Proof of funds as a student — how did you set it up?

Mei, from the parent side, since my daughter has just gone through the Canadian version. For her it wasn't a blocked account but proof of funds in her name or ours, plus a letter showing we'd support her. The part that surprised us was how specific they were about the documents: recent statements, the account holder's name matching the letter, and an explanation for any large deposit in the months before. We had moved money into her account shortly before applying, and we had to explain where it came from, with the paperwork for that too.

My advice for any student or parent: don't move large sums around just before applying. Let the money sit where it is for a while, because a sudden deposit raises questions that take time to answer. And keep every statement.

The in-person identity check is the step that slowed my classmates down too.

Sophie, the sudden deposit is exactly what my friend got asked about. My parents moved the money months ago on a relative's advice, and I'm now very grateful to that relative.

Money sitting still for a while before applying is good advice for almost every visa, not only student ones.

Good thread for anyone heading abroad to study. The format of the proof of funds, whether a blocked account, bank statements, a sponsor or a scholarship letter, and the amount required are set by each country and updated regularly, so check the current requirement on the official page for your destination. The Visa section for Germany covers the student route and the blocked account, including how the monthly release works after arrival.

Keeping every statement is the part I'd underline.

Saving this for my daughter in ten years, and Sophie's point about deposits especially.

Update from me: the bank has confirmed the account is ready and the first monthly payment is scheduled for the week I arrive, so at least that part is done.