The changes affect applications submitted on or after that date and apply to the financial maintenance requirement under the Student visa route. Students must demonstrate that they can cover their living costs alongside their tuition fees, with separate charges also applying for visa applications and healthcare.
Higher Living Cost Requirements for Students Across the UK
Students planning to study in London currently need to demonstrate that they have £1,529 available for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months. From 30 November, this monthly requirement will rise to £1,570.
For students enrolled on courses lasting nine months or longer, the maximum maintenance requirement will consequently increase from £13,761 to £14,130. That represents an additional £369 in funds that applicants must demonstrate they can access. Students attending universities outside London will also face an increase, although the figures differ.
The existing requirement of £1,171 per month will rise to £1,203. Over the maximum nine-month assessment period, applicants will therefore need to demonstrate £10,827 rather than £10,539, an increase of £288.
These amounts relate specifically to living expenses and do not include university tuition fees. Applicants must account for their course fees separately when demonstrating that they have sufficient financial resources. Immigration lawyers at Morgan Smith, cited by The Independent, also identify the Student visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge as separate expenses.
According to the UK government’s Student visa guidance, the application fee is £558, whether someone applies from outside the country or seeks to extend or switch to a Student visa while already in the UK. The healthcare surcharge is also payable, with the amount depending on the duration of the visa.
How Applicants Must Demonstrate They Have Sufficient Funds
Under the financial evidence requirements, students must demonstrate that they can cover their maintenance costs alongside tuition fees for one academic year.
The necessary money must generally have been held for at least 28 consecutive days before the visa application is submitted. The final day of that period must fall within 31 days of the application date. Applicants can use funds held in their own bank account or in a parent’s account. Student loans and official financial sponsorship may also be accepted as evidence of financial support.
There is an exception for some applicants already living in the country. Students who have been in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months when they apply do not normally need to provide evidence that they meet the financial requirement.
According to official UK government guidance, applicants must also have an offer from a licensed student sponsor and satisfy the relevant English language requirements to qualify for a Student visa. Applications can be submitted up to six months before a course begins when applying from outside the UK, or three months beforehand when applying from within the country.
The higher maintenance thresholds will apply to Student visa applications submitted from 30 November 2026, making the submission date relevant when determining which financial requirements applicants must meet.
