UK student visa maintenance funds to increase from November 2026
From 30 November 2026, UK Student visa applicants must show £1,570 a month in London and £1,203 a month outside London, up to £14,130 and £10,827 for nine months.
The UK Government has announced an increase in the financial maintenance requirement for international students applying for a UK Student visa from 30 November 2026.
Applicants will need to show £1,570 a month for study in London and £1,203 a month outside London, for a maximum of nine months.
What is changing?
| Study location | Current requirement | From 30 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529/month | £1,570/month |
| Outside London | £1,171/month | £1,203/month |
For the maximum nine-month period, students will therefore need to demonstrate up to:
- •London: £14,130
- •Outside London: £10,827
These amounts are for living costs and are separate from tuition fees, visa fees and the Immigration Health Charge. (Source: UK Government, Statement of Changes)
Why is the requirement increasing?
The Government reviews the maintenance requirement annually and has stated that the revised figures are being aligned with maintenance loans available to UK students for the 2026/27 academic year.
What does this mean for Indian students?
Students planning to apply for a UK Student visa from 30 November 2026 onwards should ensure their financial planning reflects the new figures.
The increase is relatively modest, but students should budget for the complete cost of studying in the UK, including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, visa costs, healthcare charges and travel.
Important
Students applying close to the 30 November 2026 changeover should check which rules apply to their specific application date and ensure their financial evidence meets the applicable requirement.
Frequently asked questions
- When does the new UK maintenance requirement apply?
- It applies to UK Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026. Students applying close to the changeover should check which rules apply to their specific application date.
- How much money do I need to show for a UK Student visa?
- For the maximum nine-month period, up to £14,130 for study in London and up to £10,827 for study outside London.
- Do these amounts include tuition fees?
- No. The maintenance figures cover living costs only and are separate from tuition fees, visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Sources
- [1]UK Government: Statement of Changes to the Immigration RulesHome Office. Source for the revised maintenance figures and the 30 November 2026 start date.
- [2]Economic Times: UK to raise student visa maintenance requirement from November 2026Supports the reporting on the increase and its alignment with UK maintenance loan levels.