Media type · A restricted account holding a required sum, released in instalments after arrival.
Blocked account
A restricted account that holds a required sum and releases it in monthly instalments.
Key facts
| What it is | A restricted account holding a required sum, released in instalments after arrival. |
|---|---|
| Who sets it | The visa route sets the requirement; approved providers hold the account. |
| Check before paying | Whether the route accepts a blocked account, the list of approved providers, the release schedule and the fees. |
Access, fees and release
A blocked account restricts withdrawals until arrival, then releases a fixed monthly amount. The restriction is the point: it proves the money exists while preventing it from being spent before study begins.
Providers charge account and transfer fees, and the release amount may not match actual living costs in an expensive city. Read the release schedule and the closure rules before choosing a provider.
Frequently asked questions
Is the money lost?
No. It is released in instalments under the scheme rules; the balance remains the student money, subject to the closure process.
Can any bank open one?
Only providers accepted by the route. Check the official list rather than assuming a familiar bank qualifies.