The UK will implement higher maintenance funds for international students beginning on November 30, 2026. Those applying for a UK Student visa will have to provide evidence of increased living costs, as outlined in an update from the UK Home Office published on September 3, 2026.

The monthly maintenance fund requirement for students in London will rise from £1,529 (approximately Rs 1.95 lakh) to £1,570 (around Rs 2.01 lakh). For students studying outside London, the amount will increase from £1,171 (about Rs 1.50 lakh) to £1,203 (roughly Rs 1.54 lakh). This increase will require students to demonstrate funds for a duration of up to nine months.

The financial requirements are separate from tuition fees, intended to ensure that students can support themselves throughout their studies in the UK. The maximum total amount that students will need to show for living costs will be £14,130 (approximately Rs 18.06 lakh) for those in London and £10,827 (around Rs 13.84 lakh) for those studying outside the capital.

Reasons Behind the Increase

The UK Home Office states that the maintenance requirements are tied to maintenance loans available to domestic students and are reviewed annually by the Department for Education. The latest increase aims to align the living cost requirements with those of home-student maintenance loans for the 2026–27 academic year.

This change is not a sudden development. The Home Office indicated that the annual review and adjustment of maintenance funds had been agreed upon as part of broader measures set forth in May 2024 to address potential misuse of the student visa category.

The move to raise financial requirements is originally for maintaining parity with local students’ financial assistance, ensuring that evaluation of international and domestic students should be on similar grounds when it comes to maintenance support.

Important Considerations for Indian Students

For Indian students intending to apply for a student visa in the UK, it is essential to factor in these new financial requirements. Anyone submitting an application after the new regulations come into force will need to provide proof of access to the updated maintenance funds, as the previous figures will no longer apply.

It is crucial for applicants to separately calculate their living-cost requirements, distinct from tuition, accommodation, and other related expenses. Students should ensure they consult updated visa guidance to comply with the new regulations effectively.

The changes have been formally documented in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 584, presented before Parliament on September 3, 2026. All prospective applicants should take note of November 30, 2026, as the date when these updated financial requirements will take effect.

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