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Starting November 30, 2026, international students applying for a UK student visa will need to demonstrate access to a larger amount of funds than previously required. The UK Home Office introduced changes to immigration rules on September 3, 2026.

An update regarding a significant change has been released for Indian students planning to study in the UK. Specifically, from November 30, 2026, international students applying for a UK student visa will be required to show proof of greater financial resources. The UK Home Office amended immigration rules on September 3, 2026, increasing the mandatory maintenance funds for students.

This change will affect students applying for UK student visas. However, students are not required to deposit this money with the UK government; instead, they must prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living and daily expenses during their studies. This amount is separate from tuition fees.

How much money must be shown for studying in London?

Once the new rules come into effect, students studying in London will need to show maintenance funds of £1,570 (approximately ₹2.01 lakh) per month. Currently, this amount is £1,529 (approximately ₹1.95 lakh). Students are required to show proof of living expenses for a maximum of nine months. Consequently, the maximum amount required for London will be £14,130, which equates to ₹18.06 lakh in Indian rupees. Currently, the amount for nine months is £13,761.

Increased requirements for those studying outside London

Maintenance requirements have also been raised for students studying outside London. Currently, proof of £1,171 per month is required; this will increase to £1,203 per month starting November 30. The maximum amount for a nine-month period will be £10,827. Under current rules, this figure stands at £10,539, representing an increase of £288 for the nine-month duration.

This fund is separate from tuition fees

The purpose of the maintenance fund under the student visa route is to demonstrate that the student can cover their living expenses while in the UK. This amount is separate from tuition fees, visa fees, and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Students are generally required to show funds covering living expenses based on the duration of their course, subject to a maximum cap of nine months. If a course lasts less than nine months, funds must be shown for the specific duration of that course. In some instances, students may also need to show funds to cover any outstanding tuition fees as specified in their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

The significance of the November 30 date

The distinction in dates between the old and new rules is crucial. Applications submitted before November 30, 2026, will be assessed under the immigration rules in effect on November 29. Conversely, applications submitted on or after November 30 will be subject to the new maintenance requirements. According to the UK Home Office, this increase aligns with the maintenance loan levels available to UK domestic students for the 2026-27 academic year. The Department for Education reviews this amount annually. The Home Office stated that this annual increase was part of previously established measures aimed at tackling the misuse of the student visa route.