Is the tuition fee amount required to be submitted upfront or just shown for UK student visa purposes?

For the UK, you do not need to pay the full tuition fee upfront before applying for the student visa. Universities ask for a deposit first to confirm your seat and issue the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). For the visa, you must show funds for any remaining unpaid first-year tuition fees listed on your CAS, along with the required living expenses. If you have already paid a deposit or partial tuition, that amount is normally mentioned on the CAS and reduces the funds you need to show.