UK Raises Financial Requirements for International Student Visas Starting in 2026

The United Kingdom has announced that starting November 30, 2026, international students will need to show higher amounts of money for living expenses when applying for study visas. This change affects students, including those from Nigeria, who want to study at British universities.

According to the UK Home Office, students studying in London must prove they have access to at least £14,130 for living costs, up from £13,761. This means they need to show they can cover £1,570 per month, an increase from £1,529. For students outside London, the monthly requirement will rise to £1,203, up from £1,171, with a total of £10,827 needed for nine months.

These new financial requirements are separate from tuition fees and other costs related to the visa application. Students must also budget for the student visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which allows them to access the UK’s National Health Service.

As international students play a significant role in the UK’s education system and economy, the increase in financial requirements comes amid rising living costs in the country. Approximately 685,565 international students were enrolled in UK higher education during the 2024/2025 academic year, making up about 24 percent of all students.

Despite their contributions, many international students face financial challenges, including high accommodation costs and limited job opportunities. The new requirements mean that students will need to carefully review their finances and ensure they meet the necessary thresholds before applying for a visa.