How Much Bank Statement for UK Student Visa From Pakistan (2026)
The financial requirement is the single most common reason UK Student visas are refused — not because applicants lack the money, but because the bank statement is held for the wrong number of days, in the wrong account, or in the wrong format. Here is exactly how much bank statement you need for a UK Student visa from Pakistan in 2026, and how to prove it correctly the first time.
How much money do you need to show?
You must show two things: your unpaid first-year tuition, plus living costs (called "maintenance"):
- Living costs: £1,171 per month for study outside London, or £1,529 per month in London, for up to 9 months. That is £10,539 (outside London) or £13,761 (London) for a full 9-month requirement.
- Tuition: your first year's fee, minus any deposit you have already paid (your CAS states how much you have paid).
Worked example (student outside London)
Say your first-year tuition is £15,000 and you paid a £3,000 deposit to get your CAS. You must show:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Remaining tuition (£15,000 − £3,000) | £12,000 |
| Living costs (£1,171 × 9) | £10,539 |
| Total to show in your account | £22,539 |
Paying a larger deposit before you apply lowers the balance you must show — a useful tactic if your funds are close to the line.
The 28-day rule (the part people get wrong)
The required amount must sit in the account for 28 consecutive days, and the closing balance on your statement must be dated within 31 days of the day you apply. Crucially, the balance must never drop below the required amount on any single day during those 28 days — not even for one day. If it dips, the 28-day clock resets. Do not move money in and out during this period.
Whose bank account can you use?
- Your own account — the simplest option.
- Your parents' or legal guardian's account — allowed, but you must include their letter of consent confirming you can use the funds, plus proof of your relationship (your birth certificate).
- An official financial sponsor (e.g. a government or university scholarship) — provide their letter instead.
- An approved student loan — provide the loan letter.
Money in an account belonging to another relative — a sibling, uncle or friend — is not accepted.
What the money must be, and what the statement must show
The funds must be cash held in an account you can access. Shares, property, pension funds and overdraft limits do not count. Your evidence (a bank statement, or a signed letter from the bank) must clearly show:
- your name (or your parent's name, if using their account);
- the account number;
- the date of the statement (dated within 31 days of applying);
- the bank's name and logo;
- transactions covering at least the 28-day period, with the balance always at or above the required amount.
If your statement is in Urdu, include a certified English translation.
Who is exempt?
If you have already been living in the UK on a visa for 12 months or more when you apply, you do not need to prove maintenance funds. Nationals of certain low-risk countries can use "differential evidence" and submit less — but Pakistan is not on that list, so Pakistani applicants must provide full financial evidence. This is one of the details we check before you submit — see our study in the UK from Pakistan guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much bank statement is required for a UK Student visa from Pakistan?
Your unpaid first-year tuition plus living costs — £1,171 per month outside London or £1,529 in London, for up to 9 months (so £10,539 or £13,761 in maintenance), held for 28 consecutive days.
How many months of bank statement do I need?
The required balance must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated within 31 days of your application. A single statement covering that 28-day period is enough if it shows the balance never fell below the required amount.
Can I use my father's bank account?
Yes. You can use a parent's or legal guardian's account if you include their signed letter of consent and your birth certificate proving the relationship. Other relatives' accounts are not accepted.
Does a fixed deposit or property count?
No. The funds must be cash held in an accessible account. Fixed deposits that cannot be withdrawn within the required time, shares and property do not qualify.
What happens if my balance drops below the amount for one day?
The 28-day period resets. The balance must stay at or above the required amount on every single day of the 28 days, so avoid moving money during that window.
Worried your bank statement won't meet UKVI's exact rules? This is the most common reason for refusal — and the easiest to get right with help. Global Pathways reviews your financial evidence before you submit. Book a free consultation.