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Students & Parents

Financial planning for study abroad.

What to budget for, how proof of funds works, and where scholarships and education loans fit — so your family can plan with real numbers.
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Parents and their daughter reviewing a study budget together

Budget

What to budget for

Compare the total cost of a destination, not tuition alone.

  • Tuition

    Set by each university and course. Your offer letter or CAS, I-20, CoE or acceptance letter shows the figure that applies to you.

  • Living costs

    Rent, food, transport and study materials. Many visas set a minimum amount you must show.

  • Visa and health costs

    Visa application fees, health insurance or surcharges, medical checks and biometrics.

  • Tests and applications

    English or aptitude tests, application fees and document attestation.

  • Travel and arrival

    Flights, a deposit for accommodation and money for your first weeks abroad.

  • A safety margin

    Exchange rates move. Keep a buffer so a change doesn't put your plans at risk.

Proof of funds

Official figures by country

Each figure links to its official source and shows when Orbit last checked it. Where we couldn't confirm a figure, we send you to the official page instead.

United Kingdom — Living-cost funds for the visa

£1,529 per month in London or £1,171 per month outside London, for up to 9 months

Funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application.

Checked 25 Sept 2026GOV.UK — Student visa: money(opens official source in a new tab)

Australia — Financial capacity amount

Check official sourceCheck the current amount with the Department of Home Affairs.

Checked 25 Sept 2026Department of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500)(opens official source in a new tab)

Canada — Proof of funds — single student, outside Quebec (living expenses, per year)

C$23,448 for applications on or after 1 Sept 2026 (was C$22,895 before that date)

This is in addition to tuition and travel costs.

Checked 25 Sept 2026IRCC — Proof of financial support(opens official source in a new tab)

Ireland — Living-cost evidence

Immediate access to at least €10,000 for each academic year

Checked 25 Sept 2026Immigration Service Delivery — Student finances(opens official source in a new tab)

Germany — Proof of funds for the student visa

Check official sourceThe Embassy accepts a scholarship confirmation, a formal sponsorship (Verpflichtungserklärung), proof of financial status or a blocked account. Confirm the amount required for your case with the Embassy before opening a blocked account.

Checked 25 Sept 2026German Embassy Kathmandu — Study visa(opens official source in a new tab)

For the United States, the figure to plan with is the estimated cost of attendance on your university's I-20. See all destination guides.

Education loans

Bank-loan guidance

  • Orbit offers financial guidance and bank-loan services to help your family understand options and prepare the paperwork.
  • Approval, loan amounts, interest rates and collateral requirements are decided by the lender — ask each lender directly.
  • Check that a loan letter or disbursement will be accepted as evidence for your visa before you rely on it.
  • Keep funds and documents consistent; sudden large deposits may need an explanation.

Scholarships

Reduce the cost

Many universities offer merit scholarships, and some governments fund places. Awards are competitive and decided by the provider — plan your budget without assuming one.

Browse verified scholarships

Be careful with anyone promising guaranteed funds or visas

Never pay for fake bank statements or “guaranteed” outcomes. False documents can lead to refusal and long-term bans.

Admission, scholarship, loan and visa decisions are made by the relevant institution, lender or government authority and depend on each student's circumstances. Orbit guides and prepares you; it cannot guarantee an outcome.