UK Student Visa Living Expenses Increase from 30 November 2026

maurya2pi

10 hours ago

3 min read

Planning to study in the UK? Your visa financial requirements are changing. From 30 November 2026, the UK government will increase the living-cost funds that Student visa applicants must demonstrate. Students preparing for the January 2027 intake should factor these revised amounts into their financial planning.

The change is confirmed in the Home Office’s Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 584, published on 3 September 2026.

What Are the New Living-Cost Requirements?

The amount depends on whether your course is in London or outside London.

Study location	Applications before 30 November 2026	Applications from 30 November 2026
London	£1,529 per month	£1,570 per month
Outside London	£1,171 per month	£1,203 per month

These funds are calculated for each month of your course, up to a maximum of nine months. For courses lasting nine months or longer, the comparison is:

Study location	Previous nine-month total	New nine-month total	Increase
London	£13,761	£14,130	£369
Outside London	£10,539	£10,827	£288

The revised monthly amounts are specified in paragraphs APP ST8 and APP ST9 of the official statement.

Which Date Determines the Amount You Need?

The change applies to visa applications submitted on or after 30 November 2026. Applications submitted before that date will be assessed under the previous rules for these requirements.

Receiving your admission offer or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before the change does not secure the earlier maintenance rate. Plan your funds around the date you intend to submit your visa application.

Are Tuition Fees Included in These Amounts?

No. These figures cover living costs. Applicants who must meet the financial requirement also need to demonstrate sufficient funds for outstanding tuition fees for the first academic year, as stated on their CAS.

For example, a student studying outside London who applies from 30 November 2026, has £8,000 in outstanding first-year tuition fees and needs nine months of maintenance would generally require:

£8,000 tuition fees + £10,827 living costs = £18,827

Visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge should also be budgeted separately.

Remember the 28-Day Rule

If you are using bank funds as financial evidence, the required amount must generally be held for at least 28 consecutive days. The end of this period must fall within 31 days before your visa application date.

Students applying from 30 November 2026 should ensure that their funds cover the revised requirement throughout the relevant holding period. Different evidence requirements can apply when using an eligible education loan or official financial sponsorship.

How Should Students Prepare?

Before submitting your visa application:

Confirm whether your course is in London or outside London.
Calculate your maintenance requirement using your intended application date.
Add any outstanding first-year tuition fees shown on your CAS.
Check that your financial evidence meets the applicable holding-period and document requirements.
Allow a sensible buffer when maintaining funds in Indian rupees to account for exchange-rate movements.

For January 2027 applicants, arranging funds early can help avoid delays when the CAS and visa application are ready.

Plan Your UK Studies with Glovels

Glovels Consultants supports students with UK university applications, course selection, CAS preparation and Student visa documentation. Our team can help you understand the revised financial requirements and prepare for your intended intake.

Contact Glovels to start planning your UK study journey.

Website: www.glovels.com

WhatsApp: Chat with Glovels