UK Student Visa Financial Requirements for Nepali Students 2026

A correct bank balance is not enough by itself. A Nepali applicant must calculate the required amount from the CAS, hold eligible funds for the required period and submit evidence in the correct form.

Quick answer: This guide is written for applicants from Nepal and reflects information checked in July 2026. University and UKVI rules can change, so always confirm the final requirement before paying or applying.

How much money is required in 2026?

You normally need the outstanding course fees shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), plus living costs. For a course in London, the maintenance figure is £1,529 per month for up to nine months, a maximum of £13,761. Outside London it is £1,171 per month for up to nine months, a maximum of £10,539. A part month is rounded up to a full month.

Example: if the CAS shows £16,000 tuition and confirms £6,000 already paid, the outstanding tuition is £10,000. For a nine-month London course, the basic calculation is £10,000 plus £13,761. Always use the exact CAS figures.

The 28-day and 31-day rules

Eligible funds must normally remain at or above the required level for 28 consecutive days. The closing date of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the online visa application date. A one-day dip can break the period, so check the daily balance, not only the opening and closing totals.

Because foreign currency values can move, keep a sensible buffer above the sterling requirement. UKVI converts currencies under its finance rules; applicants should not plan around a borderline NPR amount.

Whose money can be used?

Funds may normally be held in the applicant’s own eligible account or a parent/legal guardian’s eligible account. When relying on a parent or guardian, provide evidence of the relationship and written consent to use the money. A qualifying student loan or official financial sponsorship may be used when its evidence meets the rules.

Not every financial product qualifies. Confirm that the money is immediately accessible and that the bank evidence contains the account holder, account number, date, institution details and balance history required for the full period.

Tuition and accommodation payments

Tuition already paid to the sponsor can reduce the outstanding course-fee amount when it is recorded on the CAS or supported as permitted. A deposit paid for accommodation arranged by the student sponsor may be offset only within the limit permitted by the Student rules. Private rent paid to an unrelated landlord does not automatically reduce the visa maintenance requirement.

Common refusal risks

Using the old maintenance rates.
Submitting a statement whose 28-day period finishes too early.
Allowing the balance to fall below the threshold.
Using an ineligible account or unexplained third-party funds.
Forgetting relationship evidence and parental consent.
Calculating tuition from an offer letter when the CAS shows a different amount.

Practical checklist for students from Nepal

Match every name, date and amount across your passport, application, CAS and financial evidence.
Keep clear scans plus the original documents requested by the university or visa centre.
Do not rely on an estimated requirement when an official course page, CAS or UKVI rule gives an exact figure.
Plan backwards from the intake date and leave time for corrections.
Ask MKS Education to review the sequence of your application before the final submission.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need nine months of living funds?

You show the monthly amount for the course length, capped at nine months. A part month is rounded up.

Can I use my parents’ bank account?

Usually yes when it meets the finance rules and you provide relationship evidence plus written consent.

Should I convert GBP to NPR myself?

Use the official conversion method applicable on the application date and keep a buffer for exchange-rate movement.

Official sources checked

This article provides general education information, not immigration or legal advice. The university and UK authorities make the final decision.

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MKS Education is a study abroad consultancy opposite Shankerdev Campus in Putalisadak, Kathmandu. We help Nepali students review profiles, shortlist universities and courses, prepare applications, organise documents, research scholarships, and plan CAS and visa-file stages using current official sources. Universities and immigration authorities make all admission and visa decisions.

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