Proof of funds for a student visa in 2026: how much do you need in each country?

Proof of funds is one of the most important parts of a study visa file and one of the most common reasons for refusal. The embassy wants to be sure you can pay your living costs throughout your studies without depending on illegal work or state support. In this article we explain the amount and how to prove funds for the main destinations, based on official sources.

Summary table

Sources: German Foreign Office guidance, Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), EU Immigration Portal and Study in Europe. Amounts are usually updated every year; check the embassy page again before applying.

Germany: the blocked account

For a German student visa in 2026, the standard amount is €11,904 for 12 months, i.e. €992 per month. It is usually paid into a "blocked account" (Sperrkonto), and after arrival €992 is released to your current account each month. The amount is based on Germany's student support rate (BAföG) and is usually updated every one or two years.

• The provider's fees are paid on top of the blocked amount.
• The account holder's name must match the passport exactly.
• Instead of a blocked account, an official scholarship or a formal obligation letter from someone resident in Germany (Verpflichtungserklärung) is accepted in some cases.

Finland: €800 per month

According to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri), you need at least €800 per month for housing, food and other needs, and the money must be in your own bank account when you apply. Migri also states that for your first study permit you cannot secure your income through work. If the institution provides free accommodation the amount is €400, and €270 if it provides free accommodation and meals.

Hungary

According to the EU Immigration Portal, the Hungarian study residence permit requires sufficient financial means for the intended stay, also covering your return. No fixed general amount is published there, so ask the Hungarian embassy and your university. Bank statements, scholarship letters or sponsor documents are usually accepted.

Romania

According to Study in Europe, proof of sufficient financial resources is one of the documents for a Romanian study visa, and you must show means again for the student residence permit after arrival. Some Romanian universities state that the amount is based on the Romanian minimum wage and therefore changes every year; ask your university and Romanian immigration for this year's amount.

Turkey

According to Study in Europe, proof of financial means is a standard document for a Turkish student visa, together with the admission letter, passport and application form. Check the exact amount with the Turkish consulate or the official visa system.

How to present strong proof of funds

1. Make the source clear: a sudden large deposit just before applying raises doubts. Several months of statements are better.
2. Keep documents consistent: names, amounts and dates must match across all documents.
3. Official translation: provide translated statements and sponsor letters if required.
4. Sponsors: if your parents sponsor you, document the family relationship and their income.
5. Do not use temporarily borrowed money: if the account history shows it, it can damage your file.

Frequently asked questions