The UK student visa financial requirement is rising on November 30, 2026. You will need to show more money in your bank account to prove you can support yourself while you study. This guide explains the new amounts, why they changed, and what else you need to budget for.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not immigration or financial advice. Visa rules and amounts can change. Always confirm the current requirements on the official UK government website.
What Is the New UK Student Visa Financial Requirement?
Starting November 30, 2026, you must show more money each month to prove you can cover your living costs. This is called the "maintenance requirement." It is separate from your tuition fees.
The amount you need depends on where you will study: London or outside London. The table below shows the change.
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If you study outside London, the new 9-month total is £10,827. You must show this money for up to 9 months of your course, no matter how long your course actually is.
Disclaimer: These figures are based on the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules presented to the UK Parliament on September 3, 2026. Always check the official UK government student visa funding page or ask your ApplyBoard counsellor for the amount that applies on your application date.
Why Did the UK Raise the Financial Requirement?
The UK ties this amount to the loan that home (UK) students get for their own living costs. That loan amount is reviewed every year. When it goes up, the international student requirement goes up too.
This is not a one-time change. The amount has risen each year recently, so you should expect it to rise again around the same time next year.
Does This Change the 28-Day Rule?
No. The way you prove your funds stays the same. You still need to:
- Hold the required amount in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.
- Make sure the balance never drops below the required amount during those 28 days.
- Apply for your visa within 31 days of the date your bank statement was issued.
Only the amount you need to show is changing. The process for proving it is not.
Warning! If your account balance drops below the required amount even once during the 28 days, the 28-day count resets. Check your balance carefully before you apply.
Do I Still Need to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Yes. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a separate fee that gives you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) while you study. As of this update, the IHS has not increased. It remains £776 per year of your visa for students.
You pay the IHS upfront, in full, for the entire length of your visa when you submit your application.
What Should I Budget For in Total?
Your total cost to apply for a UK student visa now has several parts. Plan for all of them, not just tuition.
Tuition Fees
Shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This is a document your university gives you to confirm your offer.
Living Costs (Maintenance)
£14,130 for London or £10,827 outside London, for up to 9 months, from November 30, 2026.
Health Surcharge and Visa Fee
£776 per year for the IHS, plus the visa application fee.
Who Does This Affect?
This new financial requirement applies to all international students applying for a UK Student visa, no matter which country you are from. It has drawn extra attention in major source markets like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, where the increase is often converted into US dollars to show the real impact on families.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. If you submitted your application before the new rules start, the amount that applied on your application date is the one that counts.
No. The IHS is a separate fee you pay when you submit your application. It is not counted as part of the maintenance funds you must show in your bank account.
It is likely. The UK reviews this amount every year, so build in a margin above the minimum if you plan to apply close to a review date.
Next Steps
Meeting the new financial requirement takes planning, especially since you need to hold the funds for 28 days before you apply. Start early and keep your documents organized.
- Check the official UK government page for the exact amount that applies to your visa route and dependants.
- Plan when to start your 28-day holding period so it lines up with your intended application date.
- Keep your bank statement, CAS, and other documents together so they are ready when you apply.
Explore UK Study Options
Browse programs and universities in the UK to plan your budget around your course and city.
Rising costs can feel stressful, but you have time to prepare. Start saving early, keep your funds steady for the full 28 days, and confirm your exact numbers on the official UK government website before you apply.