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UK visa funds and the 28-day rule

Most refused applications had the money — they failed the dates. Calculate exact funds required and valid balance hold dates.

Your course

London boroughs carry a higher living-cost rate.

Living costs are capped at 9 months however long the course runs.

First year only. Use the figure printed on the CAS.

Must be confirmed on your CAS or by a receipt.

Only university accommodation counts, and only up to £1,334.

Which do you know?

The date you submit the online application, not the biometrics appointment.

Only used to show an approximate rupee figure.

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Unlock your visa funds calculation

Your exact 28-day bank balance requirement and valid hold dates: one step away.

We use this only to send your loan plan and follow up once. Nothing else.

Still worth checking by hand

  • The account must be a personal bank or building society account with immediate access. Business accounts are not accepted.
  • If the money sits in a parent's account you need their written consent, plus proof of your relationship.
  • Large unexplained deposits invite questions. Money that appears days before the window and cannot be traced is a common refusal reason.
  • Fixed deposits, shares, pensions, and overdraft headroom do not count as available funds.
Clear Clarity

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, accurate answers based on official guidelines and real mentorship experience.

Course fees still outstanding on your CAS, plus living costs of £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months however long the course runs. Fees and university accommodation you have already paid come off, with the accommodation offset capped at £1,334.

Where these figures come from

Living costs are £1,529 a month in London and £1,171 outside, for up to 9 months, taken from GOV.UK and last checked on 21 August 2026. UKVI sets these rates and changes them. Before you move money, confirm the current figures yourself.

Check the official GOV.UK page

This is a planning aid, not immigration advice. Margam is not a law firm or an immigration adviser. For a refusal on your record or a complicated case, speak to a qualified immigration lawyer.

Read next

A UK master's in 2026: what it really costs

The 28-day rule in context: what a year actually costs, the surcharge nobody budgets for, and the deadline behind it.

Jeevithram Mamidala - Founder @ Margam
FOUNDER @ MARGAM

Jeevithram Mamidala

Speak directly with Jeevithram Mamidala. Every student profile is evaluated personally, with zero sales reps and zero automated templates.

Required Balance£28,539(≈ ₹30,53,673)