UK Student Visa Costs Rise: Financial Proof Increases by 11% from 2025

The UK has raised financial proof requirements for student visas by 11% in 2025. Learn about new rules, sponsorship letters, and application.
March 14, 2025 Education News

TL;DR

  • Starting January 2, 2025, the UK has increased the financial proof required for student visas by 11%, making it more expensive for international students. 
  • Applicants must now show £1,483 per month for living expenses in London and £1,136 outside London. Short-term study visa requirements have also increased.
  • Additionally, students must hold funds in their accounts for 28 consecutive days before applying. Sponsorship letters now require detailed financial information, and random checks will verify document authenticity. 
  • Understanding these changes is crucial for students planning to study in the UK. Careful preparation and accurate documentation can help ensure a smooth visa process. 
  • Learn the key updates and how to meet these new financial requirements in our comprehensive guide.

 On 2 January 2025, the UK Home Office announced three changes in requirements for Student Visas and Short Term Study visas. They are:

1. Increased Financial Requirements:

Applicants for study visas and short-term study visas must demonstrate higher financial reserves to cover living expenses.

Student Visa
Location

Financial Proof Amount

(per month) wef 2025

Previous
In London

£1,483

£1,334

Outside London

£1,136

£1,023

   
Short-Term Study Visa
Location

Financial Proof Amount

(per month) wef 2025

Previous
In London

£1,200

£1,000

Outside London

£950

£800

Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

The percentage increase in the case of student visas in and outside London is 11 percent.

The percentage increase in the case of Short Term Study Visa in London comes to 11 percent but the percentage increase for Short Term Study Visa outside London comes to 18.75 percent!  If there is any logic behind the drastic jump in financial proof requirements for Short Term Study visas outside London, it is unclear.

2. 28-Day Financial Rule:

Applicants for both Study Visas and Short-Term Study Visas must hold the required funds in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before their application.

The end date of the 28 days must be within 31 days of the date they apply for their visa.

3. Requirements for Sponsorship Letters:

Four of the rules regarding sponsorship letters for Study Visas and Short Term Study Visas are the same:

Authenticity Verification:

An authorized institution must issue sponsorship letters and include verifiable contact details.  

The Home Office will conduct checks to ensure the authenticity of the letters.

Proof of Funds:

The sponsor must provide evidence of their financial capability to support the student. 

This may include bank statements, financial guarantees, or other relevant documents.

Compliance with Immigration Rules:The sponsorship letter must confirm that the sponsor is aware of and complies with the UK immigration rules and regulations.
Document Authentication:All documents submitted with the sponsorship letter must be authenticated and certified by the issuing institution or a recognized authority.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

There is one additional rule for Study Visas, namely:

Detailed Financial Information:The sponsorship letter must clearly state the amount of financial support being provided, including tuition fees and living expenses. It should also specify the duration of the financial support.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

To make the student visa application process more transparent and guard against fraud, the Home Office will conduct random checks of submitted bank statements to verify their authenticity.  Also, financial documents must now be current at the time of application and cover 31 consecutive days, rather than 28 as previously.  These 31 days must end no earlier than 31 days before the date of the visa application.  The closing balance must not be older than 31 days at the time of application submission. This rule applies to both bank accounts and certified letters.  Funds must be held in a current or savings account and not in the form of investments or real estate.

The UK Visas and Immigration Department accepts four types of financial proof:

Personal bank statements:This is the most common type of evidence. Statements should show a stable balance over the required period.
Parent or legal guardian statements:If the student is using parental funds, a birth certificate and written parental consent must be provided.
Official Letter of Sponsorship:If the study is funded by an organization or government, an official letter from the sponsor is required.
Student Loans:Some types of student loans can also be accepted as financial evidence.
Source: https://visaandimmigrations.com/uk-immigration-2025-new-financial-rules-and-fee-updates

Are you preparing financial evidence for a UK Student Visa?

YUNO LEARNING’S ADVICE:

●  Assemble the necessary documents well in advance so that you can double-check for possible mistakes.

●  Check and re-check your calculations,  The amount in your account should exactly match or exceed the required amount.  No harm if you show a few pounds more than the requirement, but in no case, show even a penny less.

●  Make sure that the information on all the documents matches exactly and that there are no inconsistencies or contradictions anywhere.

●  All documents, including financial documents must be in English. If they are not, then get them translated – professionally.

●  Watch the UK government’s official website for up-to-date information.  Changes may be announced at any time.

●  Beware of misinformation: UK visas cover all parts of the United Kingdom. It is NOT true that regions of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) issue their visas nor are the rules different for student visa applicants who have been admitted to institutions of higher learning in these regions.

Careful preparation and attention to detail will help you complete the application process and get closer to your goal of studying in the UK.  Check out this guide to all three types of UK student visas.

UK STUDENT VISAS

(rules updated to 2025)

TYPEFOR WHOMTO BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION

Student Visa

(formerly known as the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa)

For individuals aged 16 and over who are enrolling in a full-time course at an accredited UK institution.
  • Valid Passport: A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): This is provided by the educational institution where the student has been accepted.
  • Financial Evidence: Proof that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. This can include bank statements or sponsorship letters.

As of 2025, the financial proof required depends on where you will be studying:

  • Studying in London: Must show £1,400 per month for up to 9 months.
  • Studying outside London: Must show £1,100 per month for up to 9 months. In addition to living costs, the applicant must give proof of enough funds to cover the first year’s tuition fees. These funds must be maintained in the applicant’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting the visa application.
  • English Language Proficiency: Evidence of English language skills, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores.

IELTS Scores

  • Undergraduate Programs: Typically, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) is required.
  • Postgraduate Programs: Generally, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component.

TOEFL Scores

  • Undergraduate Programs: Most universities require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 to 1004.
  • Postgraduate Programs: Typically, a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 100 or higher is required.
  • Biometric Information: fingerprints and a photograph.
  • Tuberculosis Test Results: If the applicant is from a country where this is required.
  • Parental Consent: If the applicant is under 18, written consent from a parent or guardian allows the student to study in the UK.
Short-Term Study VisaFor students taking English language courses lasting between 6 and 11 months
  • Valid Passport: A current passport with at least one blank page for the visa.
  • Proof of Acceptance: An acceptance letter from a recognized UK institution indicating the course details.
  • Financial Evidence: Bank statements or other documents showing sufficient funds.
  • Living Costs: applicant must show enough money to support themselves during their stay. This typically means demonstrating funds of £1,400 per month (studying in London) or £1,100 per month (studying outside London).
  • Course Fees: The applicant must show enough money to pay for course fees. This amount will be specified by the educational institution. These funds must be maintained in the applicant’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting the visa application.
  • Biometric Information: fingerprints and a photograph.
  • English Language Proficiency: There is generally no specific IELTS or TOEFL score requirement. But, depending on the course and the institution, the applicant may need to provide proof of English proficiency.
  • Health Surcharge: Payment of the healthcare surcharge, if applicable.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

IN THIS POST