Student visa proof of funds: 10 countries compared (2026)
Every student visa asks you to prove you can pay for your living costs — usually on top of your first-year tuition. These are the amounts published by each government as of October 2026.
Living-cost funds by country
- Canada: CAD 23,448 a year (applications from 1 Sept 2026)
- Australia: AUD 29,710 a year
- UK: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 outside London, for up to 9 months — held for 28 days in a row
- New Zealand: NZD 20,000 for each year of study
- Germany: blocked account of €11,904 a year (€992 a month)
- Ireland: €10,000 for each year of study
- Netherlands: €1,130.77 a month (2026)
- USA: at least the first-year cost shown on your Form I-20
For France and Singapore the amount depends on the official minimum or your institution — check our guides for each.
Tips that prevent refusals
- Keep the money in the account for the full period the rules ask for — a large deposit just before you apply raises questions.
- Use accounts in your own name or a close family sponsor's, with a clear source of funds (salary, ITRs, property or business income).
- Education loan sanction letters are accepted by most countries.
Amounts change every year. Confirm on the official website before you apply.
Compare all destinations side by side on our Study abroad page.