In short

The living-cost figures students must show for visas in Australia, Canada, the UK and Germany, how city choice changes your real budget, and a simple monthly budget method.

In this article

  1. Living-cost figures governments ask you to show
  2. How your city changes the budget
  3. A monthly budget in six lines
  4. Work income is a help, not a plan
  5. Tools to run your own numbers
  6. Sources

Two numbers matter when you plan your finances: the amount the government wants to see for your visa, and the amount you will actually spend in your city. They are rarely the same.

Living-cost figures governments ask you to show

CountryWhat you must showNotes
AustraliaAUD 29,710 for 12 months (main applicant)Applied since 10 May 2024. Spouse and child amounts are added on top, plus first-year fees and travel.
CanadaCAD 23,448 per year, living-cost proofFigure shown on our Canada page for applications from 1 September 2026. Tuition and travel are additional.
United KingdomGBP 1,529 per month in London and GBP 1,171 outside London, up to 9 monthsRises to GBP 1,570 and GBP 1,203 for applications made on or after 30 November 2026. Course fees due are added.
GermanyEUR 11,904 per year in a blocked accountMost public universities charge no tuition, only a semester contribution.

For the United States, New Zealand and Japan, the amount depends on the university or immigration rules at the time. Check the figure on your offer documents or the official immigration site before you apply.

Important: these are the minimums to prove funds for a visa. They are not a guaranteed budget for your whole stay.

How your city changes the budget

Rent is the biggest swing. Capital and global cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, Vancouver and London are generally the most expensive. Smaller university cities and regional campuses are usually cheaper, and some countries give extra benefits for regional study. Compare cities you are considering before you finalise a university.

A monthly budget in six lines

  1. Rent and utilities. Get actual listings or the university hostel price.
  2. Food. Cooking at home is far cheaper than eating out.
  3. Transport. Check student travel passes.
  4. Health cover. Often paid upfront for the visa, so check it is not double-counted.
  5. Phone, internet and study costs.
  6. A buffer of at least 10 percent for things you did not plan.

Want advice for your own profile?

Leave your details and a counsellor will get back to you, usually within 2 hours.

Work income is a help, not a plan

Part-time work can offset costs but should not be the basis of your visa funds. See our work rules by country for hours allowed.

Tools to run your own numbers

Sources

Reviewed by Team OEVS. This article is general guidance based on published rules at the date shown; rules change, so confirm with the official source or a counsellor before you apply.