More Money, Same Student Visa: UK Raises Financial Requirements

The UK is preparing for another change in the financial rules attached to its student visa route. While the visa itself is still in place, the amount international students are expected to have available for their living costs is being revised for the 2026/27 academic year. The change comes at a time when financial evidence remains an important part of the student visa application process.

The new requirement will come into effect on 30 November 2026, but the impact will depend on where a student is studying and when the visa application is submitted. That distinction is important for students whose applications fall close to the November changeover.

From 30 November, the maintenance requirement will rise to £1,570 per month for students studying in London and £1,203 per month for those studying outside London. The rules allow the maintenance requirement to be calculated for up to nine months, bringing the maximum living cost evidence to £14,130 in London and £10,827 elsewhere.

The increase replaces the current monthly figures of £1,529 in London and £1,171 outside London. The Home Office says the revised amounts form part of the annual uplift to Student Route maintenance requirements and have been aligned with the maintenance loan available to home students for 2026/27.

Students will still need to meet the existing financial evidence rules alongside the higher threshold. In most cases, applicants must show that they have held the required funds for 28 consecutive days, with the supporting evidence meeting the relevant timing requirements.

The change also affects the accommodation deposit provision. Where a student has paid an eligible deposit to their education provider, the maximum amount that can be offset against the maintenance requirement will increase from £1,529 to £1,570.

The timing of the application is therefore crucial. Applications submitted before 30 November 2026 will be assessed under the rules in force on 29 November. Applications made on or after 30 November will be assessed against the revised maintenance figures.

For prospective international students, the change does not alter the student visa route itself. It raises the financial threshold applicants must satisfy as part of that route, making the application date, study location and preparation of financial evidence important considerations for students planning their UK study journey.

Source : https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/study/uk-to-raise-student-visa-maintenance-requirement-from-november-2026/articleshow/133752307.cms?from=mdr