How Much Bank Balance Do You Need for a Student Visa?
Every student visa requires proof that you can financially support yourself. The amounts, formats, and rules vary dramatically by country. Here are the exact requirements for the most popular study destinations, updated for 2026.
Financial requirements by country
| Country | Amount required | Format | Duration in account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | €11,208/yr | Blocked account (Sperrkonto) | At application |
| UK | £1,334/month (London) or £1,023/month (outside) | Bank statement | 28 consecutive days |
| Canada | CAD 20,635 (GIC) + first year tuition | GIC + bank statement | At application |
| Australia | AUD 24,505/yr living + tuition | Bank statement or loan | Not specified (recent) |
| France | €615/month | Bank statement or sponsor | Recent statement |
| Netherlands | €11,952/yr | Bank statement or sponsor | At application |
| Japan | ¥2,000,000 (~€12,300) | Bank certificate | 6 months balance |
| South Korea | $20,000 (~€18,500) | Bank statement | Recent (1 month) |
| Ireland | €10,000 | Bank statement | At visa application |
| Italy | €6,400/yr | Bank statement or scholarship | Recent statement |
| New Zealand | NZD 20,000/yr | Bank statement or scholarship | At application |
| USA | Varies by university (I-20 amount) | Bank statement + affidavit | Recent statement |
Blocked accounts explained
Germany and some other European countries use a blocked account (Sperrkonto) system. You deposit the full annual amount upfront, and the bank releases a fixed monthly sum. The main providers are Expatrio (most popular), Fintiba, and Deutsche Bank. Setup takes 3–5 business days and costs €5–10 in fees.
GIC (Canada)
Canada's Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) works similarly to a blocked account. You deposit CAD 20,635 with a participating bank (Scotiabank, CIBC, BMO, etc.), and the bank releases monthly installments after you arrive. This is in addition to showing first-year tuition funds.
Sponsor letters
Many countries accept financial sponsorship from parents or relatives. The sponsor must provide a signed letter of support, their bank statements (typically 3–6 months), proof of income (salary slips or tax returns), and proof of relationship (birth certificate or family documents).
Tips for building your visa funds
Start saving early — ideally 6–12 months before application. Keep funds in a single account to simplify documentation. Avoid large unexplained deposits near the application date (embassies flag these). If using a sponsor, ensure their statements show consistent income rather than a sudden lump sum.
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