The UK Student Visa and Child Student Visa routes are designed for individuals who wish to come to the United Kingdom for education. These visa categories are subject to strict requirements set by the UK Home Office, including detailed financial rules that applicants must meet.
In our previous article on UK Student Visa conditions, rules, and restrictions, we explored general visa requirements. In this guide, we focus specifically on the financial requirement for both Student and Child Student visa applicants, including how much money is required, how it must be held, and who may be exempt.
Understanding the types of UK student visas
Student visa (for applicants aged 16 and over)
The Student Visa route is available to individuals aged 16 or over who wish to study in the UK. This visa covers a wide range of study options, including:
- Further education courses
- Higher education courses (such as university degrees)
- Pre-sessional English language courses
- Recognised foundation programmes
- Elected roles such as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer
To qualify, applicants must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by a licensed sponsor approved by the UK Home Office.
Child student visa (for children aged 4 to 17)
The Child Student Visa route is specifically for children aged between 4 and 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK.
The school must be listed on the official register of licensed sponsors. This route is strictly limited to independent (private) schools and does not apply to state schools.
Financial requirements for a UK student visa
Applicants applying for entry clearance or permission to stay as a Student – and who have been in the UK for less than 12 months – must meet strict financial requirements.
They must show that they have enough money to cover:
- Their course fees
- Their living costs in the UK
Course fee requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that they can pay:
- The full course fees for one academic year if the course is longer than one year, or
- The total course fees if the course lasts less than one year
The exact amount of course fees will be clearly stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Living cost requirement
In addition to course fees, applicants must show sufficient funds for living expenses.
The required amount depends on the location of study:
- If studying in London: Β£1,529 per month (for up to 9 months)
- If studying outside London: Β£1,171 per month (for up to 9 months)
These amounts are fixed by the UK Home Office and must be strictly followed.
Students attending boarding schools
Students studying at boarding schools must demonstrate that they have enough funds to cover:
- Tuition fees
- Boarding fees (including accommodation and meals)
All required amounts will be listed on the CAS, including any payments already made toward these fees.
Deduction for accommodation deposits
Where a student sponsor has arranged accommodation and the applicant has already paid a deposit, a deduction of up to Β£1,529 can be made from the total funds required.
Financial requirements for child student visa applicants
The financial requirement for Child Student visa applicants varies depending on where and how the child will live during their studies.
Children studying at boarding schools
Child students attending boarding schools must show that they have sufficient funds to pay:
- One full academic year of school fees
- This includes both tuition and boarding costs
Children living with a parent or legal guardian
If the child is living with a parent (who holds a Parent of a Child Student Visa) or a legal guardian, they must show:
- Course fees and boarding fees (if applicable) for one academic year
- Β£1,560 per month for each month of the course (up to a maximum of 9 months)
If there are additional children, an extra Β£625 per child per month (up to 9 months) must also be shown.
Children living with a private foster carer or close relative
Where a child is living with a private foster carer or a close relative who is a British citizen or settled in the UK, the requirements include:
- Payment of school fees for one academic year
- Evidence that the carer or relative has at least Β£570 per month (for up to 9 months) to support the child
Children aged 16 or 17 living independently
Child students aged 16 or 17 who are living independently must show:
- Sufficient funds to pay course fees for one academic year
- Living costs of:
- Β£1,334 per month (if studying in London), or
- Β£1,023 per month (if studying outside London)
These amounts apply for a maximum of 9 months.
Exemptions from the financial requirement
Some applicants are not required to provide evidence of funds.
This includes:
- Students and Child Students who have already been in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or more
- Applicants applying as a Student Union Sabbatical Officer
- Applicants eligible under the differentiation arrangements (including certain nationalities and passport holders such as those from Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, or Taiwan)
However, even where exemptions apply, the UK Home Office may still request financial evidence, so applicants should always be prepared.
Acceptable types of financial evidence
Applicants can rely on several types of funds to meet the financial requirement, including:
- Personal savings held in a bank account
- Student loans from a government or regulated financial institution
- Official financial sponsorship from a government or international scholarship body
Important rules for holding funds
Where personal savings are used:
- The required amount must be held for at least 28 consecutive days
- The 28-day period must end no more than 31 days before the application date
Failure to meet these timing rules is a very common reason for visa refusal.
Financial requirements for dependent partners
Where a Student Visa holder is eligible to bring a dependent partner, additional financial requirements apply.
The partner must show:
- Β£845 per month if the student is studying in London
- Β£680 per month if studying outside London
These funds are in addition to:
- The studentβs own financial requirement
- Any funds required for dependent children
If the partner has already been living in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or more, they will not need to show financial evidence.
Financial requirements for parent of a child student visa
For parents applying under the Parent of a Child Student Visa route, the financial requirement depends on timing and circumstances.
When applying at the same time as the child
If the parent applies at the same time as the Child Student, the financial requirement is considered met if the child meets their own financial requirement.
When applying separately
If the parent applies separately and has been in the UK for less than 12 months, they must show:
- Β£1,560 per month for their stay (up to 9 months)
- Β£625 per month for each additional child (up to 9 months)
When already in the UK for 12 months
If the parent has been in the UK with valid permission for 12 months or more, they do not need to provide financial evidence.
Financial requirements for a short-term student visa (English language)
The Short-term Student Visa (English Language) is for applicants aged 16 or over who wish to study English in the UK for a period between 6 and 11 months.
This route does not require a licensed sponsor, but applicants must still show that they:
- Can pay for their course fees (or have already paid them)
- Can support themselves financially without accessing public funds
- Can cover the cost of their return or onward journey
How LawSentis can help
The financial requirement is one of the most technical and frequently misunderstood parts of the UK student visa process. Even small mistakes – such as incorrect bank statements, missing transaction history, or failing to meet the 28-day rule – can lead to refusal by the UK Home Office.
At LawSentis, we specialise in UK immigration law and provide end-to-end support for Student and Child Student visa applications. Our expert team can:
- Accurately calculate your required funds based on your case
- Review and verify your financial documents
- Advise on acceptable sources of funds and sponsorship
- Ensure compliance with all Home Office requirements
- Prepare and submit a strong, decision-ready application
As an IAA-regulated UK immigration firm (Level 3), LawSentis provides professional, reliable, and up-to-date advice tailored to your situation.
Contact LawSentis today to ensure your UK student visa application meets every financial requirement and avoids costly mistakes.