The United Kingdom will increase the minimum financial requirements for international students applying for study visas from November 30, 2026, requiring applicants studying in London to demonstrate access to at least £14,130 for living expenses.
The revised requirements, introduced by the UK Home Office, will affect prospective international students, including Nigerians seeking admission into British universities, as they prepare for higher costs associated with studying abroad.
Under the new rules, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses during their studies, in addition to tuition fees and other visa-related charges.
The adjustment comes amid rising accommodation costs and broader living expenses in the UK, increasing the financial burden on international students.
UK Increases Student Visa Maintenance Requirements
Under the revised rules, international students studying in London will need to demonstrate access to £1,570 monthly, up from the current £1,529.
For courses lasting nine months or longer, the maximum maintenance requirement will rise from £13,761 to £14,130, representing an increase of £369.
Students studying outside London will also face higher financial requirements. The monthly maintenance threshold will increase from £1,171 to £1,203.
Consequently, the maximum nine-month maintenance requirement for students outside London will rise from £10,539 to £10,827, an increase of £288.
The maintenance funds are intended to cover living expenses and are separate from tuition fees. Applicants must also budget for the student visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which are payable separately.
The changes mean Nigerian students planning to study in the UK will need to make additional financial provisions before submitting their visa applications.
International Students Face Rising Living Costs
International students remain a significant source of revenue for the UK’s higher education sector and wider economy.
Figures cited in the report show that approximately 685,565 international students were enrolled in UK higher education institutions during the 2024/2025 academic year, accounting for 24% of the total student population.
Of this number, approximately 622,000 came from countries outside the European Union, while around 63,600 were from EU countries.
Despite their economic contribution, international students continue to face financial pressures from rising accommodation costs, limited employment opportunities and restrictions on working hours.
For Nigerian students, the higher maintenance threshold adds to the expenses associated with securing admission, obtaining a visa and relocating to the UK.
