Under the UK's differential evidence requirement, eligible applicants are not required to provide financial documents when submitting their Student visa applications. However, they must still meet all financial requirements, as UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can request proof of funds before making a final decision.
The UK government stressed that the policy is only a documentary exemption and does not remove the obligation for applicants to prove they have sufficient funds if requested.
Countries covered by the scheme include Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, among others.
Nigeria is not included on the list, meaning Nigerian applicants are generally expected to be prepared to provide evidence of their finances during the visa application process.
Despite the documentary exemption for eligible countries, all international students must still demonstrate they have enough money to cover one academic year's tuition fees, as stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), as well as their living expenses.
Under the current rules, students studying in London must show they have £1,529 per month for living costs for up to nine months, while those studying outside London must demonstrate £1,171 per month for the same period.
The UK government also noted that international students who have lived in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before applying for a Student visa are not required to provide financial evidence.
The updated financial thresholds reflect changes introduced on January 2, 2025, when the UK increased the maintenance funds international students must demonstrate for living expenses.
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