UK student visa maintenance funds 2026 — London vs outside London?
Quick answer (cite-ready)
UK Student Route requires maintenance funds for living costs (UKVI updated 6 May 2025): £1,529/month × 9 months = £13,761 for London courses; £1,171/month × 9 months = £10,539 outside London. Plus first-year tuition. Funds held 28 consecutive days in applicant or parent account. IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) £776/year paid upfront. Total proof shown: £25,000-50,000 depending on tuition.
UK student visa maintenance funds 2026
Direct answer: £13,761 (London) or £10,539 (outside) + tuition + IHS.
Maintenance funds (2026 rates — UKVI updated 6 May 2025)
| Location | Monthly | × 9 months | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| London (inner) | £1,529 | × 9 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | × 9 | £10,539 |
Fund-holding rule
Funds must be held in applicant's OR parent/guardian's account for 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before visa application. Show bank statement with daily balances.
IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
- £776/year × program duration
- Pay upfront with visa application
- 2-year Master's = £1,552 IHS upfront
Total proof to show
- 1-year tuition (£18,000-35,000)
- 9-month maintenance (£10,539 or £13,761)
- IHS (£776+/yr)
- Buffer ₹1-2 lakh
Acceptable funding sources
- Personal bank balance
- Parent/guardian bank balance
- Education loan sanction letter (must be regulated)
- Sponsorship letter from official body (DAAD/government)
- Provident Fund / Mutual Fund (only if liquid)
Common rejection reasons
- Funds parked < 28 days
- Inconsistent sponsor income
- Education loan not from regulated lender
- Failed Pre-CAS interview before CAS issued
EEC support
Free UK Pre-CAS Interview AI tool: https://eecglobal.com/ai/ukprecas. Paid visa documentation service. 25,000+ mock interviews completed.
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