Financial Evidence for Student and Child Student Visa Applicants

The updated guidance on financial evidence for UK Student and Child Student visas specifies the funds required for living expenses and course fees. Key changes from 02 January 2025 increase the monthly financial requirement to £1,483 for students in London and £1,136 outside London. Dependents’ required funds are also outlined. Acceptable proof includes bank statements showing a 28-day balance and student loans or sponsorship letters that meet specific criteria. Some nationalities are exempt from providing financial evidence.

When you apply for a Student or Child Student visa, you must show you have enough money to pay for your:

• course fees
• living costs
• partner or children’s living costs, if you’re bringing them on your visa

You do not need to provide financial evidence if:

• you’re applying for permission to stay and you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months
• your nationality is exempt
• you’re applying as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer
• you’re applying to study as a doctor or dentist in training

What Financial Evidence Is Needed for a UK Student Visa?

The UK government mandates that all Student visa applicants demonstrate they have enough funds to cover course fees and living costs. Ensuring adequate financial resources is crucial as it assures the authorities that you will not seek public funds or require financial aid during your stay. Financial requirements for Student and Child Student visas vary based on factors like the location of the educational institution, the duration of the course, and any dependents accompanying the student.

Breakdown of Financial Evidence Requirements

For Student visa applications, you need to show financial evidence covering two main areas:

• Course Fees: The cost of the course for one academic year or the full course if it’s shorter.
• Living Expenses (Maintenance Funds): The required amount to cover living costs for yourself and any dependents, calculated based on the location of your studies (inside or outside London).

How much money you need – Student visa

Course fees

You need to show you have enough money to pay your course fees. These are shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Your education provider will send your CAS when they offer you a place on a course.

Living costs

If you board at a residential independent school, you need enough money to pay boarding fees for one academic year.

For all other courses, you need:

• £1,023 for each month of your course (up to a maximum of 9 months), if you’re studying outside London
• £1,334 for each month of your course (up to a maximum of 9 months), if you’re studying in London

Financial Requirements for a UK Child Student Visa

When applying for a UK Child Student visa, applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to cover both course fees and living expenses. The following guide explains in detail the financial requirements, methods of proof, and accepted evidence for each scenario that may apply to Child Student visa applicants.

Course Fees

Your course fees are outlined in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which your educational institution provides when offering you a place. The CAS document specifies the exact amount required to cover tuition.

Living Costs

The amount required for living costs varies depending on the applicant’s specific living arrangements during the course.

If Boarding at a Residential Independent School

For students who will reside at a boarding school, you need to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover boarding fees for one full academic year. This amount will typically include accommodation and meals as provided by the school.

If Living with a Foster Carer or Close Relative in the UK

In cases where the child resides with a foster carer or close relative (a UK resident or British citizen) during the school term, the caregiver must demonstrate they have £570 per month for each month of the student’s course, up to a maximum of 9 months.

If Living with a Parent or Guardian with a Parent of a Child Student Visa

For children living with a parent or legal guardian who holds a Parent of a Child Student visa, the following financial requirements apply:

• £1,560 per month for each month of the visa (up to a maximum of 9 months) for the first child.
• £625 per month for each month of the visa (up to a maximum of 9 months) for any additional children.

If Living Independently as a 16 or 17-Year-Old

For applicants aged 16 or 17 who will be living independently, the required monthly amount depends on the location of study:

• £1,023 per month for each month of the course (up to 9 months) if studying outside London.
• £1,334 per month for each month of the course (up to 9 months) if studying in London.

How to Prove You Have the Required Funds

To prove you have the necessary funds, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accepts several forms of financial evidence. Each document must meet specific standards.

Acceptable Forms of Financial Evidence

• Student Loan

• A loan letter is acceptable if it is issued by a government, government-sponsored loan company, or a regulated student loans scheme. The letter must:
  • Be dated no more than 6 months before the visa application date.
  • Confirm it is a student loan provided specifically for the applicant.
  • State that there are no restrictions on loan release other than a successful visa application.
  • Indicate the loan amount and confirm the funds will be available to the applicant or paid directly to the sponsor before the course begins.

• Official Financial Sponsorship

• This applies if a government, university, or international organization sponsors the student. The sponsorship must be reflected on the CAS, or you may need to submit a separate confirmation letter from the sponsor. The letter should include:
  • Date of issue.
  • Name and contact details of the financial sponsor.
  • Duration of sponsorship and the amount covered (either tuition, living costs, or both).

• Personal Funds or Parental/Partner Funds

• If using personal, parental, or partner funds, they should be held in an account allowing immediate access. The money must be:
  • Held in the account for at least 28 consecutive days before the visa application.
  • The evidence of funds (bank statements, passbooks, or bank letters) should be dated no more than 31 days before the application.
  • Documents must show:
  • Name of account holder.
  • Bank or building society name.
  • Account balance.

• Additional Details for Using Parent’s or Partner’s Money

• When using a parent’s or partner’s funds, the applicant must submit a letter of consent from the account holder, agreeing to the use of the funds for this purpose.

Non-Acceptable Sources of Financial Evidence

Some forms of funds are not accepted as financial evidence for a UK Child Student visa. These include:

• Overdrafts.
• Cryptocurrency.
• Stocks and shares.
• Pensions.
• Bank accounts that are unregulated in the country of operation.
• Accounts without electronic records.

Evidence Submission Requirements

Bank Statements

Bank statements must:

• Show funds held for a minimum of 28 days.
• Be dated no more than 31 days before the application.
• Be from a regulated financial institution with a record of electronic banking, confirming the name of the account holder and the balance.

Building Society Passbooks or Certificates of Deposit

These can be used if they meet the same criteria as bank statements, including dates, account holder information, and sufficient funds.

Currency Conversion

If funds are in a foreign currency, UKVI will convert the amount to British pounds using the OANDA exchange rate on the application date. Ensure the funds meet the required amount in British pounds to avoid any shortfall due to currency fluctuations.

Exemptions for Certain Nationalities

Applicants from certain countries do not need to provide financial evidence when applying for a Child Student visa. These include:

• British National (Overseas), Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan passport holders.
• Nationals of countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, USA, and most European Union countries.

A full list of exempt nationalities is available on the UK government’s website, and those eligible do not need to present financial evidence, although UKVI reserves the right to request it in some cases.

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