Do I need to show a certain amount in the bank for a UK student visa application?

The UK Home Office sets specific minimum bank balance requirements for student visa applicants. The amount you need depends on where your university is located and how much tuition you still owe. Both conditions must be met simultaneously.

UK Student Visa Bank Balance Requirements

How to Calculate Your Required Bank Balance

Your total required funds = Outstanding tuition fees + Living cost allowance

• Example (London, 1-year course): Tuition £18,000 + Living £13,761 = Show £31,761 minimum

• Example (Outside London, 1-year course): Tuition £15,000 + Living £10,539 = Show £25,539 minimum

• If you have already paid your tuition in full, you only need to show the living cost portion

• If your CAS letter shows a discounted or partially paid tuition, calculate from the outstanding balance only

The 28-Day Rule - Critical Requirement

Funds must be present in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before the date you apply for your visa. The closing balance on any one of those 28 days must not fall below the required amount. UK Visas and Immigration will check bank statements covering this period.

Whose Account Can the Funds Be In?

• Your own account (personal savings or fixed deposit)

• Parent or legal guardian's account (with a sponsor letter)

• Official government or institutional sponsor letter (if sponsored)

• Education loan sanction letter counts if the loan is already disbursed or the lender confirms funds are accessible

What Accounts Are Accepted

• Savings accounts, current accounts, fixed deposits (if withdrawable)

• Must be in a regulated financial institution

• Statements must be in English or officially translated

• Funds must be in cash - stocks, property, and other assets are not accepted

My Advice

The single biggest mistake students make is depositing a large sum just before applying - visa officers spot this pattern immediately and it can trigger a refusal. Build up your bank balance at least 2 months before you plan to apply, and keep it stable. If your family needs to liquidate a fixed deposit or transfer funds from another account, do it well in advance and maintain a clear paper trail. I always recommend having 10-15% more than the minimum as a buffer, because even a small dip on one day within the 28-day window can create complications.