UK Student Visa Funds Rise from November 30, 2026, bringing higher financial requirements for Indian students planning to study in Britain.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have more money available to cover their living expenses while studying in the country.
The revised requirements will apply to Student visa applications submitted on or after November 30.
The increase affects international applicants, including students from India, and the amount required will depend on whether their university is located in London or elsewhere in the UK.
UK Student Visa Funds Rise: New Financial Requirements
Under the revised rules, students studying in London will need to show £1,570 per month for living expenses, compared with the existing requirement of £1,529.
For courses lasting nine months or longer, the maximum amount will increase to £14,130.
For students studying outside London, the monthly requirement will rise from £1,171 to £1,203.
Applicants will need to demonstrate up to £10,827 for a maximum period of nine months, compared with the earlier requirement of £10,539.
In Indian currency, the revised requirements amount to approximately Rs 2 lakh per month for students in London and around Rs 1.53 lakh per month for those studying outside the capital.
The exact rupee value may change with currency exchange rates.
How Much Money Will Indian Students Need to Show?
The financial requirement is calculated according to the location of the educational institution and the duration of the course.
Students must generally demonstrate funds for the relevant period, subject to a maximum of nine months.
The revised maximum requirement for London is £14,130, while students outside London must show up to £10,827.
These amounts are intended to demonstrate that applicants can support themselves during their stay in the UK.
Importantly, the maintenance funds are separate from tuition fees. Students must also account for any outstanding course fees mentioned in their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, commonly known as the CAS.
The CAS is issued by the educational institution and supports the student’s visa application.
Applicants should check the document carefully to understand how much tuition fee remains unpaid and include that amount in their financial planning.
28-Day Bank Balance Rule Remains Important
Indian students relying on personal savings to meet the financial requirement should also pay attention to the bank balance rules.
Applicants generally need to maintain the required amount in an eligible account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting their visa application.
The end of this 28-day period must usually fall within 31 days of the application date.
Students should therefore avoid arranging the required funds at the last moment.
They should calculate the applicable amount in advance and ensure that their financial documents meet the UK visa requirements.
Qualifying student loans or official financial sponsorship may also be accepted under the applicable rules. Applicants should check the relevant conditions before relying on these alternatives.
Which Students Will Have to Follow the New Rules?
The date of the visa application will determine which financial threshold applies.
Students submitting their applications before November 30, 2026, will generally follow the existing maintenance requirements.
Those applying on or after November 30 will need to meet the revised figures.
Students planning to submit applications close to the deadline should carefully check the latest requirements before proceeding.
The increase is part of the UK’s periodic review of student visa maintenance requirements.
The revised figures are aligned with the maintenance support available to domestic students for the 2026–27 academic year.
For Indian students, the change means planning for higher living-cost funds in addition to tuition fees, accommodation deposits, travel expenses, visa charges and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Prospective applicants should review their university CAS, calculate the required maintenance funds based on their study location and check the latest official UK government guidance before submitting their applications.
