UK RAISES PROOF OF FUNDS REQUIREMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS FROM NOVEMBER 30
The UK is increasing the financial requirement for international Student visa applicants from November 30, 2026. Students studying in London will need £1,570 per month for up to nine months, while those studying outside London will need £1,203 per month, in addition to applicable tuition, visa and healthcare costs.
International students planning to study in the United Kingdom will need to demonstrate higher levels of financial support under new immigration rules taking effect from November 30, 2026.
The changes will affect overseas students, including applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and other African countries who are required to demonstrate that they meet the UK's financial requirement.
Under the new rules, students studying in London will need to demonstrate access to £1,570 for every month of their course, calculated for a maximum of nine months.
Students studying outside London will need £1,203 per month for up to nine months.
HOW MUCH WILL STUDENTS NEED?
For a course lasting nine months or longer, the new maintenance requirement will amount to:
London students will need up to £14,130.
Students outside London will need up to £10,827.
These amounts relate specifically to living expenses and are separate from any outstanding tuition fees that applicants are required to demonstrate they can pay.
The current maintenance requirement is £1,529 per month in London and £1,171 per month outside London.
MONEY MUST BE HELD FOR 28 DAYS
Applicants who are required to provide financial evidence generally need to hold the required funds for at least 28 consecutive days.
The end of that 28 day period must also fall within the permitted period before the Student visa application is submitted.
Students may also need to demonstrate that they have enough money to cover outstanding course fees stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.
VISA AND HEALTHCARE COSTS ARE SEPARATE
The proof of funds requirement should not be confused with the cost of applying for a Student visa.
Applicants must separately pay the applicable Student visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
This means prospective international students should budget for tuition fees, maintenance funds, the visa application and healthcare costs when calculating the total amount required to study in Britain.
WHY IS THE UK INCREASING THE REQUIREMENT?
The British government says the Student route maintenance requirement is linked to the maintenance support available to domestic students.
The government reviews the amount annually and says the latest increase is intended to align the immigration requirement with maintenance loans available to home students during the 2026 and 2027 academic year.
For African students planning to begin their UK studies in 2027, the change means preparing financial evidence early could become increasingly important before submitting a visa application.
VNTV
