The UK student visa financial requirement 2026 is expected to increase from November 30, with international students required to show higher living-cost funds before applying for a Student visa. The proposed amounts are £1,570 per month for students in London and £1,203 per month for students outside London.
International students planning to study in the United Kingdom should pay close attention to the UK student visa financial requirement 2026, particularly if they intend to submit their visa application toward the end of the year.
The maintenance requirement is the amount applicants must demonstrate to show that they can support themselves while studying in the UK. It is separate from tuition fees, the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
According to the announced update, the revised financial amounts are scheduled to apply from November 30, 2026.
Important: The official GOV.UK student visa guidance currently displays the existing figures of £1,529 per month for London and £1,171 per month outside London. Applicants should confirm the new figures and effective date on GOV.UK before submitting an application.
What Is the New UK Student Visa Financial Requirement 2026?
The UK student visa financial requirement 2026 determines how much money an international student must show for living expenses.
The amount depends on the location of the educational institution:
- Students studying in London must show a higher monthly amount.
- Students studying outside London must show a lower monthly amount.
- Funds are generally required for a maximum of nine months.
- Tuition fees are calculated separately based on the student’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, or CAS.
The proposed revised amounts are:
| Study Location | Current Monthly Requirement | Proposed Amount From November 30, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £1,570 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £1,203 |
The increase means students will need to plan for additional funds before beginning the visa application process.
How Much Money Must Students Show?
Under the proposed UK student visa financial requirement 2026, students studying in London would need to demonstrate up to £14,130 for nine months.
For students studying outside London, the nine-month amount would be £10,827.
| Study Location | Monthly Amount | Maximum 9-Month Total |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,570 | £14,130 |
| Outside London | £1,203 | £10,827 |
These figures cover living costs only. Students must also show sufficient funds for any outstanding tuition fees listed on their CAS.
The UK government’s Student visa guidance confirms that applicants generally need to show funds for course fees for one academic year, up to nine months, alongside the relevant maintenance amount.
Why Is the UK Increasing the Maintenance Amount?
The UK reviews its student maintenance requirement periodically to ensure that the amount reflects expected living costs.
The maintenance figure is linked to the level of financial support available to domestic students for living expenses. When the relevant domestic support amount is reviewed, the international student maintenance requirement may also be adjusted.
The UK student visa financial requirement 2026 is therefore part of a broader annual review process rather than an entirely new financial rule.
Students should also be aware that these figures may be reviewed again in future years. Anyone planning to study in the UK should avoid budgeting only for the exact minimum and should consider allowing an additional financial margin.
Does the 28-Day Rule Change?
No change has been indicated to the process for proving funds.
Under the existing rules, applicants who need to provide financial evidence must generally show that they held the required funds for 28 consecutive days.
The final day of that 28-day period must normally be within 31 days of the visa application date.
The main requirements are:
- The required amount must remain in the account for the entire 28-day period.
- The balance must not fall below the required amount.
- The bank statement or other evidence must meet UKVI requirements.
- The evidence must be valid on the date of application.
- The funds must be held in an accepted account or supported through an eligible financial arrangement.
The official financial evidence guidance confirms that applicants may use qualifying personal funds, parental funds, student loans or official financial sponsorship, subject to the applicable rules.
Which Documents Can Be Used as Financial Evidence?
Students may be able to demonstrate the UK student visa financial requirement 2026 through several accepted sources.
These can include:
- Personal bank accounts
- A parent’s bank account, with the required consent documentation
- A qualifying student loan
- Official financial sponsorship
- Certain scholarships
- Funds held by an eligible government or international sponsor
Applicants should make sure that the financial institution and account meet UKVI requirements.
The following forms of funds are generally not accepted as standard financial evidence:
- Overdrafts
- Cryptocurrency
- Stocks and shares
- Pensions
- Unregulated financial accounts
- Accounts without reliable electronic record keeping
Students should also ensure that the funds are immediately accessible and that all names, dates and account details are consistent across the application.
Is Tuition Included in the Maintenance Requirement?
No. Tuition fees are separate from the UK student visa financial requirement 2026.
Students must normally show enough money to cover:
- Outstanding tuition fees for the first academic year, as listed on the CAS.
- Living expenses for up to nine months.
- Additional funds for eligible dependants, if applicable.
- The visa application fee.
- The Immigration Health Surcharge.
If a student has already paid part of their tuition fees, the amount confirmed on the CAS may be deducted from the outstanding tuition amount.
Students should retain official receipts if tuition payments have already been made but are not yet reflected on the CAS.
Immigration Health Surcharge Is Separate
The Immigration Health Surcharge, or IHS, is not included in the maintenance funds.
The IHS is paid separately when submitting the visa application and provides access to NHS services during the period of eligible immigration permission.
The supplied update states that the student IHS remains £776 per year, although applicants should verify the amount on the official government calculator before applying because surcharge calculations can depend on the length of visa permission.
| Cost Category | Separate Payment or Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Based on the CAS |
| Living-cost funds | Required financial evidence |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Paid separately |
| Visa application fee | Paid separately |
| Dependants’ maintenance | Additional funds may be required |
The official UK government IHS page provides the current calculation method and payment information.
Who Will Be Affected by the Increase?
The UK student visa financial requirement 2026 may affect international students applying for a Student visa from outside the UK or extending their permission from within the UK, depending on their circumstances.
The change may be particularly relevant to students from major international education markets, including:
- India
- Nigeria
- Ghana
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Kenya
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- South Africa
The increase applies according to the UK’s immigration rules rather than nationality. However, some applicants may qualify for exemptions from providing financial evidence.
For example, students who have been living in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months before applying may not need to demonstrate the maintenance funds. Certain nationalities may also be subject to differential evidence requirements, although UKVI can still request financial documents in individual cases.
What If You Apply Before November 30?
Under the announced transition approach, applicants who submit their visa application before the new rules take effect would generally be assessed using the financial requirement applicable on their application date.
Students applying on or after November 30, 2026, would be expected to meet the revised amount if the proposed update is formally implemented.
However, applicants should not rely solely on the date they downloaded or completed their documents. The relevant date is generally the date the application is submitted, alongside the rules in force at that time.
Students planning to apply close to the deadline should:
- Check the latest GOV.UK guidance.
- Confirm the financial amount required for their study location.
- Start the 28-day holding period early.
- Avoid withdrawing funds during the evidence period.
- Check whether tuition payments are reflected on the CAS.
- Confirm the IHS and visa application fee separately.
How Much Should Students Budget Overall?
The UK student visa financial requirement 2026 is only one part of the total cost of studying in Britain.
A student’s overall budget may include:
Tuition Fees
The tuition amount will be stated on the CAS issued by the university or education provider.
Living Costs
Students may need to show:
- £14,130 for London under the proposed nine-month figure.
- £10,827 outside London under the proposed nine-month figure.
Immigration Health Surcharge
The IHS is paid separately and depends on the length of immigration permission.
Visa Application Fee
The Student visa application fee is separate from both tuition and maintenance funds.
Travel and Initial Settlement
Students should also budget for:
- Flights
- Accommodation deposits
- Local transportation
- Food and household expenses
- Bedding and study materials
- Emergency funds
The required bank balance is a minimum immigration threshold, not necessarily a complete estimate of actual living costs.
What Students Should Do Now
Students preparing for a UK university intake should begin planning for the UK student visa financial requirement 2026 well before submitting their application.
A practical preparation checklist includes:
- Confirm whether the course is in London or outside London.
- Check the tuition fees listed on the CAS.
- Calculate the required maintenance amount for up to nine months.
- Add any required dependant funds.
- Keep the money in an acceptable account for 28 consecutive days.
- Ensure the final bank statement is issued within the permitted timeframe.
- Check the latest GOV.UK guidance before applying.
- Keep evidence explaining any large deposits or transfers.
- Confirm the IHS and visa fee separately.
- Avoid relying on unofficial websites for final figures.
Key Takeaway Of UK Student Visa Financial Requirement 2026
The UK student visa financial requirement 2026 is expected to increase from November 30, 2026, with the proposed maintenance amount rising to:
- £1,570 per month in London
- £1,203 per month outside London
- £14,130 for nine months in London
- £10,827 for nine months outside London
The 28-day financial evidence rule remains unchanged in the supplied update.
Because official GOV.UK guidance currently displays the previous figures, students should verify the final amounts and effective date before applying. Meeting the correct maintenance requirement, maintaining the funds for the required period and preparing accurate financial documents will remain essential parts of a successful UK Student visa application.
FAQs : UK Student Visa Financial Requirement 2026
What is the UK student visa financial requirement 2026?
The UK student visa financial requirement 2026 is the amount international students must demonstrate to prove they can support themselves while studying in the UK. The proposed new amounts are £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 per month outside London.
When will the new UK student visa maintenance amounts apply?
The supplied update states that the revised amounts will apply from November 30, 2026. Applicants should confirm the effective date through the latest GOV.UK guidance before submitting their visa application.
How much money is required for nine months in London?
Under the proposed figures, students studying in London would need to show £14,130 for up to nine months of living costs.
How much money is required outside London?
Students studying outside London would need to show £10,827 for up to nine months under the proposed figures.
Does the 28-day rule change?
No. Applicants must generally still hold the required funds for 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period falling within 31 days of the visa application date.
Are tuition fees included in the maintenance amount?
No. Tuition fees are separate and are generally based on the outstanding amount shown on the student’s CAS.
Is the Immigration Health Surcharge included?
No. The IHS is a separate payment and is not counted as part of the maintenance funds required in the bank account.
Can students use their parents’ bank account?
In qualifying circumstances, students may use a parent’s funds, provided they submit the required evidence and consent documentation under UKVI rules.
Source : Apply Board
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