Proof of funds by country: the figures and the timing rules

Funds refusals usually come from the evidence, not the amount: the wrong account holder, the wrong dates or the wrong document. Below are the current figures and the rules that catch applicants out.

The figures (2026)

• United Kingdom: 9 months of living costs, £1,529/month (London) or £1,171/month (outside London), plus unpaid tuition, held for 28 consecutive days. The Home Office raised these on 3 September 2026. From 30 November 2026 they become £1,570 and £1,203, and the accommodation offset cap rises to £1,570. The date of your application decides which figures apply to you.
• Germany: a blocked account of €11,904 (€992/month), released monthly after arrival.
• Ireland: around €10,000 for first-year living for visa-required applicants, plus proof you’ve paid at least €6,000 of fees.
• France: about €615/month (≈ €7,380/year) plus tuition.
• Finland: €800/month (€9,600/year).
• Poland: roughly €6,000/year living, plus tuition and insurance.
• New Zealand: NZ$20,000/year living, plus tuition and a return airfare.

The traps that cause refusals

The 28-day rule (UK): the balance must sit untouched for 28 straight days, and the closing statement must be recent. Sudden large deposits without explanation raise questions. Using a parent’s account requires the right consent letters and relationship evidence. And every figure must match what your CAS or offer states.

How we prevent them

We calculate your exact figure, tell you when the 28-day clock should start, and assemble a documentation pack that pre-empts the common objections. Rules change, so we confirm the current numbers for your specific case before you submit.

Want a quick estimate first? Our proof-of-funds & budget estimator now lets you pick your country and where you’ll study. So the UK figure switches between the London and outside-London rates. And shows the legal minimum you must prove separately from what life actually costs.

Officers test whether you know these figures by heart. Work out your exact figure and your 28-day dates in Step 5 of Interview Ready.

Frequently asked