“My scholarship pays tuition and a stipend—do I need bank statements?”
Scholarships and official sponsorship for a UK Student visa
Short answer
A scholarship counts as official financial sponsorship only when the provider fits a category named in FIN 8.3(b). The sponsorship must be recorded on the CAS when provided by the student sponsor, or confirmed by an appropriate sponsor letter.
The permitted sponsor categories are specific
- His Majesty’s Government or the applicant’s national government.
- The British Council.
- An international organisation or international company.
- A university or Independent School.
Evidence depends on who sponsors you
When the student sponsor provides the sponsorship, the funds must be stated on the CAS. Otherwise, FIN 9.1 requires a confirmation letter from the official financial sponsor.
Check what the award actually covers
A partial award may leave outstanding tuition or living costs. Any shortfall must be met through another eligible funding method. Do not infer full maintenance coverage from the word “scholarship” alone.
Where this answer stops
Official sources
Checked against the live sources on .
Official sponsor categories
FIN 8.3(b) →Sponsorship evidence
FIN 9.1 →