UK Raises Student Visa Financial Requirement For International Students From November 30
Nigerian and other international students applying for UK Student visas from November 30 will need to show higher maintenance funds, with the requirement rising to £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 outside London.
LONDON, United Kingdom: The UK Government is increasing the financial requirement for international students applying for a Student visa, with new maintenance-fund thresholds coming into effect from 30 November 2026.
Under the revised Immigration Rules, students studying in London will be required to demonstrate £1,570 per month, compared with the current £1,529. For courses outside London, the requirement will rise from £1,171 to £1,203 per month.
For the maximum nine-month period, this means applicants may need to show:
- London: £14,130
- Outside London: £10,827
The money is intended to demonstrate that students can support themselves while living in the UK and is separate from any outstanding tuition fees listed on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Nigerian students affected
The change will be relevant to prospective students from Nigeria, as well as applicants from other countries who are required to provide financial evidence under the Student visa rules.
However, the claim that the new requirement is specifically being introduced for students from Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa and other African countries is misleading.
The increase is a general change to the Student visa maintenance requirement. It is not an Africa-specific financial rule.
Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa are also not among the countries currently listed by the UK Government under the Student route’s differential-evidence arrangements, meaning applicants from those countries can be required to provide evidence of their finances.
Applications made before November 30
Students planning to apply should pay close attention to the date their visa application is submitted.
Applications made before 30 November 2026 will continue to be assessed under the maintenance requirements in force before the new figures take effect. Applications from 30 November will be subject to the increased amounts.
Where financial evidence is required, applicants generally need to show that the required funds have been held for 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period falling within 31 days of the visa application.
Students who have already been living in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months immediately before their Student visa application may not have to demonstrate the maintenance funds.
The increase means prospective Nigerian students planning to study in the UK, particularly those targeting January 2027 and later intakes, will need to factor the higher maintenance requirement into their financial planning.
