Last checked: October 2026
If you are applying for a UK Student visa from Pakistan, you must show that you have enough money for your course fees and living costs. The UK Home Office is increasing the required amount for applications made on or after 30 November 2026. This guide explains the new amounts, how to calculate your total, and the important 28-day rule.
Note: Dream Visa Guide is a free informational website. We do not process visa applications. Always confirm the latest rules on the official GOV.UK website.
New Maintenance Amounts (Living Costs)
| Application Date | London (per month) | Outside London (per month) |
|---|---|---|
| Before 30 November 2026 | £1,529 | £1,171 |
| On or after 30 November 2026 | £1,570 | £1,203 |
You need to show living costs for a maximum of 9 months, even if your course is longer:
- London, 9 months: £13,761 (before 30 Nov) → £14,130 (from 30 Nov)
- Outside London, 9 months: £10,539 (before 30 Nov) → £10,827 (from 30 Nov)
Important: The amount depends on the date you submit your visa application, not your CAS date, course start date or bank statement date.
London or Outside London: Which Rate Applies?
The London rate applies if more than half of your course is studied in London. It depends on where your university campus is, not where you will live. For example, a university with its main campus in Manchester uses the outside-London rate.
How to Calculate Your Total Bank Balance
Your total required balance is:
Unpaid course fee (shown on your CAS) + Living costs (up to 9 months)
Example (application after 30 November 2026)
A student going to a university in Birmingham (outside London) for a 1-year master’s degree:
| Total tuition fee | £18,000 |
| Deposit already paid (shown on CAS) | – £5,000 |
| Remaining tuition fee | £13,000 |
| Living costs (9 × £1,203) | £10,827 |
| Total bank balance needed | £23,827 |
Tuition figures are an example only. Use the exact amounts on your own CAS.
Accommodation Deposit
If you paid your university for university-arranged accommodation, you can subtract up to £1,570 (from 30 November 2026) from your living costs. Rent paid to a private landlord does not count.
The 28-Day Rule (Very Important)
Most refusals related to funds happen because of this rule. You must:
- Hold the full required amount in your account for 28 days in a row.
- Make sure the balance never drops below the required amount, not even for one day. If it does, the 28 days start again.
- Apply within 31 days of the date of the closing balance on your bank statement.
Tip: Keep a little extra money above the required amount, so that bank charges or currency exchange changes do not make your balance fall short.
Bank Statement Requirements for Pakistani Students
- The account can be in your name or your parent’s or legal guardian’s name.
- If the account is in your parent’s name, you need your birth certificate (or FRC) and a parental consent letter.
- The bank statement must show your name (or your parent’s), the bank name, the account number, the date and the balance.
- Funds must be in an acceptable bank. Some banks are not accepted by UKVI, so check the GOV.UK list of banks that do not meet the verification standards.
- If your money is in Pakistani rupees, UKVI uses the exchange rate on the date of your application, so keep a margin.
- A bank letter can also be used, but it must include all the required details.
Other Costs to Plan For
- Student visa fee: £558 (from 8 April 2026)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Paid for each year of your visa. Check the current student rate on GOV.UK.
- TB test certificate: Required for applicants from Pakistan
- Flights and first-month expenses
For other UK visa types and fees, see our UK Visa Guide.
Can I Bring My Family?
Most students can no longer bring family members. Only students on postgraduate research courses (such as a PhD or research-based master’s) and some government-sponsored students can bring dependants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I apply before 30 November 2026 to show less money?
If you apply before 30 November, the old amounts apply. The difference for 9 months is £369 (London) and £288 (outside London). Do not rush your application with incomplete documents just to save this amount.
Can my uncle or relative sponsor me?
Usually no. Funds must be in your own name or your parent’s or legal guardian’s name, unless you have an official financial sponsor such as a government or university scholarship.
Do I need to show living costs if I have already been in the UK for 12 months?
If you are applying from inside the UK and have held a UK visa for 12 months or more, you usually do not need to show living costs.
Is a fixed deposit (FD) account acceptable?
Only if you can access the money immediately. Funds that are locked and cannot be withdrawn are not accepted.
Read more guides in our Visa Guides section.
Leave a comment below or message us on our Facebook page. We share information only and cannot process applications.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Maintenance amounts, fees and rules can change. Always confirm the latest requirements on GOV.UK before applying. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with UK Visas and Immigration or any university.
Explore more visa guides
Free, regularly updated information for Pakistani travellers and students.