Learn how Nigerians can meet the UK Student Visa proof of funds requirement in 2025 — including CAS, IHS, tuition, and 28-day rule details with examples.
Understanding the Financial Requirement
For most Nigerians, the UK student visa financial requirement is the toughest part of the application. The Home Office needs proof that you can pay your tuition and living expenses before you enter the UK.
“Calculating the total funds for my UK visa was the most stressful part of my application. I wish I had known earlier that paying a chunk of my tuition upfront drastically reduced the amount I had to show in my bank account.”
The proof of funds (also known as maintenance funds) is the total amount of money you must show to cover:
- Tuition fees for the first academic year, and
- Living expenses (maintenance) for up to nine months, depending on your location (London or outside London).
Component 1: The Maintenance Funds Requirement
How to Calculate Your Required Maintenance Amount
As of 2025, the official minimum living costs published by the UK Home Office are:
| Location | Monthly Maintenance | 9-Month Total |
|---|---|---|
| In London | £1,334 | £12,006 |
| Outside London | £1,023 | £9,207 |
If you are applying with dependants, you must add:
- £845 per month for each dependant (London)
- £680 per month for each dependant (outside London)
Official Source: UK Government — Student Visa: Money You Need
Example:
If your tuition is £16,000 and you’re studying outside London, your total required funds =
Tuition (£16,000) + Maintenance (£9,207) = £25,207.
Rules for Holding the Funds (The 28-Day Rule)
UKVI (UK Visas & Immigration) requires that your money remains in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you submit your visa application.
Key points:
- The closing balance date must not be older than 31 days on the date you apply.
- No large, unexplained deposits are allowed during the 28-day window.
- You can use your personal account, or that of a parent or legal guardian (with a consent letter).
Common mistake: “I withdrew ₦100,000 mid-month to solve an emergency, and my 28-day cycle restarted. It delayed my visa by two months.”
Acceptable bank accounts:
- Savings or current accounts
- Fixed deposits (if funds are accessible)
- Cooperative or microfinance accounts are not accepted
Acceptable Financial Documents (Bank Statements)
You can show your proof of funds with any of the following:
- Official bank statement printed and stamped by the bank
- Online statement with a bank logo and signature
- Bank reference letter confirming your balance
Each document must include:
- Your full name
- Account number
- Bank name and logo
- Date of statement
- The 28-day balance clearly shown
If using your parent’s account, include:
- Sponsor letter (signed and dated)
- Birth certificate linking you to your parent
Tip: Always print two copies of your statement — one for your visa file and one for the interview (if called).
Component 2: Tuition and Fees Paid (CAS)
Using Your CAS Statement to Reduce Funds
Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is issued by your UK university and outlines:
- Tuition fees for the year
- Amount already paid
- Remaining balance
Whatever amount you have already paid reduces your proof of funds.
Example:
If tuition is £16,000 and you’ve paid £5,000, you only need to show £11,000 + maintenance in your bank statement.
Official CAS Details: UKVI — Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies
Tip: Always check your CAS shows:
- Amount of tuition paid
- Correct sponsor details
- University’s sponsor licence number
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and Payment
The IHS is a compulsory fee you pay when applying for your visa. It grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Rates (as of 2025):
- £776 per year of study for students
- Example: £1,552 for a 2-year master’s program
Pay the IHS Here: UK Government — Immigration Health Surcharge
“I made the mistake of not including the IHS payment receipt with my application initially. It’s an essential part of the financial proof — treat it like a mandatory upfront fee, not a separate charge.”
Once paid, you’ll receive an IHS reference number (starting with IHS…). Include this in your visa application form.
The Application Process: Timing and Common Errors
Timing is crucial — every date on your proof of funds documents must align.
The PTE/IELTS and Proof of Funds (Financial Timing)
While your English test (IELTS or PTE Academic UKVI) doesn’t directly affect your funds, it impacts your application timeline.
- You cannot submit your visa until your test result and CAS are ready.
- Ensure your bank statement’s 28-day window ends after you receive your CAS and test results.
PTE Academic UKVI Registration
IELTS for UKVI Nigeria
Common Reasons for Financial Refusal for Nigerians
Based on recent UKVI trends, the top causes of financial refusals include:
- Funds not held for 28 consecutive days
- Using unapproved or cooperative bank accounts
- Parent’s account without proof of relationship
- Bank statements missing official stamp/signature
- Tuition payment not reflected in CAS
Case study: “A friend’s visa was refused because her CAS didn’t show her £3,000 deposit. Always double-check your CAS before submitting.”
Final Checks Before Submission
Your proof of funds is more than a number — it’s a test of your attention to detail. Even small errors can lead to refusals.
Here’s your final pre-submission checklist:
| Requirement | Verified |
|---|---|
| Bank statement shows full amount for 28 days | ✅ |
| CAS includes tuition paid and accurate balance | ✅ |
| IHS payment receipt attached | ✅ |
| Sponsor letter (if applicable) signed and dated | ✅ |
| Translations (if any) certified | ✅ |
“Once I treated my proof of funds like a financial project — balancing tuition, IHS, and maintenance — everything clicked. The visa came through in just two weeks.”
Need Professional Guidance?
For complex financial setups (joint accounts, company sponsorship, or dependent applications), consider speaking to a licensed UK education consultant in Nigeria:
Official UKVI Financial Guidance: UK Student Visa: Money You Need
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