UK Raises Financial Requirements for International Student Visas From November 2026

International students planning to study in the United Kingdom will be required to demonstrate higher levels of financial support under changes to the country’s immigration rules.

The revised maintenance requirements, which take effect on November 30, 2026, will apply to incoming students from Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, Kenya and other African countries, as well as applicants from around the world.

Students intending to study in London will need to show that they have access to £1,570 for each month of their course, up from the current requirement of £1,529. For courses lasting nine months or longer, the maximum amount applicants must demonstrate will be £14,130, equivalent to approximately $19,100.

Those studying outside London will be required to provide evidence of £1,203 per month, compared with the previous threshold of £1,171. The maximum maintenance requirement for nine months will therefore rise to £10,827, or about $14,630.

The required funds are intended to cover estimated living expenses and do not include tuition fees. Applicants must separately demonstrate that they can pay any outstanding course fees listed on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

Under the financial evidence rules, applicants are generally required to hold the necessary amount in an eligible bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. The final day of that period must usually fall within 31 days of the date the student visa application is submitted.

The applicable financial threshold will depend on when the application is filed. Applications submitted before November 30, 2026, will be considered under the existing lower requirements, while those submitted on or after that date must meet the revised amounts.

Prospective students preparing for winter and spring admissions have therefore been advised to consider the changes when arranging their tuition payments, living expenses and visa documentation. Failure to provide acceptable evidence of the required funds could result in an application being rejected.