Starting from the 2nd of January 2025, the new UK student visa financial requirements for international students applying for a UK student visa will require them to meet new financial maintenance requirements. The UK Home Office announced these changes to reflect inflation adjustments and better align the support available to domestic students through maintenance loans.
Here’s a breakdown of what students, dependents, and institutions need to know about the updated financial criteria.
Updated Maintenance Funds Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses while studying in the UK. The exact amount depends on whether the student will study in London or outside London.
- Studying in London:
Students must show they have £1,483 per month.
For courses lasting nine months or longer, the total required amount is £13,347 (£1,483 × 9 months). - Studying outside London:
Students must show they have £1,136 per month.
For courses lasting nine months or longer, the total required amount is £10,224 (£1,136 × 9 months).
These amounts must be held in the student’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, and the end date of these 28 days must fall within 31 days of the visa application date.
Additional Requirements for Dependents
Students bringing family members (dependents) to the UK must show additional financial resources:
- £845 per month for each dependent if studying in London.
- £680 per month for each dependent if studying outside London.
This ensures that the dependents also have sufficient means to support themselves without public funds.
Accommodation Payments Adjustment
If a student has prepaid for accommodation, they can deduct part of that amount from their total required funds.
- Up to £1,483 if studying in London.
- Up to £1,136 if studying outside London.
This can make a significant difference in the overall amount of funds a student needs to show.
- Those who have legally lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before applying.
- Those applying to be student union sabbatical officers.
- Postgraduate doctors or dentists applying for a recognized foundation program.
Applicants who meet these criteria can focus on the rest of their documentation without worrying about the maintenance of evidence.
Accepted Forms of Financial Evidence
To meet the financial requirement, students must provide acceptable documentation such as:
- Bank statements (electronic or paper)
- Building society passbooks
- Certificates of deposit
- Official letters from a bank or building society
Important guidelines for documents:
- Must be from a personal account (business accounts are not allowed).
- Must be in the student’s name or the name of a parent or partner (with additional relationship evidence).
- Must clearly show that the required funds were held for 28 consecutive days.
- Must be dated within 31 days of the visa application.
Funds in forms such as overdrafts, cryptocurrencies, shares, pensions, or other investments are not accepted.
Final Thoughts
The new UK student visa financial requirements for 2025 aim to ensure that international students are fully prepared for the financial demands of living and studying in the UK. Careful preparation, correct documentation, and early financial planning are crucial for a successful visa application.
For the latest updates and detailed guidance, always refer to the official GOV.UK website or consult qualified immigration advisors.