Finances are the backbone of your UK Student Visa application. Unlike Canada (which uses GICs) or Germany (Blocked Accounts), the UK relies on Liquid Funds. One calculation error here means an instant refusal.

Here is the 2026 guide to preparing your financial evidence without mistakes.

1. How Much Money Do You Need? (2026 Rates)

The amount you need depends on where your university is located.

A. Tuition Fees

• You must show the full first-year tuition fee minus any amount you have already paid to the university (as shown on your CAS).

B. Living Expenses (Maintenance Funds)

These rates often change. As of 2026, you must show:

• Inside London: £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months).

  • Total to show: £12,006 (approx. ₹13-14 Lakhs).

• Outside London: £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months).

  • Total to show: £9,207 (approx. ₹10-11 Lakhs).

Total Equation: (1 Year Tuition - Deposit Paid) + Living Expenses = Total Funds Required

2. The “28-Day Rule” (The Most Common Mistake)

You cannot just borrow money from a friend and show it.

• The Rule: The required funds must remain in your account for 28 consecutive days. The balance must never drop below the required amount, not even for one hour.

• The Statement: Your bank statement must not be older than 31 days on the date you submit your visa application.

• The Fix: If you have ₹20 Lakhs in your account on Day 1, do not touch it. Print the statement on Day 29.

I have the money. Why was I refused?

 

•  Having money isn’t enough. You must prove the history of that money. If you deposit ₹15 Lakhs into your account today and print the statement tomorrow, your visa will be rejected for “Funds Parking.” The UK Home Office requires your funds to be “mature” for exactly 28 days.

3. Acceptable Types of Funds

The UKVI is strict about where the money is held.

• Acceptable:

  • Savings Accounts (in your name or parents’ name).

  • Current Accounts.

  • Fixed Deposits (FDs) – Must include a letter saying funds can be withdrawn immediately.

  • Education Loan Sanction Letters.

• NOT Acceptable:

  • Overdrafts or Credit Cards.

  • Bitcoin / Crypto.

  • Shares, Bonds, or Mutual Funds (unless liquidated to cash).

  • Funds in a brother/sister/uncle’s account (Only Parents or Legal Guardians are allowed).

4. Using an Education Loan? Check the Letter Format

If you are using a loan from an Indian bank:

1. Regulated Bank: It must be from an RBI-regulated bank (Nationalized or Private).

2. Sanction Letter: The letter must clearly state the loan is sanctioned (approved), not just “in principle.”

3. No Conditions: It should not have conditions like “Subject to Visa Approval.” It must be a confirmed loan.

Internal Link: Worried about bank credibility? Read our guide on Avoiding Pitfalls in UK Visa Submissions

5. Using Parents’ Funds? Don’t Forget This!

If the money is in your father’s or mother’s bank account, you need two extra documents:

1. Birth Certificate: To prove they are your parents.

2. Consent Letter: A signed letter from them confirming they are happy to sponsor your studies. Without these, the visa officer will ignore the funds completely.

External Resources (Official Links)

• GOV.UK Financial Evidence: The official government policy on acceptable funds.

• OANDA Currency Converter: The official exchange rate tool used by UK Visas & Immigration.