Last reviewed: September 28, 2026. Visa fees, proof-of-funds amounts and work limits in this guide were checked against government and university pages on that date. Immigration figures change often, sometimes with only a few weeks' notice, so confirm each one on the official page linked beside it before you apply. This is general financial information, not immigration or legal advice.
Short answer: Most international students pay for study abroad with a mix of family savings, scholarships, a loan taken out in their home country and, once they arrive, limited part-time work. Before a visa is issued you usually have to prove you can cover the first year: in the UK that means unpaid first-year fees plus £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere (up to 9 months). Canada asks for tuition, travel and CAD 23,448 in living costs for a single applicant applying on or after September 1, 2026. Australia's living-cost figure is AUD 29,710 on top of fees and travel. In the US, the school's I-20 sets the amount. Pay tuition straight to the university, using the methods it lists and nothing else. Treat anyone offering a "discount" on your fees as a scammer.
In this guide
- How paying for study abroad actually works
- What studying abroad costs: the components
- Visa and health fees by country
- Proof of funds for student visas (UK, Canada, Australia, US)
- Scholarships and how to search them safely
- International student loans: what is and isn't available
- How to pay tuition from abroad
- Opening a local bank account and building credit
- Part-time work limits while you study
- A worked annual budget (hypothetical)
- Scams that target international students
- Month-by-month financial checklist
- When this doesn't apply
- FAQ
- Your next step
How paying for study abroad actually works
Paying for a degree in another country happens in stages. Money comes out long before the first lecture. There is an application fee, then a deposit to hold your place, then the visa fee and a government health charge, and in most cases you have to show the immigration authority a large sum sitting in an account for a set period. After you land, the spending turns into a monthly routine of rent, food, transport and phone, plus the tuition instalments your university sets.
That timing matters more than most students expect. A family that could manage the total cost over a year can still hit trouble if it cannot show the whole first-year amount at once, several months before the course starts. So this guide begins with what you will actually pay, then covers what you must prove for the visa, which is a separate test with its own rules. After that come the sources of money (scholarships, loans, work) and the practical side of moving money across borders without losing too much on exchange rates or to fraudsters.
Four destinations are covered: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the United States. They are the most common English-speaking choices and each publishes its financial rules in detail. Every figure below names its country and the date it applies from, where the government gives one. If a figure has changed since September 28, 2026, the official page wins.
What studying abroad costs: the components
"Cost of studying abroad" is usually quoted as one big number, and that hides most of the useful detail. Break it into parts and you can see which ones are fixed, which you can negotiate, and which fall due before you can earn anything.
Tuition fees and deposits
Tuition is normally the largest single item, and the university sets it, not the government. International fees differ widely by country, institution, subject and level. A lab-based or clinical course usually costs more than a humanities degree at the same university. Many universities also ask for a non-refundable or partly refundable deposit when you accept an offer. In the UK, the deposit you have paid generally appears on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), and that affects how much you must show for the visa (more on this below).
When comparing universities, look up three things on each fee page: the annual fee for your exact course, whether it is fixed for the whole course or can rise each year, and the payment schedule. Some institutions want the full year up front. Others split it into two or three instalments, and a few offer a small discount for paying in full early. That discount is legitimate only if the university itself publishes it. It is never offered through a third party.
Living costs
Rent, food, utilities, local transport, a phone plan, course materials and a modest social life make up living costs. They depend heavily on the city. London, Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, New York and the San Francisco Bay Area sit at the top end in their countries. Governments publish minimum living-cost figures for visa purposes, but those are thresholds for an application. They are not budgets. Australia's education portal says plainly that its cost-of-living calculator is an approximate guide only. US universities publish their own estimates as part of the I-20 funding requirement, and these tend to be more realistic because they reflect local rents.
Health cover
Each of the four countries handles student healthcare differently, and in each case it is a real cost that belongs in your budget.
- UK: the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Most students applying for a visa longer than six months pay this upfront as part of the visa application. According to GOV.UK, the rate for students and their dependants is £776 per year. Any period over six months but under a year is charged as a full year, and a visa of up to 18 months is charged at one and a half years. After paying it you can generally use the NHS much as residents do, though prescriptions and dental care may still cost extra.
- Australia: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Keeping OSHC for the whole time you hold a student visa is a condition of that visa. The government's privatehealth.gov.au page says OSHC helps with medical and hospital costs and includes ambulance cover and limited pharmaceuticals. It does not cover "extras" such as dental, optical or physiotherapy. The same page lists the registered OSHC insurers, and notes that students from Sweden, Norway and Belgium may have special arrangements under their own national schemes.
- United States: university health insurance. No single federal health surcharge applies to F-1 students. Most universities, though, make health insurance compulsory for international students and either enrol you in their student plan automatically or let you waive it only if your own policy meets their standards. George Mason University's policy is a typical example: it sets minimum criteria for a waiver. Check your university's rule and premium, because it can add a noticeable sum to the bill each term.
- Canada: depends on the province. Some provinces cover international students under the public plan after a waiting period. Others expect students to buy private or university insurance. Your university's international office will tell you which applies, and the cost belongs in your first-year budget.
Visa, biometrics and related fees
Government fees are small next to tuition, but they fall due early and are rarely refundable. They are listed country by country in the next section.
One-off and easily forgotten costs
These catch students out most often: flights, temporary accommodation while you look for a longer lease, a rental deposit (often a month's rent or more), bedding and kitchen basics, winter clothing if you are moving somewhere cold, a local phone plan and handset, tuberculosis testing where the UK requires it, document translations and certified copies, courier fees, and international transfer charges each time money moves. None of them is large alone. Together they can easily reach several months' rent in the first few weeks.
Visa and health fees by country
The table below shows the main government fees for a single student applying from outside the country. Each row notes where the figure was checked. Dependants usually pay their own fees.
| Country | Visa / permit fee | Health-related charge | Other official fees | Source checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK (Student visa) | £558 from outside the UK; £558 to extend or switch inside the UK | IHS: £776 per year for students | TB test if required by your country; biometric appointment arrangements vary | GOV.UK, Sept 28, 2026 |
| Canada (study permit) | CAD 150 per person | Provincial or private insurance (varies) | Biometrics CAD 85 per person (families applying together: max CAD 170) | IRCC fee list, Sept 28, 2026 |
| Australia (Student visa subclass 500) | From AUD 2,500 from July 1, 2026 (some groups pay a lower, indexed rate) | OSHC for the full visa period (price set by insurer) | Health checks and biometrics where requested | Study Australia, Sept 28, 2026 |
| US (F-1 visa) | USD 185 visa application (MRV) fee | University health insurance (school-specific) | USD 350 I-901 SEVIS fee for F-1 students; a USD 250 "visa integrity fee" has been legislated but check whether your consulate is collecting it | University advisories and State Department fee notices, Sept 28, 2026 |
UK note. GOV.UK lists the Student visa fee as £558 both from outside the UK and for extending or switching inside it. From outside the UK you can apply up to six months before your course starts. The IHS is paid on top, and its amount depends on how long your visa is granted for.
Canada note. The IRCC fee list shows CAD 150 for a study permit, extensions included, and CAD 85 for biometrics. Most applicants outside Quebec also need a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) from the province where they will study, uploaded with the application. This is described on IRCC's application page.
Australia note. The official Study Australia portal reported on July 3, 2026 that the student visa charge rose from AUD 2,000 to AUD 2,500 on July 1, 2026. Three groups keep paying the previous rate plus annual indexation: applicants in independent ELICOS (English-language) or non-award courses, primary applicants from ASEAN countries, and primary applicants from listed Pacific nations and Timor-Leste. Use the Home Affairs visa pricing estimator to find your exact charge.
US note. The USD 185 visa application fee for student visas has applied since June 17, 2023, and the I-901 SEVIS fee for F-1 students is USD 350, as Boston University's international office summarises. The same BU advisory, posted in May 2026, reports that some consular posts have started charging a new USD 250 visa integrity fee when a visa is issued, and that refund procedures are still being worked out. Collection appears to vary, so check the fee page of the US embassy or consulate where you will apply shortly before your appointment.
Proof of funds for student visas (UK, Canada, Australia, US)
Proof of funds is the part of the application where students most often trip up, because the rules are specific about how much, whose money, held for how long and in what kind of account. The official figure is a minimum. Having more than that does no harm. A single document failing a technical rule, such as a statement that covers the wrong dates, can lead to refusal even when the family is comfortably well off.
| Country | What you must show (single applicant) | Living-cost figure | Effective / checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Unpaid course fees for the first academic year (up to 9 months), as shown on your CAS, plus living costs | £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month outside London, for up to 9 months (max £13,761 or £10,539) | Applications on or after Nov 11, 2025; checked on GOV.UK Sept 28, 2026 |
| Canada (outside Quebec) | First-year tuition, transportation to and from Canada, plus living costs | CAD 23,448 for one person | Applications on or after Sept 1, 2026 |
| Australia | 12 months of living costs, course fees and travel (plus family and school costs if relevant) | AUD 29,710 for the student | In force since May 10, 2024; still quoted in Sept 2026 |
| US | The total on your Form I-20 (tuition, living costs and other expenses for one academic year) | Set by each school | School-specific; e.g. UC San Diego 2026 figures |
United Kingdom: maintenance and the 28-day rule
Under the GOV.UK Student visa money rules, you need enough money to pay for one academic year of your course (up to nine months), and the amount you still owe appears on your CAS. On top of that you must show living costs of £1,529 a month for courses in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months. "London" means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. These rates took effect for applications made on or after November 11, 2025, as UKCISA summarised, replacing the £1,483 and £1,136 rates set in January 2025.
The timing rule matters just as much as the amount. The money must have been held for at least 28 days in a row, and the 28-day period must end within 31 days of the date you apply. In practice, if you plan to apply in early July, the full sum needs to be in the account through most of May and June. It cannot be topped up the week before. If you have a student loan or official financial sponsorship, you provide evidence from the lender or sponsor.
Two groups can skip the financial evidence. The first is people who have lived in the UK on a visa for at least 12 months before applying. The second is nationals of countries on the UK's "differential evidence" list (Australia, Canada, Japan, the USA and several others). They normally do not need to submit the documents, but they must still have the money and can be asked for it. Some universities also offset money you have already paid for university accommodation, up to a cap that rose to £1,529 in November 2025. Your university's visa team will explain how that works on your CAS.
Canada: CAD 23,448 plus tuition and travel
IRCC's proof of financial support page (updated August 28, 2026) sets new living-expense amounts for study permit applications made on or after September 1, 2026, for every province and territory except Quebec:
| People in your family unit (including you) | Living expenses (CAD), applications on or after Sept 1, 2026 | Previous amount (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 23,448 | 22,895 |
| 2 | 29,192 | 28,502 |
| 3 | 35,888 | 35,040 |
| 4 | 43,572 | 42,543 |
| 5 | 49,419 | 48,252 |
| 6 | 55,736 | 54,420 |
| 7 | 62,054 | 60,589 |
| Each additional person | 6,318 | 6,170 |
These amounts come in addition to tuition for your program and transportation to and from Canada. Accepted evidence includes proof that you have already paid first-year tuition and housing, bank statements covering the past six months, a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a Canadian financial institution, proof of a scholarship or education loan, and a letter from the person or institution funding you. Quebec is different: to get a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ), you meet the financial requirements set by Quebec's own immigration ministry.
A GIC is one way to show funds, but it is not compulsory for most applicants. Some students like it because the money is already in Canada and is paid out in instalments after arrival. Others keep funds at home and submit statements. Choose based on cost and convenience, and compare fees if you use a GIC.
Australia: AUD 29,710 and the wider financial capacity test
Australia asks student visa applicants to show they can pay for travel, 12 months of living costs and course fees, plus schooling costs for any school-age children coming with them. The student's living-cost amount has been AUD 29,710 since May 10, 2024. At the same time the figures for family members were set at AUD 10,394 for a partner, AUD 4,449 per dependent child and AUD 13,502 a year for school costs. These amounts are recorded in provider notices of the Home Affairs change and in university guidance, and they were still the figures being quoted in September 2026. According to the same notices, the student figure is linked to 75 percent of the national minimum wage.
Evidence usually takes the form of money deposits, loans from a financial institution, government loans, scholarships or sponsorship. Not every applicant is asked for documents when they lodge. How much evidence you provide depends on your nationality and your provider, and the Home Affairs Document Checklist Tool shows what applies to you. The Department of Home Affairs website blocked automated checks on the day this guide was reviewed. Open the Student visa (subclass 500) page yourself and confirm the current figure before you move money.
United States: the I-20 amount
The US does not set one national figure. Instead, federal regulations (8 CFR 214.2(f)) require an F-1 student to have documentary evidence of financial support in the amount shown on the Form I-20. Your university calculates that amount, normally one academic year of tuition and fees, living expenses, books and other costs, then checks your documents before issuing the I-20. At the visa interview the consular officer can ask to see the same evidence.
For example, UC San Diego's 2026 funding requirement for a new graduate student is USD 73,507: USD 36,727 in tuition and fees, USD 36,084 in living expenses and USD 696 for books and supplies. For a new undergraduate it is USD 82,662. Other schools will differ, sometimes a lot. UC San Diego also lists what it will not accept (income statements, pension funds, tax returns, cryptocurrency and lines of credit, for instance) and wants documents no more than three months old. Many schools have similar rules, so read your own school's list carefully rather than assuming.
Common proof-of-funds mistakes
- Money moved in too late. This matters most in the UK, where the 28-day rule is strict. A large deposit shortly before applying can also prompt questions elsewhere.
- Statements missing required details. Your name, the account number, the bank's details, the balance and the dates should all appear. A screenshot from a banking app is rarely enough.
- The wrong kind of account or asset. Property, shares or pension funds that cannot be drawn on quickly are often refused. Universities in the US list their exceptions.
- Parental funds without supporting paperwork. Where parents' money is allowed, you usually need proof of the relationship and a letter of consent. The exact rule depends on the country.
- Currency confusion. Balances held in another currency are usually converted at a published rate on a particular date. Leave a margin in case the exchange rate moves against you.
- Borrowed money parked briefly. Showing funds you do not actually control, or money lent to you for the statement and then returned, can amount to misrepresentation. That can lead to refusal and a record that follows you into future applications.
Scholarships and how to search them safely
Full scholarships are competitive and relatively few, but partial awards are more common than many families realise. They include tuition discounts, departmental bursaries, research assistantships and fee waivers for postgraduate research. The safest search order is: first the university you have applied to, then government schemes in the destination country, then your own government and employers, then reputable foundations.
Government scholarship portals worth knowing
- Chevening (UK). These awards from the UK government are described as fully funded and are for one-year master's courses. The eligibility rules require at least 2,800 hours of work experience gained after your undergraduate degree and applications to three eligible UK courses. Applicants must also commit to returning to their home country for at least two years after the award ends.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program (US). Non-US citizens apply through the Fulbright Commission or US Embassy in their home country, not directly to a central office. Deadlines, benefits and eligibility vary by country, so the local commission's page is the one to follow.
- Australia Awards (Australia). These are funded by Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and open to citizens of participating partner countries. According to DFAT's scholarship pages, benefits generally include return economy airfare, academic fees, an establishment allowance and a fortnightly contribution to living expenses. Recipients must leave Australia for at least two years after the scholarship. Otherwise they can be asked to repay its full cost.
- Canada. The government's EduCanada scholarships page lists programs for international students from particular regions, such as short-term exchange scholarships for students from Latin America, Asia, Africa and elsewhere. Many of these cover exchanges through a partner institution rather than full degrees, so read each program's scope.
How to judge a scholarship listing
Real scholarships don't charge an application or "processing" fee, don't promise success, and are run by or linked from the funder itself. IRCC's own fraud guidance flags anyone who asks you to pay money to apply for a scholarship or to guarantee one as a warning sign. When a scholarship appears on an aggregator site, find the same award on the funder's own website before you spend time on it. Keep in mind too that a scholarship offered after you have applied for a visa usually cannot be counted retrospectively. Scholarship letters used as financial evidence generally need to be on official letterhead and state the amount and duration.
International student loans: what is and isn't available
Borrowing is where international students have the fewest options, and where expectations most often run ahead of reality. The big government student-loan systems in the four destinations are largely closed to international students.
Destination-country government loans
- United States. Federal student aid, including federal Direct Loans, is for US citizens and "eligible noncitizens" such as green-card holders and refugees. Students on F-1, J-1 or M-1 visas are generally not eligible, as StudentAid.gov explains.
- United Kingdom. Student Finance England's tuition fee and maintenance loans are designed for UK nationals, Irish citizens and people with settled status who meet residence rules. The GOV.UK eligibility page points everyone else to an online checker. Students on a Student visa should not count on this route.
- Canada. Canada Student Grants and Loans are for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who live in a participating province or territory, according to Canada.ca.
- Australia. HELP loans (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and others) are for Australian citizens and certain humanitarian visa holders. Even permanent residents usually cannot use them, as the Study Assist eligibility pages set out. International students on a student visa are not eligible.
Loans from your home country
For many students the most realistic loan is one arranged at home. Banks in several countries offer education loans for overseas study, sometimes backed by government schemes or interest subsidies. Terms vary a great deal: whether collateral is needed, whether a parent must co-borrow, whether interest runs while you study, and when the money is paid out (often straight to the university). Before you sign, check that the lender can produce a sanction or disbursement letter in the format your destination's immigration authority accepts. Also check the exchange-rate risk: you borrow in your home currency and pay fees in pounds, dollars or Australian dollars, so a weaker home currency raises the real cost. Our separate guide on how to apply for a loan as an international student goes through the application process step by step.
US private loans and the cosigner question
In the US, a number of private lenders and some universities offer loans to international students. Most want a creditworthy cosigner who is a US citizen or permanent resident, because the student usually has no US credit history. A cosigner is fully and legally responsible for the debt if you don't pay, and missed payments damage their credit as well as yours. A small number of lenders lend without a cosigner, basing the decision on your school, program and expected earnings. These loans tend to cost more and may be limited to certain schools and subjects.
Whatever the product, compare the annual percentage rate (not only the headline interest rate), origination fees, whether rates are fixed or variable, grace periods, what happens if you leave the US after graduating, and whether the lender pays the school directly. Treat any lender that asks for an upfront fee before approval with deep suspicion.
University loans and payment plans
Some universities run their own short-term loans or hardship funds for enrolled international students, and many offer tuition payment plans that spread the fee over a term or year. These are not a substitute for proof of funds, since immigration rules still expect the first year to be covered, but they can ease cash flow once you are enrolled. Ask the university finance office what exists. Don't assume none does.
How to pay tuition from abroad
Paying a university in another currency is simple once you know the options. The main risks are losing money on exchange rates and paying the wrong party.
Use the methods your university lists
Every university publishes its accepted payment methods on its fees page. Many UK, Canadian, Australian and US universities work with international payment platforms such as Flywire or Convera. These let a student or parent pay in their home currency through a local bank transfer, card or e-wallet, with the university receiving the fee in its own currency. Imperial College London's payment page, for example, names both Convera and Flywire and lists local-currency bank transfers, UK transfers in pounds and card payments, with alternatives such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. It also warns students always to use one of those official methods, because of scams offering discounted fee payments.
Start the payment from the university's own website or student portal, not from a link someone sends you. The portal will generate a reference tied to your student ID, which matters because a transfer without the right reference can sit unallocated for weeks.
Bank transfer versus payment platform
A standard international bank transfer (a SWIFT wire) to the university's account is always an option, but it can be the most expensive. Your bank may charge a sending fee and apply its own exchange rate, intermediary banks may take a cut in transit, and the university may receive less than you sent. A shortfall of even a few pounds or dollars can leave an outstanding balance that triggers late fees. University-approved platforms usually quote the exchange rate and the amount the university will receive before you commit, which removes much of that uncertainty. Whichever route you choose, compare the total cost in your own currency, not just the stated fee.
Exchange-rate costs and timing
The exchange-rate margin, meaning the gap between the rate you get and the mid-market rate, is often a bigger cost than any fixed fee. On a tuition payment of tens of thousands, a margin of one or two percent is a real amount of money. It helps to get quotes from two or three providers on the same day, pay in the currency the university bills in, and avoid "dynamic currency conversion" when paying by card, where the card terminal or website offers to charge you in your home currency at its own rate. Our explainer on foreign transaction fees and DCC covers the card side in more detail. For regular transfers from family once you are living abroad, our guide on how to send money internationally compares the main options.
Who pays matters
Universities generally accept payment from the student, a parent or a sponsor, but regulated payment providers have to screen transactions, and a payment from an unrelated third party may be questioned or returned. If a relative is paying, make sure the student's name and ID appear on the payment. If a sponsor is paying, send the sponsorship letter to the university before the deadline. Imperial's page makes a point that holds widely: until a sponsor's award is confirmed and accepted, the fees remain the student's responsibility.
Opening a local bank account and building credit
A local account saves you money on every rent payment and grocery shop, and in most countries you need one to be paid by an employer. Open one within your first few weeks.
What banks usually ask for
Expect to show your passport and visa or immigration status, proof of your study address, and often a letter from your university confirming enrolment. Some banks have accounts designed for international students with simpler requirements. Others ask for things a new arrival doesn't yet have, such as months of address history. University international offices often have a list of banks that work well with their students, which is a sensible place to start. Digital-only banks can be quicker to open, but check that the account meets your landlord's and employer's needs.
Country notes
- UK. Since the move to eVisas, you may be asked to prove your immigration status online with a share code rather than a physical card. Keep a letter from your university confirming your UK address, because many banks request it.
- Canada. If you used a GIC, you will usually already have an account with that institution. Otherwise, the main banks offer student accounts. To work in Canada you also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Australia. Many banks let you start an application before you arrive and finish it in a branch with your passport. You also need a Tax File Number (TFN) before you start working.
- United States. You can usually open a checking account with a passport, I-20 and visa. A Social Security number is issued to F-1 students only when they are authorised to work and have a job or job offer, as the Social Security Administration's leaflet for international students explains. Without one, some banks accept other identifiers.
Building credit as a student
Your credit history from home usually doesn't carry over. In the US, the CARD Act rules enforced by the CFPB say card issuers cannot give a credit card to someone under 21 unless the applicant has an independent ability to pay or a cosigner aged 21 or over. For older students, a secured card (backed by a deposit) or a student card from your own bank is a common first step. In any country, the habits that build a record are the same: keep the balance low compared with the limit, pay the full statement balance on time every month, and don't apply for several cards in a short period. A lease in your name and a phone contract can also help in some systems, provided every payment is on time.
Be cautious about "buy now, pay later" and store credit in your first months. They are easy to get, and late payments can be reported.
Part-time work limits while you study
Part-time work can pay for a good share of day-to-day spending. It cannot fund tuition, and it doesn't count towards proof of funds before you arrive. Breaking the hours limit can put your visa at risk in every one of these countries.
| Country | During term / academic session | During official breaks | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Up to 20 hours a week (degree level and above); up to 10 hours a week (below degree level) | Full-time | Full-time course with a sponsor that has a track record of compliance; no self-employment, professional sport or entertainment roles, or permanent full-time jobs |
| Canada | Up to 24 hours a week off campus | Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks | Full-time at a designated learning institution, in a program of at least 6 months leading to a degree, diploma or certificate; study permit must allow work; SIN required |
| Australia | Up to 48 hours per fortnight while the course is in session | Unlimited during scheduled course breaks | No limit once a master's by research or doctorate has started |
| US (F-1) | On-campus work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session | May exceed 20 hours during official breaks | Off-campus work only with specific authorisation (such as CPT, OPT or severe economic hardship) |
Sources: UKCISA guidance on Student visa work (updated January 28, 2026); IRCC, working off campus; Study Australia, Student visa subclass 500; 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9).
A few practical points. In the UK, "term time" means the period when your sponsor expects you to be studying, and that is set by the university's calendar, not your timetable, so ask for the official dates. In Australia, a "fortnight" for this rule is the 14-day period starting on a Monday. In the US, on-campus jobs are limited in number and competitive, and the work rules are strict, so talk to your designated school official (DSO) before accepting anything off campus. When budgeting, assume fewer hours than the maximum. Coursework peaks, and many students find 10 to 15 hours a week is what they can actually sustain.
A worked annual budget (hypothetical)
This is a hypothetical example for illustration only. The student, course and tuition fee are invented. The government figures (visa fee, IHS, maintenance amount) are the official ones checked on September 28, 2026. Your own numbers will differ.
Scenario: Amira, a hypothetical applicant, has an offer for a 12-month taught master's at a university in Manchester (outside London). Tuition is £24,000, and she paid a £4,000 deposit when she accepted, which her CAS records. She expects her visa to run for more than 12 months but not more than 18 months, because UK student visas usually include extra time after the course ends.
| Item | Amount (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (full year) | 24,000 | Hypothetical fee; £4,000 already paid as deposit |
| Student visa application fee | 558 | GOV.UK, applying from outside the UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | 1,164 | £776 × 1.5 years (visa over 12 but not over 18 months) |
| Rent (12 months) | 8,400 | Hypothetical £700/month shared housing |
| Food and household | 3,000 | Hypothetical £250/month |
| Transport | 600 | Hypothetical £50/month |
| Phone and internet share | 360 | Hypothetical £30/month |
| Books, printing, course materials | 400 | Hypothetical |
| Personal and social | 1,800 | Hypothetical £150/month |
| Flights and arrival set-up | 1,500 | Hypothetical: one-way flight, bedding, kitchen items |
| Rental deposit (usually returned) | 700 | Hypothetical; cash flow, not a true cost |
| Contingency (about 5% of living costs) | 750 | For price rises, emergencies, exchange-rate moves |
| Total cash needed for the year | 43,232 | Including the deposit already paid |
What she must show for the visa is a different number. The unpaid fees on her CAS are £20,000 (£24,000 minus the £4,000 deposit). Living costs outside London are £1,171 × 9 = £10,539. So the visa evidence needs to show £30,539, held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of her application date. The visa fee and IHS are paid separately at the time she applies. Her real-world budget of £43,232 is well above the visa threshold, which is typical. Passing the proof-of-funds check does not mean you can afford the year.
How the same logic looks elsewhere (hypothetical)
- Canada: a hypothetical one-year college program costing CAD 20,000 in tuition means showing at least CAD 20,000 + CAD 23,448 + the cost of travel, plus paying the CAD 150 permit fee and CAD 85 biometrics. Health insurance depends on the province.
- Australia: a hypothetical AUD 42,000 first-year fee means evidence of AUD 42,000 + AUD 29,710 + travel, plus the AUD 2,500 visa charge (or the lower indexed rate if you qualify) and OSHC for the full visa period.
- US: the I-20 figure is the target. At UC San Diego that is USD 73,507 for a new graduate student in 2026, and the USD 185 visa fee and USD 350 SEVIS fee are paid on top.
Scams that target international students
International students are targeted because they move large sums across borders, deal with unfamiliar authorities and are often under deadline pressure. The patterns repeat across countries, and governments and universities warn about them directly.
Fake tuition payment agents and "discounted" fees
The pattern is well documented by UK universities. Someone, often on social media or a messaging app, offers to pay your fees at a discount or a better exchange rate. They pay the university with a stolen card, send you a convincing receipt and collect your money. When the card payment is reversed, the university still expects the full fee from you. Universities consistently say they do not offer discounts for paying through third parties. IRCC's study permit fraud guidance is blunt: "Always pay tuition fees directly to the school."
Fake immigration officials
A caller claims to be from the Home Office, IRCC, Home Affairs or US immigration, says there is a problem with your visa and demands immediate payment to avoid deportation. The number may even appear genuine. UKCISA notes that the Home Office does not issue financial penalties this way. IRCC says it never asks for payment by phone. Scamwatch and Home Affairs say the Australian Government will never call to demand payment for a visa to avoid deportation. Hang up, don't share details, and contact your university's international office.
Acceptance-letter and visa "guarantee" scams
Be wary of anyone who promises a letter of acceptance in exchange for money, tells you to apply without a genuine offer, or guarantees a visa. In Canada, universities and colleges now verify each overseas applicant's letter of acceptance directly with IRCC. In Australia, paid immigration help must come from a registered migration agent or a lawyer. In every country, a representative you pay should be declared and should give you a written contract.
Money mule recruitment and rental fraud
Offers of easy money for "receiving a payment" into your account and passing it on are usually money laundering, and the student who lends the account can face criminal and immigration consequences. UKCISA warns specifically that some students "become criminals themselves" by letting money from unknown sources pass through their accounts. Rental scams are also common: a listing below market price, a landlord who cannot show the property, and a request for a deposit by transfer before you have seen anything. Use university housing services or reputable platforms, and view the property or have someone you trust do so.
A short defence checklist
- Pay fees only through methods listed on the university's own website or portal.
- Never pay a "fine" or "fee" demanded by phone, text or social media.
- Check any agent or representative against the official register in the destination country.
- Keep copies of every receipt, and confirm with the university that a payment has been received and allocated.
- Report attempts to your university and the national fraud reporting service.
Month-by-month financial checklist
This assumes a course starting in September. Move each step earlier or later to match a January, February or July intake, and check your destination's application windows.
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 12–10 months before | Shortlist courses and note each one's full fee, payment schedule and deposit. Search university and government scholarship portals and put every deadline in a calendar. Start a rough budget using official living-cost figures and university estimates. |
| 10–8 months before | Submit scholarship applications. Talk to lenders in your home country about eligibility, collateral and what letters they can issue. If family will fund you, agree which account will hold the money and who will sign letters. |
| 8–6 months before | Accept an offer and pay the deposit through the university's official channel. Keep the receipt. Ask the university how the deposit will appear on your CAS, I-20 or letter of acceptance. |
| 6–4 months before | Move the required funds into the account you will use as evidence and leave them there. For the UK, count the 28-day window back from your planned application date. For Canada, remember IRCC can ask for statements covering six months. Gather translations and certified copies. |
| 4–3 months before | Apply for the visa or permit and pay the government fees (plus IHS for the UK). In the US, pay the SEVIS fee and book the visa interview. Buy OSHC for Australia if your provider has not arranged it. |
| 3–2 months before | Pay the first tuition instalment through the university's approved platform or by bank transfer, comparing exchange-rate quotes on the day. Book accommodation through trusted channels. Get a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees for your first weeks. |
| 1 month before | Book flights. Keep enough accessible money for the first six to eight weeks, since rent deposits and set-up costs come quickly. Save digital and paper copies of all financial documents. |
| First month after arrival | Open a local bank account. Get a tax or social insurance number if you plan to work (SIN in Canada, TFN in Australia; a US SSN only once work is authorised). Register with a doctor or health service. Set up a simple budget tracker. |
| Months 2–6 | Pay later tuition instalments on time. Look for part-time work within your visa limits. Review spending against your budget each month and adjust early. |
| Months 6–12 | Plan funding for any second year, which is often overlooked. Reapply for renewable scholarships. If you are extending your visa, check the current proof-of-funds rules, as they may have changed. |
When this doesn't apply
- Short courses as a visitor. Some countries let you take short courses on a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorisation rather than a student visa. For the UK, visa-exempt nationals coming as visitors may need an ETA instead; our guide to the UK ETA in 2026 explains who needs it. Student-visa proof-of-funds rules don't apply in that case, though visitor rules have their own tests.
- Nationals with special arrangements. Irish citizens in the UK, and in some cases EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status, don't use the Student visa route. US citizens studying in Canada, and New Zealand citizens in Australia, follow different rules from the ones described here.
- Fully sponsored students. If a government or employer sponsor is paying everything, your proof of funds is usually the sponsor's letter, and payment runs between the sponsor and the university.
- Quebec. Financial requirements for a CAQ are set by Quebec, not by the federal amounts above.
- Dependants. Bringing a partner or children raises every figure in this guide, and some routes restrict dependants altogether. The UK Student route, for example, only allows dependants for certain postgraduate research courses and government-sponsored students. Check the dependant rules before planning anything else.
- Exchange and study-abroad semesters. Students on a one-semester exchange usually keep paying their home university and may face different visa categories and shorter proof-of-funds periods.
FAQ
How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?
Any first-year course fees you haven't yet paid (shown on your CAS), plus £1,529 a month for courses in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months. That is £13,761 or £10,539 for a course of nine months or more. The money must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application. These rates apply to applications made on or after November 11, 2025.
What is the proof of funds for a Canadian study permit in 2026?
For applications on or after September 1, 2026, outside Quebec, a single applicant needs CAD 23,448 for living expenses in addition to first-year tuition and travel costs. The figure rises with each family member coming with you, as shown in the table above.
Can my parents' bank account count as my proof of funds?
Often yes, with conditions. The UK accepts money held by a parent or legal guardian if you provide proof of the relationship and their consent. US schools generally accept parental sponsorship with a sponsor letter and bank documents. Canada and Australia also allow family support with appropriate evidence. Each system has its own document list, so follow the official guidance for your country.
Can international students get student loans?
Not usually from the government of the country where they study: US federal aid, UK Student Finance, Canada Student Loans and Australian HELP loans are all largely closed to student-visa holders. The realistic options are education loans from your home country, private lenders (in the US these usually require a US cosigner), and university payment plans or hardship funds once you are enrolled.
Is it safe to pay tuition through Flywire or Convera?
If your university lists that platform on its own fees page and you start the payment from the university's website or portal, it is an established route that many universities use. Don't use a payment link sent by an individual, and never pay through an "agent" offering a discount.
Can I work enough to pay my tuition?
Generally not. Term-time limits (20 hours a week in the UK for degree-level study, 24 hours a week off campus in Canada, 48 hours a fortnight in Australia, and 20 hours a week on campus for F-1 students in the US) are designed for part-time work. Earnings can help with living costs, but you must show enough funds for your first year before you arrive.
Do I need health insurance on top of the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?
The IHS gives you access to the NHS on broadly the same basis as residents. Some students still buy extra cover for things the NHS charges for or has waiting lists for, but that is a personal choice, not a visa requirement. In Australia, OSHC is itself the visa requirement. In the US, your university will set the insurance rule.
What happens if the proof-of-funds amount changes after I have prepared?
Rules normally apply according to the date you apply, and governments usually publish changes before they take effect. If you are near a change date, prepare to the higher figure. This is why this guide gives the effective date for each amount.
Your next step
Before you move any money, open the official page for your destination (GOV.UK for the UK, IRCC for Canada, Home Affairs for Australia, and your school's I-20 funding page for the US) and write down today's figures for fees, health cover and proof of funds, with the date you checked. Then build your own version of the budget table above using your real course fee and your city's rents, and set the date on which the evidence money needs to be in place. Once that is done, arrange the rest: scholarships first, then family funds and loans, and finally the exchange-rate plan for paying tuition through the university's approved channel. If you are heading to the US and plan to drive, our guide on car insurance for international students in the USA covers another cost that often gets left out of first-year budgets.
Sources
All sources accessed September 28, 2026.
- GOV.UK, Student visa: overview and fees (£558) — https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
- GOV.UK, Student visa: money (maintenance £1,529/£1,171, 28-day rule, course fees on CAS, differential evidence) — https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money
- GOV.UK, Immigration Health Surcharge: how much you pay (£776 students) — https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/how-much-pay
- UKCISA, Changes to the Student and Graduate rules (maintenance from Nov 11, 2025; Graduate route from Jan 1, 2027) — https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/news/student-update-changes-to-the-student-and-graduate-rules/
- UKCISA, Working as an international student (updated Jan 28, 2026) — https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/working/student-work/
- UKCISA, Frauds and scams — https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/life-in-the-uk/frauds-and-scams/
- GOV.UK, Student finance: who qualifies — https://www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies
- IRCC, Proof of financial support (CAD 23,448 from Sept 1, 2026; page updated Aug 28, 2026) — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/get-documents/financial-support.html
- IRCC, Fee list (study permit CAD 150; biometrics CAD 85) — https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp
- IRCC, Apply for a study permit (PAL/TAL) — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/study-permit/apply.html
- IRCC, Work off campus (24 hours/week) — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html
- IRCC, International student fraud — https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/protect-fraud/study-permit-fraud.html
- Canada.ca, Canada Student Grants and Loans — https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid/grants-loans.html
- EduCanada, Scholarships for international students — https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/non_can/index.aspx?lang=eng
- Study Australia, Student visa application charge increase (AUD 2,500 from July 1, 2026; published July 3, 2026) — https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/news/student-visa-application-charge-increase
- Study Australia, Student visa (subclass 500) (48 hours per fortnight; health insurance) — https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-move/your-guide-to-visas/student-visa-subclass-500
- Study Australia, Living and education costs — https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/life-in-australia/living-and-education-costs
- Department of Home Affairs, Student visa (subclass 500) — https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/student-500 (blocked automated access on review date)
- Academies Australasia, notice of Home Affairs financial capacity increase (AUD 29,710 etc., from May 10, 2024) — https://academies.edu.au/2024/05/08/new-genuine-student-requirement-2/
- privatehealth.gov.au, Overseas Student Health Cover — https://privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/overseas/overseas_student_health_cover.htm
- Study Assist, Loan eligibility for non-Australian citizens — https://www.studyassist.gov.au/loan-eligibility/non-australian-citizens
- DFAT, Australia Awards Scholarships — https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships
- Chevening, Scholarships; work experience; eligibility — https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program — https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
- Cornell LII, 8 CFR 214.2 (F-1 financial support; on-campus employment) — https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/214.2
- UC San Diego ISEO, 2026 I-20/DS-2019 funding requirements — https://iseo.ucsd.edu/student-services/iservices-instructions/funding-requirements.html
- Boston University ISSO, Visa Integrity Fee advisory (MRV USD 185; SEVIS USD 350; VIF USD 250) — https://www.bu.edu/isso/2026/05/19/visa-integrity-fee/
- StudentAid.gov, Eligibility for non-US citizens — https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-citizens
- Social Security Administration, International Students and Social Security Numbers — https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10181.pdf
- CFPB, Regulation Z §1026.51 Ability to pay (under-21 rule) — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/1026/51/
- George Mason University, Health insurance requirement for F-1 and J-1 students — https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/health-insurance-requirement-for-international-f-1-and-j-1-visa-students/
- Imperial College London, How to pay tuition fees — https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/how-to-pay/