The UK government mandates that all Student and Child Student visa applicants demonstrate sufficient funds to cover course fees, living expenses, and costs for any accompanying dependants. For the 2026 application cycle, specific monetary thresholds and evidence rules have been clarified to guide prospective students.
How Much Money Is Required for a UK Student Visa?
Applicants must show they can cover their course fees as stated in their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by the educational institution. For living costs, those studying outside London must provide £1,171 per month for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months. In contrast, students in London need £1,529 per month, also capped at nine months. Boarding students at residential independent schools must instead cover boarding fees for one full academic year.
For each dependant brought to the UK, an additional £680 per month is required for courses outside London, or £845 per month for courses in London, again up to nine months. These figures align with the UK Home Office's updated financial maintenance requirements.
Child Student Visa Financial Rules
The financial requirements for Child Student visas vary based on the child's living arrangements. A child boarding at a residential independent school must have enough to cover boarding fees for one academic year. If the child lives with a foster carer or a close relative who is a UK resident or British citizen during term time, that person must show £570 for each month of the course, up to nine months.
When both parent and child apply, and the parent holds a Parent of a Child Student visa, the family needs £1,560 per month for the first child and £625 per month for each additional child, up to nine months. A 16 or 17-year-old living independently must show £1,023 per month outside London or £1,334 per month in London.
Acceptable Sources of Funds and Evidence
Applicants can use government or government-sponsored student loans, official financial sponsorships such as scholarships from a national government or university, personal savings, or money from a parent or partner, provided those individuals supply a letter confirming consent. The UK government explicitly excludes overdrafts, cryptocurrency, stocks and shares, pensions, unregulated bank accounts, and accounts without electronic record-keeping.
For personal or family funds, the money must have been held in the account for 28 consecutive days before the closing balance date on the most recent bank statement provided. Acceptable proof includes paper or electronic bank statements, building society passbooks, certificates of deposit, or letters from a bank. Government scholarships are accepted only if the funding comes from the UK government or the applicant's own national government.
Exemptions and Recent Updates
Certain applicants are exempt from providing financial evidence, including those who have already held a valid UK visa for at least 12 months, nationals from countries on the exemption list, Student Union Sabbatical Officers, and those applying to train as a doctor or dentist.
According to a report by Legit.ng, thousands of Nigerian students hoping to remain in the UK after completing their studies must pay close attention to updated graduate visa rules, including revised stay-back periods and strict eligibility requirements. The UK government has reaffirmed that international students, including Nigerians, must apply for a graduate visa before their student visa expires if they wish to stay to work or look for employment after graduation.
The financial thresholds are designed to ensure students can support themselves without recourse to public funds. Prospective applicants are advised to plan their finances well in advance, ensuring all documentation meets the specified criteria to avoid delays or refusals.
