UK student visa bank balance for Nepali students: how much money to show

Written by the NEC counselling team. Last updated: 14 November 2026.

Quick answer

For a UK student visa you must show your course fee for one academic year plus living costs, and you must hold that money for 28 days in a row. Living costs are £1,529 a month in London and £1,171 a month outside London for up to 9 months. These amounts go up for applications made on or after 30 November 2026.

How much money do you need?

You need two amounts. First, the course fee for one academic year (up to 9 months). The exact figure is on your CAS, the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your university. Second, living costs for up to 9 months.

• Applications before 30 November 2026: £1,529 a month in London (£13,761 for 9 months) or £1,171 a month outside London (£10,539 for 9 months).
• Applications on or after 30 November 2026: £1,570 a month in London (£14,130 for 9 months) or £1,203 a month outside London (£10,827 for 9 months), according to UKCISA.

London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. The rate that applies depends on the date you apply, not the date of your CAS or bank statement. Dependants need extra money, so check the family members page on GOV.UK.

A worked example

Say your course is outside London and the first-year fee on your CAS is £15,000. If you apply before 30 November 2026, you need £15,000 plus £10,539 (9 months at £1,171), which is £25,539. If you apply on or after that date, you need £15,000 plus £10,827, which is £25,827. The fee here is only an example. Use the figure on your own CAS.

The 28-day rule

You must hold the money for at least 28 days in a row. The last day of that 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the date you apply. If your balance drops below the required amount on any day in that period, the evidence can fail. Keep the money in the account and do not move it in and out.

Before you apply: a checklist

• Your CAS, with the exact course fee
• Whether your course is in London or outside it
• The total you need (fee plus living costs) and a small cushion above it
• The account that holds the money, with at least 28 days of history
• Your planned application date, so the 28 days end within 31 days of it
• Income documents for any large deposits, and sponsor or loan letters if they apply

Tips for Nepali students

• Start early. Plan the 28 days before you book your application date.
• Keep income documents. Be ready to show where the money came from, especially large deposits.
• Use the official guidance for accepted documents. The rules on which bank statements and letters are accepted are in the Home Office finance guidance, so check it before you apply.
• Loans and sponsors. If a loan or sponsor pays, you need evidence from the loan or sponsorship provider.

Who does not need to show funds?

You do not need to show funds if you have lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before you apply. The Home Office can still ask for evidence after you apply.

Frequently asked questions

Does my tuition count toward the 28 days? You must show money for your course fee as well as living costs. The exact fee is on your CAS.

Which rate applies if I apply on 29 November? The date you apply decides it. Before 30 November 2026 the current rates apply. From that date the higher rates apply.

Can the money be in a family member's account? The official guidance sets rules for this. Check it, or book a session and we will go through it with you.

Talk to a counsellor (free)

Not sure if your savings meet the rule? Book a free session and we will check it with you. applynec.com/contact

Sources

Checked on 14 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm on GOV.UK before you apply.

• GOV.UK: Student visa: money you need
• UKCISA: Student update: changes to the immigration rules, September 2026