Planning to study in the UK? You may need to show more money when applying for your student visa. The UK Home Office is increasing the amount students must show for living expenses from November 30, 2026. The change will affect students submitting their visa applications on or after this date, including those preparing for the January 2027 intake. If you are planning to apply soon, it’s a good idea to check your available funds and visa documents early.

What Is Changing in the UK Student Visa Financial Requirements?

When you apply for a UK student visa, you usually need to show that you have enough money to pay for your studies and living costs. The money you need for daily expenses is called the maintenance requirement. It covers costs such as accommodation, food and transport.

The UK already has different living-cost requirements for students studying in London and those studying elsewhere in the country. Under the revised Immigration Rules, both amounts will increase from November 30, 2026.

How Much Money Is Required for a UK Student Visa in 2026?

The amount you need depends on where you plan to study. Here is a comparison of the current amounts and the new figures applicable from November 30.

Students planning to study in London may need to show £369 more for nine months. For students studying outside London, the increase will be £288. This money is for living costs such as food, rent and travel. It does not include tuition fees. If you haven’t paid your required course fees for the relevant academic year, you may need to show that money too.

The nine-month figures are maximum maintenance amounts. Students taking shorter courses generally need to calculate the requirement according to their course duration, with part of a month rounded up. For example, a student studying outside London for six months would need to demonstrate £7,218 under the new requirement, compared with £7,026 under the current rate.

Note: The revised amounts will apply to Student visa applications submitted on or after November 30, 2026. Students should check the latest UK Home Office rules before applying.

When Will the New UK Student Visa Funds Rules Start?

The new financial requirements will take effect on November 30, 2026. Students who submit their visa applications on or after this date must show the higher amount. What matters here is when you submit your visa application, not when your classes begin.

For example, you may be joining a UK university in January 2027. But the amount you need to show will depend on the rules in place when you apply for your visa. So, before you apply, check the latest requirements and make sure your documents are ready.

What Is the UK Student Visa 28-Day Bank Balance Rule?

Planning to use your bank savings for your UK student visa? Then you need to know about the 28-day rule. In most cases, you must keep the required money for at least 28 consecutive days without the balance falling below the amount required for your visa application. This amount must cover your outstanding tuition fees and required living expenses.

You also can’t use an old bank statement. The UK Home Office requires the end date of your 28-day financial evidence period to fall within 31 days before your visa application date. It’s a good idea to check your balance and bank statements before you apply. This can help you avoid problems with your visa application.

The 28-day holding requirement generally applies to applicants relying on bank funds. Students using qualifying education loans or official financial sponsorship can provide the prescribed supporting documents instead.

How Will the New Rules Affect Indian Students?

Many Indian students use family savings or education loans to pay for their studies in the UK. With the increase taking effect on November 30, 2026, some students may need to arrange a little more money before applying for their visas. Those planning to study in London will need to budget for higher living costs than students attending universities elsewhere in the UK.

Exchange rates can also affect how much money Indian students need to keep in their accounts. Before applying, check your tuition fees, living expenses and the latest pound-to-rupee exchange rate used for visa calculations.

Indian students can also use eligible funds held by their parents, provided they submit the required parental consent letter and evidence of their relationship. Those relying on education loans should make sure their loan documents meet UK Home Office requirements.

What Should January 2027 Intake Students Do Now?

If you are preparing for the January 2027 intake, this is a good time to check whether your visa documents are ready. Here are a few things you can do:

• Check your university location: Find out whether your course is in London or another UK city.
• Confirm your CAS: Make sure you have your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your university.
• Calculate your funds: Add your unpaid tuition fees and required living expenses for the relevant academic year, subject to the nine-month maintenance limit.
• Check your bank balance: Make sure your money meets the 28-day rule if it applies to you.
• Review your loan documents: If you are using an education loan, check that your loan sanction letter meets UKVI requirements and contains the necessary details about the loan amount, provider and release conditions.
• Apply with complete documents: Avoid submitting an incomplete application just to meet a deadline.

Taking care of these details early can help you avoid unnecessary problems.

What If You Cannot Apply Before November 30?

Don’t worry if you cannot submit your application before November 30, 2026. The most important thing is to meet the financial and document requirements that apply on your application date. If you are still waiting for your CAS, education loan or bank documents, speak with your university about your options. You may still be able to apply for the January 2027 intake if you meet the deadlines. If not, you can consider a later intake, such as September 2027.

The increase in UK Student visa financial requirements is an important update for students planning to study in the UK. Before applying, check your available funds, tuition fees and financial documents carefully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much money does an Indian student need for a UK student visa in 2026?

From November 30, 2026, Indian students must demonstrate £1,570 per month for courses in London and £1,203 per month for courses outside London, up to nine months. Outstanding tuition fees must be considered separately.

Does the UK student visa 28-day rule apply to education loans?

The 28-day holding requirement generally applies to funds demonstrated through bank accounts. Qualifying student loans can be proved through an acceptable loan letter that meets UK Home Office requirements.

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