Indian students planning to study in the UK will soon need to show more money when applying for a student visa.
The UK government is increasing the amount students must prove they have for living expenses.
The new fund requirement will apply to student visa applications submitted on or after November 30, 2026.
This means students planning to join the January intake should pay close attention to the new limits.
Under the revised rules, students studying in London will need to show up to £14,130 for nine months of living expenses. Students studying outside London will need to show up to £10,827.
How Much Money Will Students Need?
Currently, students studying in London must show that they have £1,529 per month for living expenses. For the maximum nine-month period, this comes to £13,761.
From November 30, the monthly requirement will increase to £1,570. As a result, students will need to show a total of £14,130 for nine months.
For students studying outside London, the current requirement is £1,171 per month, or £10,539 for nine months.
Under the new rules, this will increase to £1,203 per month. Students will therefore need to show £10,827 for nine months.
How Much Extra Money Will Be Required?
For students in London, the monthly requirement will increase by £41. Over nine months, this means students will need to show an additional £369.
Outside London, the monthly requirement will rise by £32. This means students will need to show an extra £288 for nine months.
These amounts are meant only to cover living expenses. Tuition fees, student visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) are separate costs.
How Does the Fund Requirement Work?
UK student visa applicants generally need to prove that they have enough money to cover their living costs for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months.
For example, if a course requires the student to demonstrate living costs for nine months, the full nine-month amount must be available. If the relevant course period is shorter, the required amount is calculated accordingly.
Students may also need to show enough money to cover any outstanding tuition fees mentioned in their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
When Will the New Rule Apply?
The date of the visa application is important. Applications submitted before November 30, 2026, will be considered under the previous financial requirements.
Applications submitted on or after November 30, 2026, will have to meet the increased fund requirement.
Students planning to apply around this date, especially those preparing for the January intake, should check how much money they need to show before submitting their visa application.
