Only 3 in Africa: UK names countries exempt from visa proof of funds requirement

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The UK updated its Student and Child Student visa rules, granting financial evidence exemptions to nationals of select countries

- Only three African nations made the exemption list, leaving applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa still required to submit proof of funds

- The UK government outlined strict financial thresholds and specified which sources of funds are acceptable under the revised requirements

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The United Kingdom revised its student and child student visa guidance.

The guidance specifies which nationalities are exempt from submitting proof of funds upfront at the point of application.

Which African Countries Are Exempt?

Nationals holding passports from Botswana, Mauritius, or Tunisia may apply without attaching financial evidence to their submissions, though the UK government was clear that this does not relax the underlying eligibility standard.

"You must meet the financial requirements for this route when you apply; however, you may not need to submit evidence upfront as part of your application. In these circumstances, the decision-maker may still request the evidence from you during the application process to prove you meet the financial requirements," the official guidance states.

All other African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt, remain outside the exemption and must include financial documents as part of their visa applications.

What Are the Financial Requirements?

Applicants for a student visa must hold sufficient funds to cover both tuition fees as specified on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies and living costs.

Those studying outside London must demonstrate access to £1,171 per month of their course, capped at nine months, while students in London must show £1,529 per month for the same period.

Applicants accompanied by dependants face additional thresholds: £680 per month per dependant for those studying outside London, and £845 monthly per dependant for those based in London, again for up to nine months.

Acceptable sources of funds include government-backed student loans, official financial sponsorship, personal savings, and money held by parents or eligible partners.

The guidance rules out overdrafts, cryptocurrency holdings, stocks and shares, pensions, and any funds held in unregulated financial institutions.

Where personal or family savings are used, the required amount must have been held continuously for at least 28 days before the application is submitted, and financial evidence must be dated no more than 31 days before submission.

Who Else Is on the Global Exemption List?

Beyond the three African nations, the broader exemption list covers Australia, Canada, China, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United States, along with several European countries including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Dozens of other nations across Asia, the Americas, and Europe also qualify.

Separately from nationality-based exemptions, the UK also waives the financial evidence requirement for applicants extending their stay after spending at least 12 months in the country on a valid visa, Student Union Sabbatical Officers, and doctors and dentists in training.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.