Important
United KingdomVisas and rules
UK raises Student visa maintenance (funds) requirement from 30 November
- Officially announced
- Sep 3, 2026
- Effective from
- Nov 30, 2026
- Last checked
- Oct 22, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
Applies in 38 daysNov 30, 2026
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- People applying for a UK Student or Child Student visa on or after 30 November 2026, including people applying from inside the UK who need to show funds. The amount you need to show for living costs, in addition to tuition, will increase.
- Effective date
- Nov 30, 2026
The UK Home Office will raise the maintenance (proof of funds) amounts for Student visa applications from 30 November 2026: from GBP 1,529 to GBP 1,570 per month for study in London, and from GBP 1,171 to GBP 1,203 per month outside London. Applications made before 30 November will be decided under the previous rules.
gov.uk (external site)
What changed
The Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584 (published 3 September 2026) changes the Student visa maintenance amounts. Studying in London: GBP 1,529 to GBP 1,570 per month (for up to 9 months).
Studying outside London: GBP 1,171 to GBP 1,203 per month (for up to 9 months).
The maximum amount of pre-paid accommodation fees for provider-arranged accommodation that can be deducted from the required funds also rises from GBP 1,529 to GBP 1,570.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the change aligns with 2026/2027 maintenance loans for UK students.
Who it applies to
- People applying for a UK Student or Child Student visa on or after 30 November 2026, including people applying from inside the UK who need to show funds.
- The amount you need to show for living costs, in addition to tuition, will increase.
When it applies
- Sep 3, 2026Officially announced
- Nov 30, 2026Effective from
Rules published on 3 September 2026 (HC 584). Takes effect on 30 November 2026 (the rules state: "The following paragraphs shall take effect on 30 November 2026.").
Applications made before 30 November will be decided under the rules in force on 29 November 2026.
Exceptions
These rules were published on 3 September 2026, before our current review period; we cover them because the start date is near.
Show details
Detailed conditions, such as when you do not need to show funds, are set out in Appendix Student and Appendix Finance. Conditions such as how long the funds must be held should also be checked on the official pages.
What to check or do
- Always check the official page for the latest information and your individual situation.
- 1.
- If you will apply on or after 30 November, recalculate the funds you need using the new amounts (GBP 1,570 per month in London, GBP 1,203 per month outside London).
- 2.
- Check your conditions on the GOV.UK Student visa page and in Appendix Student.
- 3.
- If anything is unclear, ask your university's international student team or the official helpline.
Official sources
Related countries, cities, schools and guides
gov.uk (external site)
