UK Home Office has announced an increase in the financial maintenance requirement for international students applying under the Student visa route. From 30 November 2026, applicants studying in or outside London will need to show higher funds to cover their living costs in the UK. The new amounts were confirmed in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules published on 3 September 2026.
What is changing?
Students studying in London currently need to show £1,529 for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months. From 30 November 2026, this will rise to £1,570 per month.
For a course lasting nine months or longer, the maximum amount will therefore increase from £13,761 to £14,130.
Students studying outside London currently need £1,171 per month. This will increase to £1,203 per month, bringing the maximum nine-month requirement from £10,539 to £10,827.
The overall increase will be £369 for students in London and £288 for those studying elsewhere in the UK.
Are Living Costs Separate from Course Fees?
Yes. The maintenance requirement covers the funds a student must show for their living costs in the UK. This is separate from any outstanding course fees stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
The Student visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are also separate costs. Students should account for each of these expenses when calculating the overall cost of studying in the UK.
When Will the New Financial Requirement Apply?
The amount a student needs to show will depend on when the visa application is submitted. Applications made before 30 November 2026 will be assessed under the existing financial requirements.
The higher amounts will apply to applications submitted on or after 30 November 2026. Students planning to apply around this date should confirm which requirement applies and allow enough time to hold the required funds for the specified period.
How can students meet the financial requirement?
Students who are required to provide financial evidence must normally hold the necessary funds for at least 28 consecutive days. The final day of this period must be within 31 days of the date the Student visa application is submitted.
The money may be held in the student’s own account or in a parent’s account, provided the relevant requirements are met and suitable evidence is supplied. Students may also rely on an eligible student loan or official financial sponsorship.
Those who have been living in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months on the date of their application do not normally need to prove that they meet the financial requirement.
Applicants from countries or territories covered by differential evidence arrangements benefit from simplified document requirements. Therefore, they are not normally required to submit financial documents with their Student visa application. However, UK Visas and Immigration may request this evidence while considering the application. Applicants must still meet the requirement and keep the necessary evidence available.
How can Morgan Smith Immigration help?
Students applying on or after 30 November 2026 must ensure that they meet the increased financial requirement and have held the necessary funds for the required period. Using the previous figures could leave the application below the required amount and place the outcome at risk.
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With over 20 years of experience, Morgan Smith Immigration can assist students with Student visa applications and the preparation of financial evidence. For advice about your application or any other UK visa category, call us on 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
