Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The UK is set to raise the amount international students must show for living costs.
From November 30, 2026, students applying for a UK Student visa will need to show higher maintenance funds. The change is part of the UK Home Office’s update to the Immigration Rules, published on September 3, 2026.
The maintenance funds will rise to £1,570 (Rs 2.01 lakh) per month for students studying in London, up from £1,529 (Rs 1.95 lakh). Outside London, the figure will increase from £1,171 (Rs 1.50 lakh) to £1,203 (Rs 1.54 lakh) a month.
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Students need to show funds for up to nine months. The maximum will rise to £14,130 (Rs 18.06 lakh approx.) for London and £10,827 (Rs 13.84 lakh approx.) elsewhere.
This is separate from tuition fees. The money shows that a student can support themselves while studying in Britain.
| Study location | Current requirement | From November 30, 2026 | Monthly increase | Maximum for 9 months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 ( 1.95 lakh) | £1,570 ( 2.01 lakh) | £41 ( 5,240) | £14,130 ( 18.06 lakh) |
| Outside London | £1,171 ( 1.50 lakh) | £1,203 ( 1.54 lakh) | £32 ( 4,090) | £10,827 ( 13.84 lakh) |
INR conversions are approximate and based on £1 = Rs 127.79; actual conversion values will vary with exchange rates.
WHY IS THE UK RAISING THE AMOUNT?
The Home Office says the maintenance requirement is linked to maintenance loans available to home students and reviewed annually by the Department for Education.
The increase brings the requirement in line with maintenance loans for the 2026–27 academic year. The government says it intends to keep it aligned with home-student maintenance loans.
The change was not introduced suddenly. The Home Office says the annual uplift had already been agreed as part of measures announced in May 2024 to tackle abuse of the student route.
NOVEMBER 30 IS THE DATE TO REMEMBER
For Indian students planning to study in the UK, the timing matters. Anyone preparing a Student visa application for 2026 will need to account for the higher financial requirement if the new rules apply.
The requirement does not mean students have to pay this amount to the UK government. They must demonstrate access to the required funds, subject to existing visa rules.
WHAT INDIAN STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK NOW
Students should calculate their living-cost requirement separately from tuition fees, accommodation and other expenses. Those applying after the new rules take effect should use the new figures rather than older visa guides.
The UK Home Office has published the changes in its Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, HC 584, laid before Parliament on September 3. The increase takes effect on November 30, 2026.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
