UK Student Visa Maintenance Funds 2026: How Much Money Do You Need?

4 min read

One of the most common reasons a UK Student visa gets refused isn't academic — it's money. UKVI checks that you can genuinely support yourself, and the rules around how much and how long are stricter than most applicants expect.

Current monthly maintenance requirement

• London: £1,529 per month, for up to 9 months (maximum £13,761)
• Outside London: £1,171 per month, for up to 9 months (maximum £10,539)

Which figure applies depends on where your course is based, not where you happen to be from or where you plan to live. Check your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — it states the location UKVI will use.

A change is coming on 30 November 2026

The Home Office has confirmed an increase to these figures effective 30 November 2026: London rises to £1,570 per month, and outside London to £1,203 per month. If your visa application date falls on or after that day, you need to meet the new, higher amount — not the current one. Always check GOV.UK for the exact rate in effect on your application date.

The 28-day rule

The required funds need to sit in your (or your parent/guardian's) bank account continuously for at least 28 days before you apply, and the closing balance on the day the statement is issued must still meet the requirement. A balance that dips below the threshold at any point during those 28 days, even briefly, can cause a refusal — this trips up more applicants than any other single rule.

Tuition fees are separate

The maintenance figure above covers living costs only. You also need to show you can cover any tuition fees not already paid, as recorded on your CAS. If you've paid a deposit, that amount is deducted from what you need to prove.

Getting this right the first time matters — a refusal on financial grounds delays your intake and costs you a second application fee. If you'd like your specific case checked against the full visa criteria, our Compliance Ledger tool runs a complete readiness check, not just the funds requirement.