UK Maintenance Funds Requirement 2026: How Much Money Indian Students Must Show

One of the most common reasons for UK Student Visa refusals is not meeting the financial requirements correctly. Many students assume that having enough money in their bank account is sufficient, but UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has strict rules regarding how much money must be shown, where it can be held, and how long it must remain in the account.

For Indian students planning to study in the UK in 2026, understanding the maintenance funds requirement is just as important as receiving an admission offer or obtaining a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

If you’re preparing for studying in the UK, this guide explains the latest UK maintenance funds requirements for 2026, including the 28-day rule, London versus outside-London amounts, accepted financial evidence, parental sponsorship requirements, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Are UK Maintenance Funds?

Maintenance funds refer to the money that international students must show they have available to support themselves while studying in the UK.

The requirement is separate from tuition fees.

In most cases, students must demonstrate that they have enough money to cover:

• Outstanding tuition fees for the first academic year
• Living expenses (maintenance funds)
• Additional dependant costs (if applicable)

The exact amount depends on where you will study in the UK.

Quick Answer: How Much Money Must Indian Students Show in 2026?

For Student Visa applications submitted in 2026, UKVI requires students to show living-cost funds of:

These maintenance funds are in addition to any unpaid tuition fees shown on your CAS.

Understanding the London vs Outside London Requirement

The UK government recognises that living costs in London are generally higher than elsewhere in the country.

If Your University Is in London

You must show:

• £1,529 per month
• Maximum of 9 months
• Total: £13,761

Examples include universities located within:

• Central London
• Greater London
• The 32 London Boroughs
• The City of London

If Your University Is Outside London

You must show:

• £1,171 per month
• Maximum of 9 months
• Total: £10,539

This applies to universities in cities such as:

• Manchester
• Birmingham
• Leeds
• Sheffield
• Glasgow
• Edinburgh
• Nottingham
• Liverpool

The classification depends on the official university location rather than accommodation location.

Do You Need to Show Funds for the Entire Course?

No.

One of the most misunderstood rules is the duration of financial evidence.

Even if your course lasts:

• 12 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 36 months

UKVI only requires maintenance funds for a maximum of 9 months, plus any unpaid tuition fees for the first year.

Example: One-Year Master’s in London

Living cost requirement:

£1,529 × 9 months = £13,761

If tuition fees are £20,000 and you’ve already paid £5,000 deposit:

Amount to show:

• Remaining tuition: £15,000
• Maintenance funds: £13,761

Total required:

£28,761

Example: Bachelor’s Degree Outside London

Living cost requirement:

£1,171 × 9 months = £10,539

Plus any unpaid first-year tuition fees shown on the CAS.

The UK Student Visa 28-Day Rule Explained

The 28-day rule is one of the most important financial requirements.

Many otherwise eligible applications are refused because students misunderstand this rule.

What Is the 28-Day Rule?

You must hold the required funds continuously for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting your visa application.

Key Requirements

• Funds must remain above the required threshold every day.
• The balance cannot fall below the required amount.
• The 28-day period must be continuous.
• The final date on the bank statement must be within 31 days of the visa application date.

Example

Suppose you apply for your visa on:

1 August 2026

Your bank statement should show:

• Required funds maintained for at least 28 consecutive days
• Statement ending no earlier than 1 July 2026

Failure to meet either condition may lead to refusal.

What Financial Evidence Is Accepted?

UKVI accepts several types of financial evidence.

1. Personal Bank Account

The most common option.

The account must:

• Be in your name
• Be with a regulated financial institution
• Use electronic record keeping

2. Parent’s Bank Account

Indian students frequently use funds held by parents.

This is fully acceptable if additional documents are provided.

3. Educational Loan

Approved student loans can be used as evidence.

The loan must come from:

• Government sources
• Government-sponsored loan schemes
• Regulated financial institutions

4. Official Sponsorship

Financial sponsorship may come from:

• National governments
• International scholarship bodies
• Universities
• Recognised organisations

Official sponsorship letters can satisfy financial requirements.

Can Parents Sponsor Maintenance Funds?

Yes.

Many Indian students use funds held in a parent’s account.

Additional Documents Required

When using parental funds, UKVI generally requires:

Parent Consent Letter

A signed letter confirming:

• Relationship to the student
• Permission to use the funds
• Financial support commitment

Proof of Relationship

Usually:

• Birth certificate
• Official family document

Parent’s Bank Statement

Showing compliance with the 28-day rule.

Sample Parent Sponsor Letter Structure

A typical parental sponsorship letter should include:

• Parent’s full name
• Student’s full name
• Relationship confirmation
• Statement of financial support
• Consent to use funds
• Signature and date

Keep the wording simple, clear, and factual.

What Types of Accounts Are Accepted?

Acceptable accounts generally include:

Accepted

• Savings accounts
• Current accounts
• Fixed deposits that can be immediately accessed
• Regulated student loan accounts

Not Accepted

UKVI specifically excludes certain assets and accounts.

Examples include:

• Cryptocurrency holdings
• Stocks and shares
• Pension funds
• Overdraft facilities
• Unregulated bank accounts
• Accounts without electronic records

Simply owning assets is not enough; the money must be readily available.

Common Financial Mistakes That Lead to Visa Refusal

1. Breaking the 28-Day Rule

The most common mistake.

Even a one-day drop below the required balance can create problems.

2. Using an Old Bank Statement

The statement must be recent and within the permitted 31-day window.

3. Miscalculating Tuition Fees

Students sometimes forget to include unpaid tuition amounts shown on their CAS.

4. Missing Parent Consent Documentation

When using parental funds, missing supporting documents can lead to refusal.

5. Using Ineligible Financial Assets

Investments and cryptocurrencies generally cannot be used to satisfy the maintenance requirement.

Practical Tips for Indian Students

Start Financial Planning Early

Ideally, begin maintaining funds at least two months before your planned visa application.

Maintain a Buffer

Avoid holding the exact minimum amount.

Keeping additional funds above the requirement can reduce risk.

Check Your CAS Carefully

Your CAS will show:

• Course fees
• Deposits paid
• Remaining tuition balance

Use these figures when calculating total funds required.

Keep Documentation Organised

Prepare:

• Bank statements
• Parent consent letters
• Relationship evidence
• Loan documents (if applicable)

Students exploring UK education opportunities often find that early financial preparation makes the visa process much smoother.

Who Does Not Need to Show Maintenance Funds?

Certain applicants may be exempt.

For example:

• Students who have already lived in the UK with valid permission for at least 12 months before applying
• Student Union Sabbatical Officers
• Certain exempt nationality categories

However, most Indian students applying from India will still need to provide financial evidence.

Final Thoughts

Meeting the UK maintenance funds requirement is one of the most important steps in a successful Student Visa application.

For 2026, students must generally show:

• £13,761 for London-based study
• £10,539 for study outside London

plus any unpaid tuition fees.

Equally important is complying with the 28-day rule, ensuring funds are held in acceptable accounts, and providing the correct supporting documents when using parental sponsorship.

Students evaluating different UK study options should factor maintenance funds into their overall financial planning from the beginning of the application process.

For those planning to study in UK for international students pathways, careful preparation of financial evidence can help avoid delays and significantly reduce the risk of visa refusal.

FAQs

How much maintenance money do I need to show for a UK Student Visa in 2026?

You must generally show £13,761 if studying in London or £10,539 if studying outside London, plus any unpaid tuition fees.

What is the UK Student Visa 28-day rule?

The required funds must remain in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, and the bank statement must be no more than 31 days old when you apply.

Can I use my parents’ bank account?

Yes. You must provide a parent consent letter, proof of relationship, and compliant bank statements.

Can education loans be used as proof of funds?

Yes. Approved student loans from recognised lenders are accepted by UKVI.

Are fixed deposits accepted?

They may be accepted if the funds are immediately accessible and properly documented. Students should confirm their evidence meets UKVI requirements.

Do I need to show funds for all years of study?

No. Most students only need to show first-year tuition fees plus maintenance funds for a maximum of nine months.