UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) mandates that international students prove funds covering unpaid tuition plus living expenses for up to 9 months. Current monthly living thresholds stand at £1,529/month in London (£13,761 total) and £1,171/month outside London (£10,539 total). Effective November 30, 2026, these minimum thresholds rise to £1,570/month in London (£14,130 total) and £1,203/month outside London (£10,827 total). All funds must remain continuously in a regulated bank account for 28 consecutive days without dropping below the threshold.
Securing a UK Student Visa requires calculating total financial liability based on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The Home Office evaluates student visa applications against statutory monthly benchmarks linked to domestic UK living cost metrics. Failing to calculate the precise exchange rate margin or breaking the 28-day holding period leads to immediate visa refusal.
1. Core Rules for Maintenance Funds & CAS Deductions
To meet the UKVI Appendix Finance criteria, applicants submitting from Bangladesh must adhere to four strict parameters:
- Tuition Fee Calculation: You must prove the full tuition fee amount stated on your CAS. Any advance tuition deposit paid directly to the university—and formally updated on your CAS statement—is deducted from your total requirement.
- Accommodation Offset Cap: If you pay for official university-arranged accommodation in advance, you can deduct a maximum of 1 month's maintenance fee (£1,529 / £1,171) from your required living costs, regardless of how much higher your actual payment was.
- The 28-Day Rule: The required total (Unpaid Tuition + 9 Months Maintenance) must sit in your account continuously for 28 consecutive days. The clock resets to Day 1 if the balance dips even one penny below the minimum.
- The 31-Day Validity Window: The official closing balance date on your bank statement must fall within 31 days prior to the date you pay and submit your online visa application.
Real-World Scenario / OANDA Currency Risk: UKVI calculates foreign currency conversions using the official OANDA exchange rate on the exact day of online visa submission—not the day you requested your bank statement. An applicant in Dhaka held BDT 2,500,000 to cover £16,200 in required GBP. On Day 22 of the 28-day holding period, local currency fluctuations dropped the BDT-to-GBP conversion rate by 1.8% on OANDA. The account balance momentarily converted to £16,080 (£120 below requirement). Result: The visa caseworker issued an automatic refusal under paragraph ST 12.1 for failing the 28-day maintenance requirement. Always maintain a 5% to 8% cash buffer above the base BDT conversion rate to absorb daily forex fluctuations.
2. UK Maintenance Fund Rate Changes Matrix
| Study Location | Current Rate (Until Nov 29, 2026) | New Rate (Effective Nov 30, 2026) | 9-Month Total Shift |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Campuses | £1,529 / month (£13,761 max) | £1,570 / month (£14,130 max) | +£369 Increase |
| Outer London / Regional UK | £1,171 / month (£10,539 max) | £1,203 / month (£10,827 max) | +£288 Increase |
| Dependants (if eligible) | £845/mo (London) / £680/mo (Outer) | Subject to indexed alignment | Strict PhD/Gov sponsor only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my parent's bank account to prove my maintenance funds?
Yes. If using a parent or legal guardian's bank account, you must upload two additional documents: (1) Your official government-issued Birth Certificate establishing legal relationship, and (2) A signed Parent Authorization Letter confirming they give permission to use the funds for your education in the UK. Sponsor accounts from uncles, siblings, or third parties are strictly rejected.
Are fixed deposit (FD) statements accepted by UKVI?
Fixed deposit certificates are accepted only if the funds are fully liquid and matured, or if the issuing bank explicitly confirms on official letterhead that the FD can be liquidated or withdrawn at any time without restriction during the 28-day window. Non-accessible or locked investment accounts are refused.
Audit Your UK Student Visa File
Verify your CAS statement details, 28-day bank statement dates, and OANDA currency conversion margins before paying your UKVI visa fee.