How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?

£1,529 a month for courses in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to 9 months, plus any first-year tuition you have not yet paid. The money must have been in your (or a parent’s) account for 28 consecutive days.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge for students?

£776 per year of your visa, paid with the application. A three-year degree attracts about 3.5 years because the visa runs four months beyond the course.

Do I have to pay the full year’s tuition before the visa?

No, but whatever you have not paid is added to the maintenance figure you must show. Paying a deposit or the full year reduces the bank balance required.

Know the real number.

Tuition, visa fee, health surcharge, rent, and the bank balance you must prove. One honest total, sourced from GOV.UK with a last-verified date.

Show the Home Office

£29,039

Held for 28 consecutive days before you apply: £10,539 maintenance (9 months at £1,171) + £18,500 first-year tuition still owed.

Student visa application: £558
Immigration Health Surcharge (4.5 years of visa): £3,492
Flights and TB test (from): £580
Before you fly, total: £4,630
Rent (typical): £650/mo
Food: £220/mo
Transport: £60/mo
Phone + other: £162/mo
Living, per month: £1,092/mo
Tuition, year 1: £18,500
First-year total: £36,234
Average per month: £3,020/mo

Visa fee £558 (from 8 April 2026), IHS £776/year and maintenance rates from GOV.UK, last verified 17 September 2026. Living costs are typical figures, not Home Office minimums.

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Straight answers

How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?: £1,529 a month for courses in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to 9 months, plus any first-year tuition you have not yet paid. The money must have been in your (or a parent’s) account for 28 consecutive days.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge for students?: £776 per year of your visa, paid with the application. A three-year degree attracts about 3.5 years because the visa runs four months beyond the course.
Do I have to pay the full year’s tuition before the visa?: No, but whatever you have not paid is added to the maintenance figure you must show. Paying a deposit or the full year reduces the bank balance required.

Sources: gov.uk/student-visa/money · gov.uk/student-visa · gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay · gov.uk/student-visa/family-members