How Much Bank Balance Do You Need for a UK Student Visa in 2025?

October 1, 2025
by Staff Writer
Study In The UK

Why the Bank Balance Requirement Matters

For international students, the financial evidence requirement is often the most stressful part of the UK student visa process. Even if you have admission, a strong Statement of Purpose, and the right documents, your application can be refused if you fail to meet the bank balance rules.

This isn’t just about showing money — it’s about proving to UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) that you can support yourself without relying on illegal work or government funds. The numbers are precise, the timelines are strict, and small mistakes can lead to rejection.

At Erudmite, we’ve seen bright students lose opportunities because they misunderstood the rules. Let’s break it down clearly, with a real UWS London course example, so you can prepare without surprises.

What Does UKVI Require?

To apply for a UK student visa, you must show funds for:

Tuition fees – The first year of your course, or the full amount if it’s less than a year.
Living costs (maintenance) – A fixed monthly amount set by UKVI, for up to 9 months.

Living Costs Calculation (2025)

If studying in London: £1,483 per month
If studying outside London: £1,136 per month
Maximum: 9 months (even if your course is 12 months or longer)

So, the maximum maintenance requirement is:

London: £13,347 (£1,483 × 9)
Outside London: £10,224 (£1,136 × 9)

The “28-Day Rule” Explained

Your funds must:

Be held in your account for 28 consecutive days (balance must not dip below the required minimum at any point).
Be shown on a bank statement that is no more than 31 days old on the date of your application.

If your balance drops even once, or if your statement is too old, UKVI can refuse your visa.

Real Example: MSc Cyber Security at UWS London

At UWS London, the MSc Cyber Security (full-time) course fee for international students is £18,000. (Up to 40% scholarship is available at the London Campus of the University of the West of Scotland, which can significantly reduce this cost for eligible students.)

Here’s how the financial requirement looks for this programme:

Tuition fee: £18,000 (before scholarship deductions)
Living costs (London rate): £13,347
Total required: £31,347

This is the minimum you must show in your account (or your parent/guardian’s account) for at least 28 days.

Why Showing More Is Smarter

Technically, UKVI only requires £31,347 for the MSc Cyber Security example. But in practice, students should always show more.

Here’s why:

Currency fluctuations
- If your funds are held in INR, PKR, NGN, AED, or EGP, the exchange rate can move suddenly.
- Example: £1 = 60 EGP today, but if the Pound strengthens, your same balance may no longer meet the threshold.
Buffer against scrutiny
- Visa officers look at your entire 28-day history.
- A dip below the requirement on even one day can cause rejection.
Best practice
- Keep the required funds for 2–3 months, not just 28 days.
- Add a 10–15% buffer to cover fluctuations.

So instead of showing exactly £31,347, students should aim for at least £34,000–£35,000 equivalent in their local currency.

Currency Examples

Here’s how much you’d need to maintain in different markets (approximate, based on current exchange rates):

UAE Dirhams (AED): ~150,000 AED
Indian Rupees (INR): ~3,500,000 INR
Pakistani Rupees (PKR): ~12,000,000 PKR
Nigerian Naira (NGN): ~60,000,000 NGN
Egyptian Pounds (EGP): ~2,100,000 EGP

⚠️ These figures fluctuate daily. That’s why keeping a buffer is essential.

What If You’ve Already Paid Part of Your Tuition?

If you’ve paid part of your tuition, your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will reflect this, and you can subtract it from the total required.
If you’ve paid for university accommodation (listed on your CAS), you may deduct up to £1,334 from your living costs requirement.

Common Mistakes Students Make

Showing the exact minimum – leaves no room for fluctuations.
Using unstable accounts – overdrafts, fixed deposits, or investment accounts aren’t accepted.
Short holding period – showing money for less than 28 days invalidates the application.
Last-minute transfers – sudden large deposits without explanation can raise red flags.

Why This Matters for International Students

Students from countries like UAE, India, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Egypt often underestimate the impact of exchange rates and timing. A rejection doesn’t just cost you money — it can also:

Delay your intake (forcing you to defer to January or September).
Affect your credibility in future applications.
Cause emotional and financial stress for your family.

That’s why careful preparation is key.

How Erudmite Helps

At Erudmite, we guide students through the financial preparation stage, making sure nothing is left to chance. Our support includes:

Explaining tuition vs maintenance in clear terms.
Helping families calculate required amounts in local currencies (AED, INR, PKR, NGN, EGP).
Advising on safe buffer ranges to cover fluctuations.
Reviewing bank statements to ensure compliance with UKVI’s strict 28-day rule.

Because we know: your visa doesn’t just depend on your dream — it depends on the details.

Other UWS London Courses with Strong Career Value

While we’ve focused on MSc Cyber Security, UWS London also offers other future-proof courses that international students should consider:

Each of these aligns with industries where demand is outpacing supply — making them not just degrees, but career investments.

Conclusion:

Getting into a UK university is only half the journey. Securing your visa is the gate that lets you through. And that gate is guarded by numbers — tuition, living costs, and bank balances.

The smart student doesn’t just meet the minimum. They prepare for fluctuations, keep a buffer, and hold funds long enough to leave no doubt.

If you’re planning to study in the UK — whether from the UAE, India, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, or Egypt — take this seriously. The right preparation today saves months of stress tomorrow.

FAQs

1. Do I need to show funds for the entire length of my course?
No. UKVI only requires tuition fees plus up to 9 months of living costs.

2. Can I use my parents’ bank account?
Yes, but you must provide proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate) and a letter confirming access.

3. What if my balance drops below the minimum during the 28 days?
Your visa is likely to be refused. Consistency is critical.

4. How much extra should I keep as a buffer?
At least 10–15% above the required amount.

5. Do I need financial evidence if I’m extending my visa in the UK?
If you’ve been in the UK for 12 months or more with a valid visa, you may be exempt from showing funds again.