The United Kingdom has updated its financial requirements for Student and Child Student visa applicants, with only three African countries exempt from submitting proof of funds when applying.
Under the revised UK government guidance, applicants from most African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, must continue to provide financial evidence as part of their visa applications.
Below is the full list of African countries that qualify for the exemption.
- Botswana
Citizens of Botswana are not required to submit proof of funds with their Student or Child Student visa application unless UK immigration authorities specifically request the documents during the assessment process.
- Mauritius
Applicants from Mauritius also benefit from the exemption and do not need to provide financial evidence upfront. However, they must still satisfy the financial eligibility requirements and may be asked to submit supporting documents if requested.
- Tunisia
Tunisia is the third and final African country whose nationals qualify for the reduced documentary requirement under the updated UK Student visa rules.
The exemption does not remove the financial requirement
The UK government clarified that exempt applicants must still meet all financial eligibility conditions.
Although proof of funds may not be required at the time of application, immigration officials can request financial documents at any stage to verify that applicants meet the rules.
Which African countries are not exempt?
Applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and every other African country not listed above must continue to submit proof of funds when applying for a UK Student or Child Student visa.
Current UK Student visa financial requirements
Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover:
- Tuition fees stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Living expenses for the duration of their studies.
Maintenance funds required
- Outside London: £1,171 per month for up to nine months.
- In London: £1,529 per month for up to nine months.
Financial requirements for dependants
Students travelling with dependants must also show additional maintenance funds:
- £680 per month for each dependant studying outside London.
- £845 per month for each dependant studying in London.
Accepted sources of funds
Applicants may use:
- Government-backed student loans.
- Official financial sponsorship.
- Personal savings.
- Funds belonging to parents or eligible partners.
Funds that are not accepted
The UK government does not accept:
- Overdraft facilities.
- Cryptocurrency holdings.
- Pension funds.
- Money held in unregulated financial institutions.
