For a UK Student visa, you must hold the required money for at least 28 days in a row. The last day of that 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the date you apply. In London the required living costs are £1,529 a month, and £1,171 outside London, for up to 9 months, plus your course fee for the first year.
- Hold the money for at least 28 days in a row.
- The end of the 28 days must be within 31 days of your application date.
- Living costs: £1,529 a month in London, £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months.
- Add the course fee for one academic year (up to 9 months), as stated on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
- A student loan or official financial sponsorship needs different evidence. Ask your university what to send.
What the rule says
The GOV.UK page for the Student visa says two things about timing. You must have the money "for at least 28 days in a row". The end date of that 28-day period must be "within 31 days of the date you apply".
So the rule sets how long the money sits in your account and how recent that period is. A large deposit the week before you apply does not meet it.
A date example
Say you plan to apply on 15 June 2027. The 28-day period has to end within 31 days of that date, so its last day falls between 15 May 2027 and 15 June 2027.
| Case | First day with the money | Last day with the money |
|---|---|---|
| Earliest allowed period | 18 April 2027 | 15 May 2027 |
| Latest allowed period | 19 May 2027 | 15 June 2027 |
If your 28 days run from 18 April 2027 to 15 May 2027, you are inside the rule. Count the first day as day 1. A period that ended before 15 May 2027 is too old. Check your balance on every one of the 28 days, because the rule asks for the money to be there for the whole run.
How much you need
The total is your course fee for the first academic year plus living costs. Living costs are charged for the length of your course, rounded up to the next full month, up to 9 months.
| Where you study | Student | Each dependant |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £845 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £680 |
Study counts as London if more than half the course is at a London site.
Worked example: 12 months in London
A student on a 12 month course in London pays £18,500 in fees. Living costs are capped at 9 months, so 9 × £1,529 = £13,761. The funds needed are £18,500 + £13,761 = £32,261. That whole amount has to sit in the account for the 28 days.
Worked example: a short course outside London
A course of 6 months and 25 days, outside London, rounds up to 7 months. Fees are £9,000 and living costs are 7 × £1,171 = £8,197, so the total is £17,197.
Dependants and deposits
Each dependant adds £845 a month in London, and £680 outside, for up to 9 months. One dependant on the 12 month London course above adds £7,605, which brings the total to £39,866. Students on courses shorter than 6 months cannot bring dependants.
An accommodation deposit paid to your sponsor can be taken off the total, up to £1,529. A £1,529 deposit lowers that total to £38,337.
Planning your dates
Work backwards from the day you plan to apply. Take the application date, subtract 31 days, and that is the earliest the 28 days may end. Then count 27 days back from that end date to find the first day the money must be in place. For an application on 15 June 2027, that first day is 18 April 2027.
The rule gives you room. Any 28 day run that ends in the 31 days before you apply works. If your application date slips by a week, the window moves with it, and you can still use the same money if it stays in place. If the date slips by more than the margin, your 28 days may be too old, so check again.
Part months matter for the amount, not for the dates. A course of 6 months and 25 days counts as 7 months for living costs, which is why the second example above uses 7 and not 6.83.
Who does not need to show funds
GOV.UK lists some exceptions. You do not need to show funds if you have lived in the UK on a visa for at least 12 months before you apply. Nationals of more than 65 listed countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, do not need to prove living costs, though they may be asked for evidence later. Student union sabbatical officers are also exempt. Read the page for the current list.
Mistakes that cause refusals
- Counting the wrong end date. The 28 days must end within 31 days of applying, so wait if your period is too old.
- Moving the money during the 28 days. The rule asks for the money for 28 days in a row, so keep the balance at the required amount throughout.
- Forgetting the deposit rule. Only a deposit paid to your sponsor can be offset, and only up to £1,529.
- Using last year’s figures. The monthly rates change, so check GOV.UK on the day you apply.
Before you apply
Check your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies for the course fee and length. Decide whether your course counts as London. Add up the amount and move the money early, so it has 28 days to settle. Then read the GOV.UK page again on the day you apply, because the rates can change.
Calculators that help
- UK Student Visa Funds Calculator: the full funds figure, with dependants, deposit and visa costs.
- Study Abroad Cost Calculator: what a year abroad costs in total.
- Funding Gap Calculator: the gap between your costs and your funding.
Questions students ask
What is the 28 day rule for a UK student visa?
You must have the required money for at least 28 days in a row. The last day of that period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.
Does the money have to stay at the same level for all 28 days?
It has to stay at or above the required amount on every day of the period. Check your balance each day before you apply.
How much do I need for a UK student visa?
Your first year course fee plus £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months.
Can a deposit reduce the amount?
An accommodation deposit paid to your sponsor can be deducted, up to £1,529.
Do I always have to show funds?
No. You do not need to if you have lived in the UK on a visa for 12 months, if you are a national of a listed country, or if you are a student union sabbatical officer. Check the GOV.UK page for the list.
What if my money comes from a student loan or sponsor?
These need different evidence. Ask your university what to send.
