UK Student Visa Bank Balance Requirement for Indian Students

UK student visa bank balance requirement for Indian students 2025

For 2025 applications, the living‑cost maintenance is £1,483/month in London and £1,136/month outside London, calculated for up to 9 months depending on course length, in addition to outstanding first‑year tuition fees shown on the CAS. London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs for the purpose of calculating maintenance.

How much money to show

• London study: £1,483×months (max 9)£1,483×months (max 9) living costs + outstanding first‑year tuition fees on CAS.
• Outside London: £1,136×months (max 9)£1,136×months (max 9) living costs + outstanding first‑year tuition fees on CAS.
• Maximum living‑cost totals at 9 months: London £1,483×9=£13,347£1,483×9=£13,347; outside London £1,136×9=£10,224£1,136×9=£10,224.

28‑day rule and 31‑day window

Funds must be held for at least 28 days consecutively, and the closing balance date must be within 31 days of the visa application date, or the application can be refused. Evidence can be bank statements, passbooks, certificates of deposit, or bank letters, and may be verified by UKVI; OANDA’s spot rate is used for foreign currency conversions on the application date.

Whose funds are acceptable

Applicants can rely on their own account, a parent’s account with consent and relationship proof, or a partner’s account if applying together or already in the UK, provided the funds are immediately accessible cash. Unacceptable sources include overdrafts, cryptocurrency, stocks/shares, pensions, or accounts not regulated or without electronic record‑keeping.

Tuition fees and CAS deposits

The financial requirement includes outstanding course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months) as stated on the CAS, and applicants typically show the remaining balance after any deposit already paid. The CAS issued by the university specifies the fee amount and any payments received that can be counted towards the financial requirement.

Dependants’ maintenance funds

Where allowed, each dependant must show £845/month in London or £680/month outside London for up to 9 months, separate from the main student’s funds. These funds must also meet the 28‑day holding rule and the 31‑day timing requirement for evidence.

2025 updates to amounts and eVisa note

For applications on or after 2 January 2025, the monthly living‑cost figures are £1,483 (London) and £1,136 (outside London), replacing earlier rates, as reflected in updated Home Office guidance. The British Council also notes UKVI eVisa processes from 2025, so applicants should review current application steps alongside financial rules.

Documentation checklist

• Bank evidence: statements/passbook/certificate of deposit/letter showing required funds for 28 consecutive days and dated within 31 days of application.
• If using parent’s funds: birth certificate/official proof of relationship + signed consent letter.
• If using a student loan: loan letter issued within 6 months, confirming amount, disbursement conditions, and availability before course start.
• If officially sponsored: sponsor letter or CAS notation confirming extent of fees/living costs covered and duration.

Calculations and examples

• Example A (London, 1‑year master’s): Living costs £1,483×9=£13,347£1,483×9=£13,347 plus outstanding year‑one tuition as per CAS; funds held 28 days and evidenced within 31 days of application.
• Example B (outside London, 1‑year master’s): Living costs £1,136×9=£10,224£1,136×9=£10,224 plus outstanding year‑one tuition as per CAS; same 28‑day/31‑day rules apply.
• Example C (dependant in London): Add £845×months (max 9)£845×months (max 9) per dependant to the main applicant’s funds, held for 28 days and evidenced within 31 days.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Letting the balance dip below the required minimum at any time during the 28‑day period, which risks refusal.
• Using non‑cash assets (e.g., shares, crypto) or unregulated accounts, which are not accepted as evidence.
• Submitting financial evidence older than 31 days from the application date or missing required relationship/consent documents.

FAQ’s