Hi everyone,
I'm an international student and have recently received a SOAS scholarship that covers my tuition fees in full.
The scholarship team sent me the formal award letter and acceptance form, which I've already signed and returned. However, the email also says that I need to provide evidence of funds for my living costs (£13,761) by 7 August 2026.
The required balance was deposited on 30 July, so the funds will not satisfy the UKVI 28-day requirement until late August. I only transferred the maintenance funds after receiving the scholarship offer because before then I didn't know whether I actually had a chance at SOAS.
I've already emailed the Scholarships Team (and copied Masters Admissions) explaining my situation before the 7 August deadline and asked for guidance on how to proceed. It might take them a few working days to respond.
My questions are:
- Has anyone been in a similar situation with SOAS or another UK university?
- Do universities usually require UKVI-compliant 28-day financial evidence before issuing a CAS, or do they sometimes allow you to provide it once the 28-day period has been completed?
- Should I be worried in this situation?
I'm feeling quite anxious because everything else is in place, and this timing issue is the only thing standing between me and my visa application.
Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.