If I take a placement year in the UK, how much funds do I have to show on my proof of funds (POF)?
For a UK placement year applying from outside the UK, show your first year's tuition plus up to nine months of living costs, GBP 13,761 inside London or GBP 10,539 outside it. Already spent 12 months in the UK on a student visa? You typically need no proof of funds.
Your proof of funds requirement for a UK placement year depends entirely on your situation. If you are applying from outside the UK for the first time, standard financial rules apply. If you are extending your visa from within the UK, UKVI treats you very differently.
What You Need to Show, By Situation
| Your Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applying from outside the UK | Full first-year tuition (as on your CAS) plus up to 9 months living costs |
| Living costs inside London | GBP 1,529 per month, up to GBP 13,761 for 9 months |
| Living costs outside London | GBP 1,171 per month, up to GBP 10,539 for 9 months |
| Already 12 months in the UK on a Student visa | Automatically exempt from showing proof of funds |
Rules That Catch Students Out
- The 28-day rule: funds must sit in your or your parent's account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before you apply.
- Reduced placement year tuition, often 15 to 20 percent of the normal fee, will show correctly on your CAS.
- UKVI does not let you count projected placement salary as proof of funds, even though the placement itself usually pays.
My Advice
Start your 28-day funds window at least six weeks before you plan to apply, so a delayed bank statement or an unexpected dip in balance does not force you to restart the clock right before your deadline.
Cash income, business income or no ITR?
See whether your funds and documents will pass the UK visa check.
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