How International Students Fund UK Study in 2026: Loans, Family Funds, Scholarships and Work Rules

UK VISA · STUDENT FINANCE SERIES 1 OF 5

What the Home Office requires students to show

For a Student visa, applicants must prove they have enough money to cover tuition fees for the first year (or the full course if shorter) and living costs for up to nine months. The required living costs are £1,334 per month for courses in London, and £1,023 per month for courses outside London, as set by the Home Office. This means a student in London needs at least £12,006 for living costs, while those outside London need £9,207. The funds must have been held for 28 consecutive days before the visa application is submitted, and the balance must not fall below the required amount at any point during that period.

The financial evidence must be in the applicant's name, or in the name of a parent or legal guardian if they are providing the funds. If the money is in a parent's account, additional documents are required, including a birth certificate and a letter from the parent consenting to the use of the funds. The Home Office does not accept overdrafts, credit limits, or funds held in stocks and shares. The money must be in a bank account that is easily accessible, such as a current or savings account. The funds can be held in any currency, but the Home Office will convert them to pounds sterling using the exchange rate on the date of application. It is important to note that the funds must be available at the time of application and must have been held for the full 28-day period. The Home Office checks the bank statements for the 28 days immediately before the application date. If the funds are not held for the full period, the visa will be refused. The requirement is set out in the Immigration Rules, specifically Appendix Student, and is detailed on GOV.UK. The Home Office also requires that the applicant has paid the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £776 per year for students, and this must be paid before the visa application is submitted. The tuition fees must be paid in full for the first year, or the applicant must show that they have enough money to pay them. The amount of tuition fees is stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is issued by the educational institution. The CAS also includes the level of study and the course duration. The Home Office uses the CAS to verify the course details and the fees. The applicant must also provide evidence of their qualifications and English language ability, as required by the institution. The financial requirement is a key part of the visa application, and failure to meet it will result in a refusal. Therefore, it is essential to plan ahead and ensure that the funds are in place well before the application is made. The Home Office provides detailed guidance on the financial requirements in the Student visa guidance, which is available on GOV.UK. This guidance explains the exact amounts and the evidence required. It is also important to note that the financial requirement applies to all applicants, regardless of their nationality or the type of course they are studying. The only exception is for applicants who have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, as they are exempt from the maintenance requirement. This exemption is also detailed in the Immigration Rules. For most international students, however, the financial requirement must be met in full.

Family funds and the 28-day rule

If a parent or legal guardian provides the funds, the money must be held in their bank account for 28 consecutive days before the visa application. The applicant must provide a birth certificate showing the parent's name, and a letter from the parent confirming that they consent to the use of the funds for the student's studies. The letter must also state the relationship between the parent and the student. If the funds are in a joint account with the parent and another person, the Home Office will only consider the parent's share of the funds. The funds must be in a bank that is regulated by the financial authority in the country where the account is held.

The 28-day rule is strictly applied. The Home Office checks that the funds have been held for the entire 28-day period, and that the balance has not fallen below the required amount at any time. If the balance dips below the required amount on any day, the visa will be refused. This means that a lump-sum deposit made just before the application will not be accepted if it has not been held for 28 days. For example, if a parent transfers money into their account on 1 January and the student applies on 15 January, the funds will not have been held for 28 days, and the application will be refused. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the funds are in place at least 28 days before the intended application date. The Home Office also requires that the funds are in a bank account that is accessible, such as a current or savings account. Fixed deposits are acceptable if they can be accessed immediately, but the bank must provide a letter confirming that the funds are available. The Home Office does not accept funds held in pension accounts, shares, or other investments. The evidence must be in the form of bank statements, which must clearly show the account holder's name, the account number, and the balance. The statements must cover the 28-day period. If the statements are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translator. The translation must include the translator's details and be accompanied by the original documents. The Home Office also requires that the funds are in the applicant's name or the parent's name. If the funds are in the name of a third party, such as a relative or friend, they will not be accepted. This is a common reason for visa refusals. To avoid this, it is essential to ensure that the funds are in the correct name and have been held for the required period. The Home Office provides guidance on the financial requirements in the Student visa guidance, which is available on GOV.UK. This guidance includes examples of acceptable evidence and common pitfalls. It is also important to note that the Home Office may request additional evidence if they have doubts about the source of the funds. In such cases, the applicant may be asked to provide evidence of the source of the funds, such as salary slips or tax returns. This is more likely if the funds are large or if the bank account has been opened recently. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a record of the source of the funds. The financial requirement is a strict test, and any failure to meet it will result in a refusal. Therefore, it is essential to plan ahead and ensure that all the evidence is in order before submitting the application.

Education loans as visa evidence

An education loan from a bank or financial institution can be used to meet the financial requirement, provided the loan is sanctioned by a bank or financial institution regulated by the appropriate authority. The loan must be in the applicant's name, and the loan letter must state the amount of the loan and the duration for which it is available. The loan must be disbursed to the applicant, and the funds must be available for the applicant to use. The Home Office accepts loans from banks that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, or by the relevant authority in the country where the loan is taken.

For example, in India, loans from banks regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are accepted. The loan letter must be on the bank's letterhead and must include the applicant's name, the loan amount, and the date of sanction. The loan must be sanctioned before the visa application is submitted, and the funds must be available for the applicant to use. The Home Office does not accept loans that are conditional on the visa being granted, as the funds must be available at the time of application. Therefore, the loan must be fully sanctioned and disbursed before the application is made. The loan can be secured or unsecured, but the loan letter must clearly state the terms of the loan. If the loan is in a foreign currency, the Home Office will convert it to pounds sterling using the exchange rate on the date of application. The loan must cover the tuition fees and living costs for the first year, or the full course if shorter. The loan amount must be sufficient to meet the financial requirement. The loan letter must also state that the loan is for the purpose of studying in the UK. The Home Office may contact the bank to verify the loan, so it is important that the loan is genuine. The loan must be in the applicant's name, and not in the name of a parent or guardian. If the loan is in the parent's name, it will not be accepted as evidence of the applicant's funds. However, if the parent takes a loan and then gives the money to the applicant, the applicant must hold the money in their own account for 28 days before applying. This is because the loan must be in the applicant's name to be used as evidence. Therefore, it is advisable to take the loan in the applicant's name. The Home Office provides guidance on the financial requirements in the Student visa guidance, which is available on GOV.UK. This guidance includes details on the types of loans that are accepted. It is also important to note that the loan must be from a regulated financial institution. Loans from unregulated lenders, such as private money lenders, are not accepted. The loan must be a genuine loan, and the applicant must be able to repay it. The Home Office may check the applicant's credit history and the terms of the loan. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the loan is from a reputable institution and that the terms are clear. The loan letter must be dated within the 28-day period before the application, and it must show that the loan has been sanctioned and is available. If the loan is sanctioned but not yet disbursed, the Home Office may not accept it, as the funds must be available. Therefore, it is advisable to have the loan disbursed into the applicant's account before applying. The loan can be used to cover the tuition fees and living costs, and the applicant must show that they have enough money to cover the full amount required. The loan amount must be at least the total of the tuition fees and living costs for the first year. If the loan is less than the required amount, the applicant must show additional funds to make up the difference. The additional funds must be held in the applicant's account for 28 days. Therefore, it is important to calculate the total amount needed and ensure that the loan covers it.

Scholarships, bursaries and university discounts

Scholarships and bursaries can reduce the amount of money a student needs to show for the visa. If a scholarship covers the full tuition fees and living costs, the student may not need to show any additional funds. If the scholarship covers only part of the costs, the student must show the remaining amount. The scholarship must be official and must be awarded by a recognised body, such as the UK government, a foreign government, a university, or a charitable organisation. The scholarship must be confirmed in writing, and the letter must state the amount of the award and the duration.

For example, the Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, covers tuition fees and living costs for a one-year master's degree. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission also provides funding for students from Commonwealth countries. The GREAT Scholarship, funded by the UK government and participating universities, offers partial funding for students from certain countries. Many universities also offer their own scholarships and bursaries, which can be merit-based or need-based. These are often awarded automatically based on the application, or require a separate application. When applying for a visa, the student must provide evidence of the scholarship. This evidence must be in the form of a letter from the awarding body, stating the amount of the award and the period for which it is given. The letter must be on official letterhead and must be dated. If the scholarship is awarded after the visa application is submitted, the student may need to wait for the award letter before applying. The Home Office will deduct the amount of the scholarship from the total funds required. For example, if the tuition fees are £20,000 and the scholarship covers £10,000, the student must show £10,000 for tuition fees. Similarly, if the scholarship covers living costs, the student must show the remaining amount. The scholarship must be paid directly to the student or to the university. If the scholarship is paid to the university, the student must provide a letter from the university confirming that the fees have been paid. If the scholarship is paid to the student, the student must show that the funds are available in their account. The Home Office also accepts official financial sponsorship from a government or international scholarship agency. If the student is sponsored by their government, the sponsorship must be confirmed in a letter from the government. The letter must state the amount of the sponsorship and the period for which it is given. The sponsorship must cover the full costs, or the student must show the remaining amount. The Home Office provides guidance on the financial requirements in the Student visa guidance, which is available on GOV.UK. This guidance includes details on how scholarships are treated. It is important to note that the scholarship must be for the purpose of studying in the UK. Scholarships that are not related to the course will not be accepted. The scholarship must also be for the full duration of the course, or at least for the first year. If the scholarship is only for the first year, the student must show that they have funds for the subsequent years. However, the Home Office only requires funds for the first year, so this is not a problem. The student must also provide evidence that they have paid the tuition fees, or that the fees have been waived. If the fees are waived, the university must provide a letter confirming this. The Home Office will accept this as evidence that the fees are not required to be shown. Therefore, scholarships and bursaries can significantly reduce the financial burden on international students. It is essential to research and apply for scholarships early, as many have deadlines months before the course starts. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides information on scholarships and funding for international students. Their website lists various scholarships and bursaries available to international students. It is also advisable to check the university's website for scholarship opportunities. Many universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, and these can be very competitive. Therefore, it is important to apply early and ensure that the application is complete.

Working while studying: the 20-hour rule

International students on a Student visa are allowed to work part-time during term time, but the number of hours is limited. For most students, the limit is 20 hours per week during term time. This is set out in the Immigration Rules and is stated on the visa. Students can work full-time during vacation periods, such as summer holidays and Christmas breaks. Students on a course at degree level or above can work 20 hours per week, while students on a course below degree level can work 10 hours per week. Students on a foundation course or a pre-sessional English course are limited to 10 hours per week.

The 20-hour rule applies to all work, including paid and unpaid work. It also includes work placements that are part of the course, but only if the placement is not a mandatory part of the course. If the placement is mandatory, it is not counted towards the 20-hour limit. Students cannot be self-employed or engage in business activity. They cannot work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or as a doctor or dentist in training. They can work as a student union sabbatical officer, but this is subject to the same hour limits. The Home Office defines term time as the period when the student is required to attend their course. This is determined by the university and is stated on the CAS. The university must inform the Home Office of any changes to the term dates. Students must not work more than the allowed hours, as this is a breach of their visa conditions. If they are found to be working more than the allowed hours, their visa may be curtailed, and they may be required to leave the UK. The Home Office can check the number of hours worked by a student by contacting the employer. Employers are required to check that their employees have the right to work in the UK. They must also keep records of the hours worked. Students should keep a record of their hours worked to ensure they do not exceed the limit. The 20-hour rule is a maximum, and students may work fewer hours if they wish. It is important to balance work with studies, as the primary purpose of the visa is to study. Students who work too many hours may find it difficult to keep up with their coursework. The Home Office also allows students to work full-time during official university holidays, such as Easter and Christmas. However, students must not work during term time unless they have permission. The permission is granted automatically as part of the Student visa, but it is subject to the hour limits. Students who are on a work placement as part of their course may be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week if the placement is mandatory. However, this must be confirmed by the university. The university must provide a letter stating that the placement is a mandatory part of the course. The Home Office provides guidance on the work conditions for Student visa holders in the Student visa guidance, which is available on GOV.UK. This guidance explains the rules in detail. It is important to note that the work rules apply to the student's main visa. If the student has a dependant visa, the dependant may have different work conditions. For example, dependants of students on a course at degree level or above are allowed to work full-time. However, dependants of students on a course below degree level are not allowed to work. The work rules are strictly enforced, and any breach can have serious consequences. Therefore, it is essential to understand the rules and to comply with them. Students who are unsure about the rules should seek advice from their university's international student support team. They can also contact UKCISA for independent advice.

After graduation: Graduate visa and salary thresholds

From 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa will allow international students to stay in the UK for 18 months after completing their degree. This is a reduction from the current two-year period. The Graduate visa is available to students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a UK university. The visa is unsponsored, meaning the student does not need a job offer to apply. However, the student must have completed their course and must have a valid Student visa at the time of application.

The Graduate visa allows students to work in the UK without restrictions, and they can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if they find a job that meets the requirements. The Skilled Worker visa requires a job offer from a licensed sponsor, and the salary must meet the general threshold of £41,700 per year, or the going rate for the specific occupation, whichever is higher. For new entrants, such as recent graduates, the salary threshold is lower at £33,400 per year, or the going rate, whichever is higher. The new entrant rate applies to those who are under 26, or who are switching from a Student or Graduate visa, or who are in certain professions. The salary thresholds are set by the Home Office and are reviewed regularly. The thresholds are detailed in the Immigration Rules, specifically Appendix Skilled Worker. The Home Office also requires that the job is at RQF level 3 or above, and that the employer is a licensed sponsor. The student must also meet the English language requirement, which is usually met by having a degree taught in English. The Graduate visa is a valuable opportunity for international students to gain work experience in the UK after their studies. It allows them to work for any employer, and they can change jobs without notifying the Home Office. However, the Graduate visa cannot be extended, and the student must switch to another visa category if they wish to stay longer. The Graduate visa is also not a route to settlement, but time spent on the Graduate visa can count towards the 10-year settlement route. The Home Office has announced that the Graduate visa will be reviewed, and the changes will take effect from 1 January 2027. The reduction to 18 months is part of the government's plan to reduce net migration. The Home Office has also announced changes to the Skilled Worker visa, including an increase in the general salary threshold from £26,200 to £38,700, which took effect in April 2024. However, the threshold for new entrants is £33,400, which is lower. The new entrant rate is available to those who are switching from a Student or Graduate visa, and it is valid for up to four years. After that, the individual must meet the general threshold. The salary thresholds are based on the going rate for the occupation, which is set by the Home Office. The going rate is the median salary for that occupation in the UK. The Home Office provides a list of going rates for each occupation code. The salary must be at least the going rate, or the general threshold, whichever is higher. For example, if the going rate for a software developer is £45,000, the salary must be at least £45,000, even if the general threshold is lower. The salary must be paid by the sponsor, and the sponsor must be able to pay the salary. The sponsor must also provide a certificate of sponsorship, which confirms the job details and the salary. The student must apply for the Skilled Worker visa before their Graduate visa expires. The application can be made from within the UK, and the student can continue to work while the application is being processed. The Home Office provides guidance on the Skilled Worker visa, including the salary thresholds, on GOV.UK. It is important to note that the salary thresholds are subject to change, and students should check the latest guidance before applying. The Graduate visa is a valuable opportunity, but it is important to plan ahead and understand the requirements for switching to a Skilled Worker visa.

How much money do I need for a UK Student visa in 2026?

For a Student visa, you need to show tuition fees for the first year (or full course if shorter) plus living costs. Living costs are £1,334 per month for courses in London (up to 9 months) and £1,023 per month outside London. For a 9-month course, this is £12,006 in London or £9,207 outside. Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying. Source: GOV.UK.

Can my parents' bank account be used for the funds?

Yes, parents or legal guardians can hold the funds, but you must provide a birth certificate proving the relationship and a letter from your parent consenting to the use of the funds. The funds must be in their account for 28 consecutive days before your visa application. The Home Office will not accept funds in a third party's name. Source: GOV.UK.

Does an education loan count as proof of funds?

Yes, an education loan from a regulated bank can be used as proof of funds. The loan must be in your name, and the loan letter must state the amount and that it is available. The loan must be sanctioned and disbursed before you apply. The Home Office accepts loans from banks regulated by the FCA in the UK or the relevant authority in your country, such as the RBI in India. Source: GOV.UK.

How many hours can international students work in the UK?

Most international students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full-time during vacations. Students on courses below degree level are limited to 10 hours per week. You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer. The rules are set by the Home Office and are stated on your visa. Source: GOV.UK.

How long is the Graduate visa from 2027?

From 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa will allow you to stay in the UK for 18 months after completing your degree. This is a reduction from the current two-year period. The visa is unsponsored, so you do not need a job offer to apply. You must have completed your course and hold a valid Student visa at the time of application. Source: GOV.UK.

LAST REVIEWED 2 SEPTEMBER 2026