The United Kingdom has updated its financial evidence requirements for Student and Child Student visas, granting a reduced documentary burden to just three African nations.
Nationals of Botswana, Mauritius and Tunisia no longer need to submit proof of funds when they first apply. Immigration officers can still request the documents later if necessary.
Applicants from every other African country — including high-volume student markets such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt — must continue to provide full financial evidence with their applications.
What the exemption means in practice
Being exempt from uploading documents at the application stage does not remove the need to meet the financial criteria. Eligible applicants must still have the required funds available. UK officials retain the right to ask for bank statements or other supporting evidence at any point during processing.
The three African countries on the exemption list
- Botswana – Financial documents are not required unless specifically requested.
- Mauritius – Same reduced requirement applies.
- Tunisia – Completes the short list of African nations granted this flexibility.
Who still faces the full requirement
Students from the rest of the continent remain fully subject to the proof-of-funds rule. This includes applicants from countries that send large numbers of students to the UK each year.
Current financial thresholds
Applicants must show they can cover:
- The full tuition fees stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Living costs for up to nine months
Monthly maintenance funds required:
- Outside London: £1,171
- In London: £1,529
Additional funds for dependants:
- Outside London: £680 per dependant per month
- In London: £845 per dependant per month
Acceptable sources of funds
The UK accepts government-backed student loans, official financial sponsorship, personal savings, and money belonging to parents or an eligible partner.
Funds that are not accepted
Overdrafts, cryptocurrency, stocks and shares, pension funds, and money held in unregulated financial institutions cannot be used.
Students from Botswana, Mauritius and Tunisia should still prepare their financial evidence in case it is requested. For applicants from all other African countries, the full proof-of-funds requirement remains firmly in place.