What is the 28-day rule for UK Student visa money?
The money you show for a Student visa must have been held for 28 consecutive days. What counts, whose account it can be in, how recent the statement must be, and the amounts.
Reviewed 28 September 2026 · 1 min read
Short answer: The money you show for a Student visa (living costs plus any first-year tuition not yet paid) must have been in your account, or a parent's, for 28 consecutive days without dipping below the required amount, and the most recent statement must be dated within 31 days of your application.
How much
| Where you will study | Per month | For up to 9 months |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
Add any first-year tuition still owed. If you have paid a deposit, the CAS shows it and the required balance drops by that amount.
The rule itself
- The full amount must be in the account for 28 consecutive days. If the balance dips below the required figure on any day, the 28 days start again.
- The most recent statement must be dated within 31 days of the application date.
- The account can be yours or a parent's. Student loans and official financial sponsorship count with the right letters.
Common ways it goes wrong
- A transfer arrives on day 20 and the application goes in on day 25.
- Tuition is paid out of the same account during the 28 days, taking the balance under the line.
- The statement covers the right period but was printed too long before applying.
The cost calculator works out the exact balance to hold.
Sources
General information, not regulated immigration advice. Rules change; check the source before you act, and speak to an IAA-registered adviser about your case.