Passbooks from a building society (a type of UK bank)
- Certificates of deposit (papers showing money saved at a bank for a fixed time)
- Letters from your bank or building society
Rules Your Papers Must Meet
UKVI checks these on every money paper.
Rules for All Money Papers
Time
The money must stay in your account for 28 days in a row. Your bank papers must be no more than 31 days old on the day you apply.
Access
You must be able to take out the money whenever you want.
Currency
Money in Indian or Pakistani rupees is changed to pounds at the OANDA exchange rate (a money-converting website) on the day you apply.
Source
You must have earned or received the money in a legal way.
Rules by Paper
| Document Type | Requirements | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Bank statements |
| No more than 31 days old on the day you apply |
| Education loan letter |
| Dated no more than 6 months before you apply |
Special Rules
- •
Studying in London: London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
- •
Family members: Each partner or child who can join you needs £845 a month in London or £680 a month outside London, for up to 9 months.
- •
Already paid fees: Your CAS shows the fees still to pay. Ask your university to show any fees and deposit (a first payment) you already paid.
When to Prepare Your Money Proof
Your money proof goes with your visa application.
Timeline
1Get your CAS
Timing: After you get an unconditional offer (an offer with no conditions left to meet)
It shows the course fee you must cover.
2Hold the money
Timing: 28 days in a row
Course fees for 1 academic year plus money for living costs.
3Apply
Timing: When your bank papers are no more than 31 days old
Upload your statements with your visa form.
Decision Time
- Student visa decision from outside the UKUsually within 3 weeks
Tips
Get your CAS first: it shows your course fee
Download statements as close as you can to the day you apply
Keep the money in the account until your visa is decided
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
These mistakes can lead to a refusal.
Common Error
The balance dropped below the amount for a day or more
How to Avoid
Keep the full amount in the account for 28 days in a row.
Common Error
Your bank papers are more than 31 days old on the day you apply
How to Avoid
Use bank papers that are no more than 31 days old on the day you apply.
Common Error
Using a parent's account with no letter
How to Avoid
Add a letter from your parent saying they agree you can use the money.
More Things to Avoid
Money that does not count
Money you borrow from your bank (an overdraft), cryptocurrency, shares and pensions do not count.
Statements that cannot be checked
UKVI may ask your bank. If the bank cannot confirm your papers, your application may be refused.
Count back from the last day on your statement
Count 28 days back from the last day on your statement. Example: you apply on 1 January. Your papers can be at most 31 days old, so the 28 days can end on 1 December at the earliest.
Helpful Links
Guides and our related pages.
Qogent paper check
We check your money papers before you apply.
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