Getting admitted is only half the battle — most countries then require you to prove you can pay for living costs before they issue a student visa. This "maintenance" or "proof of funds" figure catches many students off guard. Here's how it works.
What the requirement is
Before granting a visa, immigration authorities want evidence — usually a bank balance or a blocked account — that you can support yourself for the year without working. This is separate from tuition and is set by the government, not the university.
The official figures we track
On our cost of living pages we record, per country, the official student maintenance figure each destination expects — because it's the most reliable "what will it cost" number available:
- UK — UKVI maintenance funds (a set monthly amount for a fixed number of months).
- Germany — roughly €11,900/year in a blocked account (Sperrkonto).
- Australia — the Department of Home Affairs financial-capacity figure.
- Canada — the IRCC cost-of-living requirement (recently increased).
- Plus many others, each dated and sourced.
These are a floor to budget against, not a lifestyle estimate — real spending in London or Zurich will exceed them.
Plan the money trail early
Visa officers look for funds that have been in your account for a minimum period (often 28 days), so move money early and keep clean statements. Scholarships that include a living stipend can satisfy or reduce this requirement — check which awards fund living costs in the scholarships database.
Budget from the official numbers, not guesswork. Compare the maintenance requirement and city-level costs on our cost pages, then see which scholarships cover them.