Proof of funds is not simply a screenshot of a bank balance. The question is whether the evidence demonstrates the financial resources required for your particular student residence route and period. The documents must also show whose resources they are and how they are available to you.
Build the calculation first
The official study route and the Foreigners Act distinguish the relevant financial requirements. Before collecting statements, establish the period being assessed and the cost categories that apply.
| Category | Information to establish |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Applicable requirement and the number of months covered |
| Accommodation | Your documented housing costs and how they are treated |
| Tuition | Amount already paid and any remaining amount relevant to the application |
| Return journey | Applicable requirement or acceptable evidence for your situation |
| Dependants | Whether other people must be included in the assessment |
Use current official amounts for your route. A total quoted online without the number of months, housing assumptions or family circumstances is not a reliable calculation for everyone.
Connect the evidence to the calculation
For each category, identify the document that proves it. A bank document should identify the holder and relevant funds. A scholarship document should explain the entitlement and period. Tuition evidence should distinguish payment already made from a future promise.
Where another person supports you, ask which evidence is acceptable for that arrangement. A relative saying “I will pay” is different from a documented source of resources that meets the procedure’s requirements. Consult the office’s student guidance and the instructions for your case.
Check consistency before submitting
Compare names, currencies, dates and the period covered. Explain a discrepancy rather than assume the authority will infer the answer. Keep complete documents available when a screenshot omits the institution, account holder or relevant dates.
An illustrative preparation method is to create one row per expense category and one column naming its evidence. If a row has no document attached, that shows the next task. The table organises your work; it does not replace the authority’s assessment.
Keep the position current
If tuition becomes due, funding ends or the application period changes, the original calculation may need revisiting. Keep the case manager informed of changes and respond to requests using current, accurate information.
Avoid transferring money temporarily merely to create a misleading picture of funds you cannot actually use. The file should explain the real financing of your studies.
For the rest of the application, read the student documents checklist. STAYLEGAL’s student residence service helps organise the university and personal evidence together.