How to Calculate Maintenance Funds for Your UK Student Visa Application

Ensuring you have the correct amount of maintenance funds is a crucial step in the visa process. Be sure to calculate this early on to avoid any delays in your application!

If you’re an international student planning to study in the UK, one of the most important steps in your visa application process is demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses. The UK government requires that you show you can afford accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and any other day-to-day expenses. This is commonly referred to as your “maintenance funds.”

In addition to these living expenses, you will also need to account for your tuition fees. Typically, international students must show funds for their first-year tuition fees, which are combined with the cost of living to give a total amount that needs to be shown as available in your bank account (or your parents' or legal guardians' account) when applying for your UK Student Visa.

How Much Money Do You Need for Maintenance Funds?

The amount of money you need to show varies depending on where you will be studying. The UK government has set specific financial requirements based on your location and whether you have any dependents.

• If you're studying in inner London, you will need to show £1,334 per month for living expenses.

• If you're studying outside of London, the required amount is £1,023 per month.

The maintenance requirement covers a nine-month period, so you will need to multiply the monthly amount by 9 to get the total sum you must show.

What if You Have Dependents?

If your spouse, partner, or children will be accompanying you to the UK, you will also need to show additional maintenance funds to cover their expenses. The amount you need to show will depend on the number of dependents and whether they will be living with you in the same city.

You can use the official UK Government website to calculate exactly how much money you will need for your dependents.

How to Prove You Have the Necessary Funds

You can prove you have the required funds by showing:

• A bank statement with the required amount in your account.

• A letter from your bank confirming the funds are available.

• If you are relying on your parents or legal guardians to support you, they will need to provide bank statements showing the funds in their account. Keep in mind that the funds must be in your parent’s or legal guardian’s name – not from other relatives.

  
  

Use the Maintenance Funds Calculator

To help you determine exactly how much you need to show, the UK government has created a maintenance funds calculator. You can enter details such as your university’s location and any dependents to receive an accurate figure.

The funds are calculated in GBP (£), and it’s important to ensure that the money is available for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply for your visa. This demonstrates that the funds are genuinely available for you to use.