Bank Balance Required for UK Student Visa 2025 (The 28-Day Rule)

Financial evidence is the single most common reason for UK student visa refusals. The rules are rigid, mathematical, and unforgiving. You must hold specific amounts for a specific time, in specific types of banks. One day short, or one pound short, results in automatic rejection. This guide explains exactly how to meet the "28-Day Rule" in 2025.

1. The Formula: How Much Money Do You Need?

The UKVI requires you to show "Maintenance Funds" to prove you can support yourself. The formula is simple:

(Total Tuition Fees - Tuition Already Paid) + Living Costs

Living Costs (2025 Rates)

The monthly requirement depends on where your university is located:

• London (Inner London Boroughs): £1,483 per month. You must show this for up to 9 months (£13,347).
• Outside London (Rest of UK): £1,136 per month. You must show this for up to 9 months (£10,224).

Example: If you are studying in Manchester (Outside London) and have £5,000 tuition left to pay, you need: £5,000 + £10,224 = £15,224 minimum balance.

2. The 28-Day Rule Explained

This is where students slip up. You cannot just deposit money today and apply tomorrow.

• The full required amount must be in the account for at least 28 consecutive days.
• The balance must never drop below the required amount during this period. Even if it drops for one hour, the 28-day clock resets.
• The bank statement you submit must be dated within 31 days of the date you submit your visa application online.

Scenario: You apply on October 1st. Your bank statement must show that the funds were present from at least September 1st to September 29th (28 days). The statement itself must be printed/dated no earlier than September 1st.

3. Acceptable Sources of Funds

UKVI does not accept all types of money. The funds must be liquid (immediately withdrawable).

• ✅ Accepted: Personal bank accounts (Savings/Current), Building society accounts, Fixed Deposits (only if accompanied by a letter stating funds can be withdrawn immediately), Educational Loans (sanction letter required).
• ❌ Rejected: Shares, Bonds, Stocks, Credit Cards, Overdraft limits, Bitcoin/Crypto, Property value, Gold, Pension funds (unless withdrawable).

4. Who Can Sponsor You?

Only the following people can sponsor your finances:

• You (The Student): Funds in your own personal account.
• Your Parent(s) or Legal Guardian: You must provide your birth certificate and a signed letter of consent from them confirming you can use the funds.

Warning: You CANNOT use funds from an uncle, aunt, brother, sister, or grandparent. They cannot be your financial sponsor for a Student Visa.

5. Country-Specific Banking Rules

India 🇮🇳

You must use banks regulated by the RBI. While many cooperative banks are regulated, UKVI scrutiny is higher. We strongly suggest using major banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, or Kotak. If using an Education Loan, ensure the sanction letter clearly states the loan is for "Study in the UK" and has no conditional clauses that haven't been met.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

Avoid microfinance banks. UKVI often struggles to verify funds with smaller Nigerian microfinance institutions, leading to refusals. Stick to Tier-1 banks (Access, Zenith, GTB, UBA, First Bank). Ensure your bank can respond to UKVI verification emails promptly.

Pakistan 🇵🇰

Funds must be in a scheduled bank regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan. National Savings Certificates (Behbood, etc.) are risky unless you have a bank letter explicitly stating they can be encashed immediately. Ideally, transfer the funds to a standard savings account.

Your Next Steps

FAQ

Can I use a joint account?

Yes, but you must be one of the account holders. If the other holder is not your parent, you may need to explain, but usually, joint accounts with parents are safest.

Do I need to show funds if I have a full scholarship?

If you have a full scholarship covering 100% tuition and living costs (e.g., Chevening), you do not need bank statements. You just need the scholarship letter.