Some international students seeking UK Student visas from Nov. 30, 2026, will need to document higher living funds, with the nine-month maximum rising to £14,130 in London under new Home Office rules.
For applicants subject to the standard living-cost requirement, the London rate rises from £1,529 to £1,570 per month. For courses outside London, the monthly threshold rises from £1,171 to £1,203. Across nine months, the London total reaches £14,130, an increase of £369. Elsewhere, the maximum is £10,827, up by £288. Statement of Changes HC 584 caps the living-cost calculation at nine months regardless of course length; the rate depends on where the course is based. The monthly rates rise by £41 in London and £32 outside the capital.
The new rates apply to applications made on or after Nov. 30, 2026. HC 584 says applications made before that date remain subject to the rules in force through Nov. 29. The application date determines which schedule applies.
Living-cost funds are separate from outstanding tuition. The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) records course fees and payments already made; any remaining fees listed there must be accounted for separately from the maintenance amount.
Applicants using personal funds generally must show the required balance was maintained continuously for 28 consecutive days. The last day of that period must fall within 31 days before the application date. The rules also accept qualifying student loans and official financial sponsorship as ways to meet the requirement. A deposit paid to a student sponsor for accommodation arranged by that sponsor can reduce the required living funds by up to £1,570.
The Home Office says the annual adjustment aligns the requirement with maintenance loans available to home students for the 2026-27 academic year. Its explanatory memorandum says the increase was previously agreed as part of measures announced in May 2024 to combat abuse of the Student route.
