What Is the 28-Day Rule?
UK Visas and Immigration requires student visa applicants to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their tuition and living costs. These funds must be present in your bank account for 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before you submit your visa application.
For example, if you apply on 1 August, your 28-day window must end no earlier than 1 July, meaning funds must be present from at least 3 June through 1 July (or later, up to 31 July).
How Much Money Do You Need?
The required amount consists of two parts:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| First year tuition fees | As shown on your CAS |
| Living costs — outside London (up to 9 months) | £1,171 × 9 = £10,539 |
| Living costs — London (up to 9 months) | £1,529 × 9 = £13,761 |
If your CAS shows that you have already paid part of your tuition, you only need to show the remaining balance. Always check your CAS carefully.
Which Bank Accounts Are Acceptable?
- Your own personal bank account (in Nepal or abroad)
- A parent's or sponsor's account (with a sponsorship letter)
- A joint account (if you are one of the account holders)
The account must be with a regulated financial institution. Fixed deposit accounts are acceptable if the money can be released without restrictions. Loan accounts or overdraft facilities are not acceptable.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Official bank statement(s) showing your name, account number, all transactions, and closing balance for the 28-day period
- If the statement is in Nepali, an official English translation
- If using a sponsor's account: a signed letter of sponsorship plus the sponsor's identity documents
Online bank statements are accepted as long as they are downloaded as an official PDF from the bank's portal and clearly show the bank's header and your account details.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Large deposits right before the window — this raises questions about the source of funds. If you receive a large transfer, keep it in the account for well beyond 28 days and be prepared to explain its origin.
- Balance dropping below threshold — even one day below the required amount can invalidate your evidence. Set up bank alerts or monitor the balance daily during the 28-day period.
- Using statements that are too old — remember, the statement must end within 31 days of your application date.
- Incorrect conversion — UKVI will convert NPR to GBP at the exchange rate on your application date, not at the rate when you prepared the documents. Add a buffer for fluctuations.