Essential Financial Requirements for Studying in the UK: A Guide for International Students

Updated 08/08/2024

Studying abroad is an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with significant financial planning. If you're looking to study in the UK, understanding the financial requirements is crucial. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the monetary aspects of your UK student visa application.

Course Fees

To study in the UK, you must have enough funds to cover your course fees for one academic year, which is typically up to nine months. The exact amount will be specified on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) document provided by your educational institution. If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least twelve months, you do not need to prove you have this money when applying for a new visa. When calculating the total you need to prove you have available, you will need to account for the exchange rate at the time of application.

Financial Requirement for Living Costs

In addition to course fees, you need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. For visa purposes, London includes the City of London and the thirty-two London boroughs. Living costs are higher in this area, which is why the financial requirement is greater than for other parts of the UK. Thus, the amount required varies based on your study location:

In London: £1,334 per month for up to nine months.

Outside London: £1,023 per month for up to nine months.

Bringing Family Members

If you are accepted into a doctoral programme, you may bring your spouse and children. They will be dependents on your visa, and you therefore must show additional funds for each dependent. This money must be in your possession for at least twenty-eight consecutive days, and the final day of this period must be within thrty-one days of your visa application date.

For instance, if you submit your application on January 1, 2025, you need to show that the required funds were in your bank account for the twenty-eight-day period ending on December 1, 2024.

Please note, postgradate research students (PhD-level study) are currently eligible to bring dependents.

Student Loans and Sponsorship

If you have a student loan or are receiving financial sponsorship, you must provide documentation from your loan provider or sponsor as proof. This can be an official letter confirming the details of your loan or sponsorship.

For more detailed information, it’s advisable to read the guidance on finances for student applications available on the UK Home Office website. This will ensure you are fully prepared and meet all necessary financial requirements for your UK student visa application.

Ensuring you have the required funds to cover both your course fees and living expenses is a critical part of the UK student visa application process. By understanding and meeting these financial requirements, you can focus on your studies and make the most of your academic journey in the UK. For more detailed information, it’s advisable to read the guidance on finances for student applications available on the UK Home Office website. This is also something that we will discuss in a consultaton to ensure you are fully prepared and meet all necessary financial requirements for your UK student visa application.