Almost every student visa refusal for genuine applicants comes down to one thing: money not shown correctly. Each country sets a living-cost figure you must prove, on top of tuition and travel. Here are the current 2026 requirements and how to prove them without tripping up.
Australia (Subclass 500)
For 2026 you must show living-cost funds of AUD $29,710 for 12 months, plus your first year of tuition and your travel costs. Additional amounts apply for a partner (AUD $10,394) and each dependent child (AUD $4,449). Evidence can include bank statements, an education loan, or evidence of a sponsor's income. See our detailed showing funds for an Australian student visa guide.
United Kingdom (Student Route)
You must show tuition plus living (maintenance) costs:
- London: £1,529 per month for up to nine months — a maximum of £13,761
- Outside London: £1,171 per month for up to nine months — a maximum of £10,539
The critical rule: the money must be held in an eligible account for 28 consecutive days, and the closing balance must be dated within 31 days of your application. Dropping below the required amount on any of those 28 days can cause a refusal. See how to get a UK student visa.
Canada (Study Permit)
For applications submitted on or after 1 September 2026, a single applicant must show CAD $23,448 for living costs — separate from and in addition to first-year tuition and travel. A Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), bank statements, and an education loan are all accepted forms of evidence. See our Canada study permit guide.
United States (F-1)
The US does not publish a single national figure; instead your school lists an estimated cost of attendance on your I-20, and you must prove you can cover at least your first year and have access to funds for the rest. Evidence includes bank statements, an education loan sanction, and sponsor or scholarship letters. Genuine, verifiable funds matter more than a large last-minute balance.
Mistakes that cause refusals
- Last-minute lump sums. Large deposits just before applying look suspicious. Build and hold funds over time.
- Breaking the 28-day rule (UK). Even a single dip below the threshold can fail an application.
- Forgetting tuition and travel. The living-cost figure is *on top of* tuition and airfare.
- Unexplained sources. Be ready to show where the money came from.
- Editing statements. Never let anyone alter a bank statement — this is fraud and ends your application.
Do it honestly
If a consultancy offers to arrange "show money" or edit your statements, refuse — it is fraud and risks a long visa ban. Choose an adviser you can trust and compare them with verified reviews on ConsultancyCheck.
Related guides
Model your full budget with the cost of studying abroad calculator, compare destinations on our compare destinations tool, and read common student visa refusal reasons.
*Financial thresholds are set by each government and updated regularly. Always confirm the latest amounts on the official Department of Home Affairs (Australia), GOV.UK, IRCC (Canada), and US Department of State websites before applying.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to show for an Australian student visa in 2026?
You must show AUD $29,710 in living costs for 12 months, plus your first-year tuition and travel. Additional amounts apply for a partner (AUD $10,394) and each dependent child (AUD $4,449).
How much do I need for a UK student visa in 2026?
Tuition plus living costs of £1,529/month for up to nine months in London (max £13,761) or £1,171/month outside London (max £10,539). The funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.
How much proof of funds does Canada require in 2026?
For applications on or after 1 September 2026, a single applicant must show CAD $23,448 for living costs, separate from first-year tuition and travel.
What is the most common proof-of-funds mistake?
Depositing a large lump sum just before applying. Officers look for genuine funds held over time; last-minute money, unexplained sources, or edited statements commonly cause refusals.
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