The answer in 60 seconds
- You must show course fees still owed plus living costs for up to nine months.
- The living-cost rates published by the Home Office are per month of your course, capped at nine months — a higher rate for courses in London and a lower rate outside London.
- The money must sit in an eligible account for 28 consecutive days without dropping below the required amount, and your closing statement must be dated within 31 days of your visa application.
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Key figures
Living costs — in London
£1,483 per month, max 9 months (£13,347)
Home Office maintenance rate
Living costs — outside London
£1,136 per month, max 9 months (£10,224)
Home Office maintenance rate
Holding period
28 consecutive days
Statement age at application
Within 31 days of the closing balance date
Figures last checked 22 August 2026. Fees and thresholds change — confirm on GOV.UK before you pay anything.
What counts toward the total
The total is: any tuition fee still outstanding for the first year of your course, plus the monthly living-cost rate multiplied by the number of months of your course, capped at nine months.
Amounts already paid to the university — deposits and prepaid tuition — reduce the fee part of the total, but only if your CAS records them.
- Deposits paid must appear on the CAS to be deducted.
- Accommodation paid to the university can reduce the living-cost part, usually up to a published cap.
- Scholarships count if evidenced by an official award letter.
The 28-day rule, precisely
The balance must be at or above the required amount on every one of 28 consecutive days. A single dip on a single day resets the clock.
The closing balance date on the evidence must be no more than 31 days before the date you submit the online visa application. Prepare the statement, then apply promptly.
Evidence that is normally accepted
Bank statements or an official bank letter in your name, or in a parent's name with a birth certificate and a letter of consent. Statements must show the account holder, account number, date, the institution's name and logo, and the balance.
- Personal bank or building society accounts.
- A loan letter from a recognised financial institution or government-approved lender.
- Official financial or government sponsorship letters.
What is usually not accepted
Funds that cannot be accessed immediately, or that belong to someone other than you or a parent, are commonly rejected.
- Shares, bonds, pension funds and overdraft facilities.
- Credit card limits.
- Money held by a sibling, uncle, aunt or family friend.
- Fixed deposits that cannot be withdrawn immediately (check the rules for your case).
Common mistakes
- Transferring money in on day 20 and applying on day 25 — the 28 days must be complete before the closing balance date.
- Currency movement pushing the balance below the requirement on one day.
- Using a sibling's or relative's account instead of your own or a parent's.
- Applying more than 31 days after the statement's closing balance date.
FAQs
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