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Proof of funds is the part of a student visa that worries most applicants. The amount depends on the country, the length of your course and whether tuition is counted separately. This guide compares six popular destinations using their official figures, shows how to add up your total and explains how to present the money so it is accepted.
The Six Destinations Compared
| Destination | Living-cost funds | Tuition and other costs |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | €11,904 a year (€992 a month), usually shown through a blocked account | Tuition depends on the university. Check the university’s fee page |
| Canada | CAD 23,448 a year for a single applicant outside Quebec, for applications from 1 September 2026 | First-year tuition, housing and travel to and from Canada. Quebec sets its own costs |
| Australia | AUD 29,710 a year, as widely reported for applications since October 2025 | Tuition and travel, plus extra for family members |
| New Zealand | NZD 20,000 a year for courses of a year or longer, or NZD 1,667 a month for shorter ones | Tuition paid for one year or the programme, whichever is shorter, and a paid ticket out or enough extra money to buy one |
| Norway | NOK 166,859 for a full academic year (2025/2026 figure). One semester: NOK 75,845 for autumn or NOK 91,014 for spring | Tuition fees apply to many non-EEA students, so you must show money for them or proof that they are paid |
| South Korea | US$20,000 a year in the Seoul area or US$18,000 elsewhere, for associate degree level or above | Tuition payment or scholarship certificate where applicable |
For reference, the UK requires £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere for up to 9 months, plus the course fee on your CAS. See our guide to visa financial requirements for more.
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These figures change as costs and rules are reviewed. The amounts above are the ones published for the dates stated, so confirm the one that applies on the day you apply.
Country Notes
Germany
Most German student visa applicants deposit the required amount in a blocked account, from which they can withdraw only a set monthly amount once they arrive. The German mission in Lagos handles most visa applications from Nigeria, with the embassy in Abuja taking limited cases, so plan your appointment around that. Leave time for the university admission, the blocked account and the appointment, in that order.
Canada
The living-cost figure was CAD 22,895 for applications from 1 January 2025 to 31 August 2026 and rose to CAD 23,448 from 1 September 2026. Tuition can be shown with a receipt from the designated learning institution, a student loan or a scholarship letter. Biometrics cost CAD 85, and the study permit fee is CAD 150.
Australia
Australia asks you to show genuine access to funds. Large recent deposits must be explained, loans need documents showing the security and terms, and funds from another person need evidence of your relationship and of their own finances. An education loan paid out under an agreement between you, the bank and the education provider is strong evidence.
New Zealand
The funds rule is clear and has two parts: living costs and tuition. A fully paid ticket out of the country can replace the extra cash for the return ticket.
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Norway
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration publishes yearly amounts that depend on the type of school. If you pay for one semester only, you must still show funds for the second.
South Korea
Many universities state the financial proof they will accept for the D-2 visa. Financial capacity is reviewed again at each extension, so keep your records in order after arrival.
A Worked Example
This is an illustration, not a real case. A student has a place on a one-year course in New Zealand with tuition of NZD 28,000. She needs NZD 20,000 for living costs and NZD 28,000 for tuition, which together come to NZD 48,000, plus a paid ticket out or enough extra money to buy one. If her university’s scholarship covers NZD 10,000 of the tuition and the letter says so, she shows NZD 18,000 for tuition and NZD 20,000 for living, or NZD 38,000 in total.
How to Present Your Funds
- Use original bank statements with your name and the account details clearly shown.
- Keep the money in the account for as long as the destination requires.
- Explain any large deposit with a document, such as a sale agreement or a gift letter.
- For a sponsor, supply a signed letter, proof of relationship, their ID and their statements.
- For a scholarship, supply the award letter, which names the amount and what it covers.
Never use altered statements or borrowed money placed in your account only to pass the check. The UK applies a 10-year refusal period for deception, and Canada can bar an applicant for at least 5 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country asks for the least money?
It depends on exchange rates, tuition and the length of your course. Compare the total you must show, not only the living-cost line.
Can a scholarship replace my own money?
Often it can cover part or all of the requirement, if the award letter states the amount and what it pays for.
Do dependants need extra funds?
Yes. Most routes add an amount per family member.
When should I start gathering funds?
Months before you apply, because some routes require funds to be held for a set period. Use our application timeline.
If you would like help working out your total, you can contact KP Visas & Travels.
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