Visas
How much money do you need to show for a UK Student visa?
The UK Student visa funds rule explained for Ugandan students: £1,171 or £1,529 a month, the 28-day rule and common mistakes.
HOMIDAZ counselling teamChecked against GOV.UK. Updated , 1 min read
At a glance
- Living costs outside London
- £1,171 a month
- Living costs in London
- £1,529 a month
- Maximum months you must cover
- 9 months
- How long the money must be held
- 28 days
On this page
Financial evidence is where many Student visa applications go wrong. The rules are strict but predictable, so plan months ahead and you will be fine.
The two amounts you must cover
- Your course fees for the first year, minus any deposit you have already paid. Your CAS shows the amount still owed.
- Living costs: £1,171 a month outside London or £1,529 a month in London, for the length of your course up to 9 months.
For a one-year master's outside London with £4,000 of fees still to pay, that is £4,000 plus 9 × £1,171 = £14,539.
The 28-day rule
The full amount must sit in the account for at least 28 consecutive days. The last day of that period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. If the balance dips below the required amount for even one day, the clock restarts.
Whose account can it be?
The money can be in your own account, or in your parent's or legal guardian's account with their written consent and proof of your relationship, such as your birth certificate. Official financial sponsorship, such as a government scholarship, is shown with a sponsor letter instead.
Mistakes we see most often
- Moving money in late, so it has not been held for the full period
- Statements that do not show the account holder's name, the bank's details or the dates
- Forgetting that a parent's account needs a consent letter and a birth certificate
- Using the London amount when the campus is outside London, or the other way round
Amounts checked on GOV.UK in October 2026. See the official money requirements.