Quick answer
For a course in London you need GBP 1,529 a month, and outside London GBP 1,171 a month, for up to 9 months: GBP 13,761 or GBP 10,539. You also need any first-year course fees you have not yet paid, for up to 9 months, as your CAS shows.
The money must stay in your account for at least 28 days in a row, and the 28 days must end within 31 days of the date you apply. For applications made on or after 30 November 2026 the monthly amounts rise to GBP 1,570 in London and GBP 1,203 elsewhere, GBP 14,130 or GBP 10,827 for 9 months (Statement of Changes HC 584).
Calculate my study budget
Add your course fee, rent and travel to see what you need in your account.
How much you need to show
Living costs for up to 9 months, from GOV.UK, Student visa: money, plus the rise set by HC 584.
| When you apply | Courses in London | Courses outside London |
|---|---|---|
| Before 30 November 2026, per month | GBP 1,529 | GBP 1,171 |
| Before 30 November 2026, for 9 months | GBP 13,761 | GBP 10,539 |
| On or after 30 November 2026, per month | GBP 1,570 | GBP 1,203 |
| On or after 30 November 2026, for 9 months | GBP 14,130 | GBP 10,827 |
Other rules on GOV.UK's money page
- London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
- If you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date you apply, you do not need to show money for your living costs or your course fees.
- You need extra money for each family member who comes with you.
- A student loan or official financial sponsorship counts; you need evidence of it from the lender or sponsor.
- If you are a British national overseas or from a country on the differential evidence list, you do not have to send the evidence with your application, but UK Visas and Immigration can ask for it before deciding.
Source: GOV.UK, Student visa: money you need.
Rules checked on 24 September 2026 against the official pages linked. They change: confirm on the linked page before you act.
What to do next
Work back from the date you plan to apply: the 28 days must end within 31 days of it, so the money needs to be in place about two months ahead.
