Student Visa Maintenance Funds Rise to £1,570 in London from 30 November 2026
The UK's student visa maintenance requirements will increase from 30 November 2026. Students must now show higher monthly financial reserves—£1,570 in London and £1,203 outside London—a rise from the previous £1,529 and £1,171. The change affects new applicants and extensions under the Student route.
New Maintenance Thresholds from 30 November
The monthly figure becomes £1,570 in London and £1,203 outside London from 30 November 2026. This applies to both new Student visa applications and extensions.
The Student rules are amended to accommodate qualifying Erasmus+ courses. A work placement on a course undertaken by an Erasmus+ participant at a participating sponsor is exempt from the normal work-placement duration restrictions, meaning students studying in the UK as part of Erasmus+ can undertake longer work placements alongside their studies without the usual five-week restrictions.
Practical Implications
If you are applying for a new Student visa or renewing an existing one on or after 30 November 2026, you will need to demonstrate access to higher funds. For a 12-month course in London, you must prove £18,840 (£1,570 × 12) plus tuition fees; outside London, £14,436 (£1,203 × 12) plus fees. This is a modest increase but may affect students from lower-income backgrounds or those without significant family savings. Plan your financial arrangements well in advance and update your evidence of funds before submitting your application.
Sources
Independent app, not a government. General information, not advice. The official source:
