The United Kingdom has updated its Student visa guidance, confirming that citizens of selected countries, including Botswana, Mauritius and Tunisia, can apply for a UK Student visa without submitting proof of funds at the time of application under its differential evidence requirement.
According to the updated guidance, eligible applicants are not required to submit financial documents when applying for a Student visa. However, they must still meet the UK’s financial requirements, as UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) may request proof of funds before making a final decision on any application.
“Applicants covered by the differential evidence requirement may still be asked by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to provide evidence of their finances before a decision is made on their application,” the guidance states.
The UK government explained that the policy is only a documentary exemption and does not remove the requirement for applicants to have sufficient funds to study and live in the UK.
Nigeria Not Included
Nigeria is not among the countries covered by the policy, meaning Nigerian students applying for a UK Student visa should be prepared to provide financial evidence if requested by UK immigration authorities.
Financial Requirements Still Apply
The UK government stressed that all international students must still prove they have enough money to pay their tuition fees for one academic year, as stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), as well as enough funds to cover their living expenses.
Under the current rules:
- Students studying in London must have £1,529 per month for living expenses, for up to nine months (maximum £13,761).
- Students studying outside London must have £1,171 per month for up to nine months (maximum £10,539).
The government also noted that international students who have legally lived in the UK for at least 12 months before applying for a Student visa are not required to provide financial evidence.
The current financial thresholds took effect on January 2, 2025, following the first increase in maintenance requirements since 2020.
Full List of African Countries Covered
The following African countries are eligible for the UK’s differential evidence requirement, meaning applicants are not required to submit proof of funds upfront:
- Botswana
- Mauritius
- Tunisia
The full list also includes several non-African countries such as Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and others.
Source: UK Government / UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
