Acceptable Bank Statements for UK Student Visa
Table of Content
1. Introduction
2. What UKVI Means by an Acceptable Bank Statement
3. Types of Bank Statements Accepted for UK Student Visa
4. Bank Statements That Are Not Accepted
5. Common Bank Statement Mistakes Nigerian Students Make
6. How to Prepare Your Bank Statement Correctly
1. Introduction
One of the most common reasons UK student visa applications get refused is unacceptable bank statements. Many Nigerian students have enough money but still face refusal because their financial documents do not meet UKVI rules.
The UK Home Office does not just check how much money you have. They check where the money is kept, how long it has been there, who owns the account, and whether the funds are immediately accessible.
This guide explains what bank statements are acceptable for UK student visa, which ones are rejected, and how Nigerian students can prepare their financial evidence correctly to avoid unnecessary visa refusal.
2. What UKVI Means by an Acceptable Bank Statement
An acceptable bank statement is a financial document that proves you meet the UK student visa maintenance requirement and follows all UKVI formatting rules.
UKVI uses bank statements to confirm that you can:
Pay your tuition fees
Cover your living expenses in the UK
Support yourself without relying on public funds
This requirement sits at the core of the UK student visa process. If you want a full understanding of where financial evidence fits into your application timeline, this step-by-step guide to getting a UK student visa explains the process clearly.
Even a small formatting or timing error can invalidate an otherwise strong application.
3. Types of Bank Statements Accepted for UK Student Visa
UKVI accepts bank statements from approved financial institutions, provided they meet all requirements.
Personal Savings Account
This is the most commonly accepted option. The account must:
Be in your name or your parent’s name
Show the required amount for 28 consecutive days
Allow immediate access to funds
Parent or Legal Guardian Account
You may use your parent’s account if you provide:
A sponsorship letter
Proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate
This option is widely used by Nigerian students and is acceptable when documented properly.
Fixed Deposit Accounts
Fixed deposits are acceptable only if the funds can be accessed immediately. If the money is locked and cannot be withdrawn on demand, UKVI will reject it.
Understanding how much money you must show is critical before choosing the account type. This guide on how much bank balance is required for UK student visa explains the exact calculation.
4. Bank Statements That Are Not Accepted
Many Nigerian students submit bank statements that UKVI does not accept, often without realizing it.
The following are not acceptable:
Business or corporate accounts
Joint accounts not held with a parent
Cryptocurrency wallets
Cooperative or contribution accounts
Investment accounts without instant access
Screenshots or unofficial printouts
Statements that do not show the bank logo, account number, or full transaction history are also rejected.
Financial refusals often fall under broader refusal patterns. Reviewing common UK visa rejection reasons and how to avoid them helps students understand how bank statement issues fit into wider visa problems.
5. Common Bank Statement Mistakes Nigerian Students Make
Even when using the right account type, many students still make avoidable mistakes.
Common errors include:
Not holding funds for the full 28 days
Making large deposits close to the application date
Name mismatch between passport and bank statement
Submitting statements older than 31 days
Using unofficial bank formats
Another frequent issue is misunderstanding tuition figures. Some students show the wrong amount because they rely on the offer letter instead of the CAS. This guide on the difference between CAS and offer letter explains where the correct financial figures come from.
6. How to Prepare Your Bank Statement Correctly
To ensure your bank statement is acceptable, it must:
Be issued by an approved bank
Show your full name exactly as in your passport
Display the bank logo and account number
Cover a full 28-day period
Be dated within 31 days of visa submission
Avoid moving money in and out of the account during the 28-day period. If funds come from a sponsor, prepare all supporting documents in advance.
Students who want to be absolutely certain before submission often seek professional review. AfriXGlobal Connect supports applicants through its UK Study Advisory, beginning with an Initial Eligibility Check, to confirm that bank statements and financial documents meet UKVI standards before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, with a sponsorship letter and proof of relationship.
No. Business accounts are not accepted.
Only if the funds are immediately accessible.
Your visa application may be refused.
Yes, if they are official, stamped, or verifiable.