What financial evidence do I need for a UK Student visa?

The financial evidence requirements for a UK Student visa are specific and must be exactly right to avoid refusal. Here are the rules:

How much you need to show:
- Tuition fees: If your fees are not already paid, you need to show the full first-year tuition amount (or remaining fees if less than one year)
- Living costs:
- London: £1,334/month for up to 9 months = maximum £12,006
- Outside London: £1,023/month for up to 9 months = maximum £9,207
- Note: If your course is less than 9 months, you calculate living costs for that shorter period

The 28-day rule:
The required amount must have been held in your account (or a parent/legal guardian's account if they are sponsoring you) for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before the date of your visa application.

So if you apply on 1 September, the funds must have been in the account continuously from at least 3 August.

Acceptable evidence:
- Bank statements (official letters or printed statements with bank logo and sort code/account details)
- Building society passbook
- Official bank letter confirming funds
- Proof of a student loan covering fees and maintenance (from an official government loan company)
- Scholarship or bursary letters (if they cover fees and/or living costs)

NOT acceptable:
- Screenshots of banking apps
- Overdraft facilities
- Credit cards
- Money held in cryptocurrency

Important: If you have a sponsor paying for you (parent, employer, government), you need a formal letter from them plus their bank statements showing the funds have been available for 28 days.