The United Kingdom has updated its financial requirements for Student and Child Student visa applicants, with only three African countries exempt from submitting proof of funds at the point of application.

According to updated guidance published by the UK government, applicants from most African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, must still provide financial evidence when applying for a UK student visa.

Below is the full list of African countries that qualify for the reduced documentary requirement.

1. Botswana

Nationals of Botswana are not required to submit proof of funds with their Student or Child Student visa application unless UK immigration officials specifically request it during the decision-making process.

2. Mauritius

Mauritian applicants are also exempt from providing financial evidence upfront. However, they must still meet all financial eligibility requirements and may be asked to provide supporting documents if requested.

3. Tunisia

Tunisia completes the list of African countries whose nationals benefit from the reduced documentary requirement under the updated UK visa guidance.

What the exemption means

The UK government stressed that the exemption does not mean applicants are excused from meeting the financial requirements.

The guidance states that while eligible applicants may not need to submit financial evidence when applying, immigration officials can still request documents at any stage of the application process to confirm they meet the requirements.

Which African countries are not exempt?

Applicants from major African countries that send thousands of students to the UK each year—including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and all other African countries not listed above—must continue to provide proof of funds with their visa applications.

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Current financial requirements for UK Student visas

Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to cover:

Tuition fees listed on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Living expenses throughout their studies.

The maintenance requirement is:

Outside London: £1,171 per month for up to nine months.

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In London: £1,529 per month for up to nine months.

Requirements for dependants

Students travelling with dependants must also show additional maintenance funds.

Applicants must demonstrate they have:

£680 per month for each dependant when studying outside London.

£845 per month for each dependant when studying in London.

Acceptable sources of funds

The UK government said applicants can rely on:

Government-backed student loans.

Official financial sponsorship.

Personal savings.

Money belonging to parents or eligible partners.

Funds that are not accepted

Applicants cannot use:

Overdraft facilities.

Cryptocurrency holdings.

Stocks and shares.

Pension funds.

Money held in unregulated financial institutions. (The Nation)