International students planning to study in the United Kingdom will need to demonstrate more money for living expenses when applying for a Student visa from November 30, 2026, as the UK raises its minimum financial maintenance requirements.
Under the new rules, students studying in London will need to show £1,570 per month, up from £1,529, while those studying outside London will need to demonstrate £1,203 per month, compared with £1,171 currently. The requirement applies for a maximum of nine months, meaning students on courses lasting nine months or longer will need to show £14,130 for living costs in London, up from £13,761, and £10,827 outside London, up from £10,539.
The increased requirement applies according to the date the visa application is submitted, rather than the student’s course start date. Applications submitted before November 30 will continue to be assessed under the existing financial thresholds.
The maintenance funds are separate from tuition fees. Applicants must also demonstrate enough money to cover any outstanding course fees for one academic year, as stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
Students generally need to have held the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days, with the final day of that period falling within 31 days of the visa application. Eligible student loans and official financial sponsorship can also be used to meet the financial requirement.
Students who have already paid for university accommodation may deduct eligible accommodation payments from the required maintenance funds, subject to the applicable limit. Some applicants are exempt from demonstrating maintenance funds, including certain students who have already lived in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months.
The UK government’s adjustment brings the maintenance figures in line with the level of support available through maintenance loans for domestic students during the 2026/27 academic year.
The change comes as UK universities continue to face shifts in international student demand. During the 2024/25 academic year, 685,565 international students were enrolled at UK higher education institutions, representing 24% of the total student population. International student numbers were 10% below the record level recorded in 2022/23.
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For prospective international students, the higher threshold means applicants will need to plan their finances carefully and ensure they meet the new requirement if submitting their Student visa applications on or after November 30.
