How Much Bank Statement Is Required for a UK Student Visa from Pakistan?

How Much Bank Statement Is Required for a UK Student

Applying for a UK Student Visa is an exciting step for Pakistani students who want to study in one of the world’s top education systems. But before UKVI grants you permission to travel, one requirement stands above all: showing the correct financial evidence.

Your bank statement, also known as Proof of Funds (POF), is one of the most common reasons for visa refusal—mainly because students do not understand the exact requirements. This comprehensive guide explains exactly how much bank statement is required, how long you need to maintain it, and how to prepare perfect financial documents for a smooth visa approval.

1. Why UKVI Requires Financial Evidence

UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) wants to ensure that every international student has enough money to support themselves without depending on public funds.
This requirement serves three important purposes:

To confirm you can pay your tuition fees without relying on loans at the last minute.
To prove you can afford living costs in the UK, which are higher than in Pakistan.
To prevent financial hardship, ensuring you focus on your studies instead of worrying about money.

Financial stability gives UKVI confidence that you are a genuine student who will follow visa rules and complete your study program.

2. How Much Money Do You Need to Show? (Updated for 2025)

The required amount depends on two major components:

A. Tuition Fee Requirement

You must show the remaining first-year tuition fee, as written in your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter.
If you have already paid a deposit, you can subtract that amount from the total.

B. Living Cost Requirement (9 Months Mandatory)

UKVI requires students to show living expenses for 9 months, and the amount depends on the city:

If you study in London:
£1,529 per month × 9 months = £13,761
If you study outside London:
£1,171 per month × 9 months = £10,539

These amounts are fixed by the UK government and apply to all international students.

Example Calculation

If your university is in London and your first-year tuition fee is £15,000, and you already paid £4,000:
Remaining tuition fee: £11,000
Living costs: £13,761
Total required:
£24,761 (approximately PKR 8.8–9.3 million depending on exchange rate)

3. The 28-Day Rule Explained

This is the most critical part of the bank statement:

Your funds must be in the bank for 28 consecutive days.
The balance must never drop below the required minimum for even one day.
The closing balance date must be no more than 31 days old on your visa application date.

Any break in this rule can cause an immediate visa refusal, even if you have enough money today.

4. Accepted Types of Financial Documents

UKVI accepts several types of financial evidence. These include:

A. Personal Bank Account

Your own bank account is the safest and easiest option.

B. Parent or Guardian’s Bank Account

If using your parents’ bank account, you must include:

Birth certificate or family registration document
Consent letter from parents confirming they will sponsor you

C. Education Loan Letter

A loan letter must clearly mention:

Applicant’s name
Total approved loan amount
Availability of funds

D. Scholarship or Sponsorship Letter

If you have a scholarship, UKVI will deduct the amount from your financial requirement.

E. Fixed Deposit Certificates

Allowed only if the deposit is matured or immediately accessible.

5. What Your Bank Statement Must Contain

To avoid rejection, your bank statement must include:

Bank’s official name and logo
Account holder’s full name
Account number
Transaction history
Opening and closing balance
Stamp and signature of bank
Statement printing date

If any of these are missing, UKVI may consider it invalid.

6. Common Mistakes Pakistani Students Make

Many students have strong financial backgrounds yet face refusal because of simple mistakes. Avoid these errors:

Not maintaining funds for full 28 days
Using business accounts without proper ownership proof
Large unexplained deposits made within the last 28 days
Incorrect or missing sponsor letters
Submitting online statements without a bank stamp
Using prize bonds or property valuation as proof (not accepted)

These issues lead to automatic refusals.

7. Smart Tips to Strengthen Your Bank Statement

To increase your chances of a successful visa:

Keep at least 5–10% extra to cover currency changes
Request a stamped and signed statement from your bank
Do not make withdrawals during the 28-day period
Start maintaining funds at least 2 months before CAS
Avoid sudden cash deposits—UKVI may question source of funds
Ensure your name and details match your passport and CAS

Following these steps helps create a clean and strong financial profile.

8. How Career Advisers Helps You

Career Advisers guides Pakistani students through every step of the UK visa process.
Our team helps you with:

Accurate calculation of required funds
Preparing a compliant bank statement
Writing sponsor letters
Checking documents before submission
Avoiding financial refusal reasons
Full student visa file preparation

With years of experience and a high success rate, Career Advisers ensures your application meets UKVI’s strict financial standards.

9. Final Verdict

To secure a UK Student Visa from Pakistan, you must show the required tuition fee + living cost funds in a bank account for at least 28 days.
Your documents must be clean, stamped, and compliant with UKVI guidelines.
A strong bank statement not only increases your chances of visa approval but also gives UKVI confidence that you are a genuine student ready for academic success in the UK.