- What you show
- Unpaid first-year tuition + living costs
- Living costs
- Set monthly amount × up to 9 months
- Hold period
- Continuous 28 days before applying
- London
- Higher monthly figure than elsewhere
Key takeaways
- You show unpaid first-year tuition plus a set monthly living-cost amount.
- The living-cost figure is higher for study in London than the rest of the UK.
- Funds must usually be held for a continuous 28-day period before you apply.
- Exact amounts are set by UKVI and change — confirm on GOV.UK every time.
The short answer
You must prove you can pay your course fees for the first year (minus anything already paid) plus living costs. Living costs are a fixed monthly amount set by UKVI, multiplied by the length of your course up to a maximum of nine months, and the London figure is higher than the rest of the UK. The money must sit in an acceptable account for a continuous 28-day period ending shortly before you apply.
Why this trips people up
Applications are refused over small errors: the wrong account type, funds that dipped below the threshold during the 28 days, or statements that don't meet the format rules. Study UK Now checks your financial evidence against the current UKVI rules before you submit, which is exactly where an avoidable refusal is prevented.
How Study UK Now helps with this
Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the money need to be in my account for a UK student visa?
Funds usually need to be held in an acceptable account for a continuous 28-day period, with the closing balance dated no more than 31 days before you apply, and never dropping below the required amount during that window. Always confirm the current rule on GOV.UK.
Is the bank balance higher for studying in London?
Yes — the monthly living-cost (maintenance) figure you must show is higher for courses in London than for the rest of the UK. The exact amounts are set by UKVI and change, so confirm them on GOV.UK before relying on a number.
Sources — verified April 2026
Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.