- محمد امام عبد الرحيم
- bank statement translation, certified translation, Egyptian students, UK student visa, UK visa
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If you are an Egyptian student planning to start a UK course in January or later, the date that matters is 30 November 2026. From that day, the UK Home Office raises the money you must show for living costs on a Student visa. If you apply on or after 30 November, you need to show the new, higher amount. Apply before it and the current amount still applies.
This guide explains the new figures, how much Egyptian students need in total, the 28-day bank statement rule, and how to prepare translated financial documents that UKVI will accept the first time.
What is changing on 30 November 2026?
The change comes from the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 584), published on 3 September 2026. It raises the monthly “maintenance” amount, which is the money you must show for living costs on top of your tuition fees:
| Where you study | Current amount (until 29 Nov 2026) | New amount (from 30 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 per month | £1,570 per month |
| Outside London | £1,171 per month | £1,203 per month |
You show this amount for up to 9 months. Which rate applies depends on the date you submit your application, not the date on your CAS or your bank statement.
How much do Egyptian students need in total?
For a course of 9 months or longer, the living-cost part works out like this:
- London: £1,570 × 9 = £14,130 (up from £13,761, an increase of £369)
- Outside London: £1,203 × 9 = £10,827 (up from £10,539, an increase of £288)
On top of this you must show any unpaid tuition fees for the first year, as stated on your CAS. If you have already paid part of the fees or a university accommodation deposit, your CAS should say so, and you may be able to deduct it (the accommodation deduction is capped).
Bringing a family member? You must show extra money for each dependant, and only certain students (mainly postgraduate research students) can bring dependants at all.
Egypt is not on the UK’s “differential evidence” list, so Egyptian applicants should expect to submit full financial evidence with their application.
The 28-day rule: where most refusals start
Having the right amount is not enough. UKVI checks how long you have held it:
- The money must stay in the account for at least 28 consecutive days. The balance can’t drop below the required amount on any single day.
- The last day of that 28-day period must be no more than 31 days before the date you apply.
- The statement must be typed or electronic (not handwritten). It must show the account holder’s name, account number, the bank’s details, the date, and the balance.
Example: if you plan to apply on 30 November 2026, your funds should have been in the account for 28 days in a row, ending no earlier than 30 October 2026. Large deposits made a few days before the statement are a classic reason for refusal.
Using your parents’ bank account
Many Egyptian students rely on a parent’s account, and UKVI accepts this if you add two extra documents:
- Proof of relationship: usually your birth certificate showing your parents’ names.
- A letter from your parent(s) confirming the relationship and that they allow you to use the funds for your studies.
If you are under 18, you also need written consent from both parents (or the one with sole responsibility) covering your application, your travel, and your care arrangements in the UK.
If an official sponsor or scholarship body pays your fees or living costs, you need a letter from that body instead. If they sponsored you in the last 12 months, you also need their written consent.
Translation rules for your financial documents
Egyptian bank statements, birth certificates and parental letters are often in Arabic. UKVI requires a full English translation of any document not in English or Welsh, submitted together with the original. A translation that UKVI can accept should include:
- a statement confirming it is an accurate translation of the original
- the date of the translation
- the full name and signature of the translator, or of an authorised official of the translation company
- the translator’s or company’s contact details, so the Home Office can verify it
Practical tips for Egyptian documents:
- Ask your bank for an English statement where possible. Many Egyptian banks issue one, and then only the supporting letters need translating.
- Spell names exactly as they appear in your passport, on every document. A mismatch between “Mohamed” and “Mohammed” causes avoidable questions.
- Translate the whole document, including stamps and handwritten notes, not just the balance line.
- The original birth certificate must be the new computerised version from the Civil Registry. Old handwritten copies cause delays.
At COT, our certified translations of bank statements, birth certificates and sponsor letters carry the translator’s declaration, the date, our stamp and full contact details. That is exactly the format the Home Office checks for.
Your checklist before applying
- Valid passport and your CAS
- Bank statement(s) showing tuition balance + living costs held for 28 days
- Birth certificate + parental letter (if using a parent’s account), with certified translations
- Sponsor or scholarship letter, if applicable
- TB test certificate from an approved clinic (UKVI requires a TB test for applicants from Egypt)
- English language evidence, if your CAS lists it
- ATAS certificate, if your course needs one
Should you apply before 30 November?
If your CAS is ready and your funds already meet the 28-day rule at the current rate, applying before 30 November means the lower amount applies. Do not rush an incomplete application to beat the date, though. A refusal costs far more than the extra £288–£369. If you apply on or after 30 November, plan for the new figures now so your 28-day period covers them.
For the wider picture of UK visa documents, see our guide to certified translation for UK visa applications from Egypt and our explainer on the UK B2 English requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Does the new amount apply if my CAS was issued before 30 November?
Yes, if you submit the application on or after 30 November 2026. The application date decides which rate applies.
Can I show the money in Egyptian pounds?
Yes. Funds can be held in EGP. UKVI converts them to pounds sterling using the OANDA rate on the date of your application, so keep a margin for exchange-rate movements.
Do I need to translate an English bank statement?
No. If the statement is already in English, no translation is needed. Supporting documents in Arabic, such as a birth certificate or parental letter, still need certified translation.
Does the translation need to be stamped by an embassy?
No. For UK visa applications, UKVI asks for a translation that includes the translator’s declaration, date, signature and contact details. It does not require embassy legalisation of the translation.
How long does COT take to translate a bank statement?
Standard financial documents are usually ready within 24–48 hours, and same-day service is often available. Send your documents on WhatsApp for a quick quote.
Need your bank statement, birth certificate or sponsor letter translated for your UK Student visa? COT, Consulting Office for Translation, has been providing certified translation in Cairo since 1992, with branches in Maadi, Mohandessin and Downtown and online service across Egypt. Message us on WhatsApp 01111760177 or call the same number.
This article is for general information and reflects UK Home Office rules as published in HC 584 (3 September 2026). Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK before you apply.
