The UK Home Office has confirmed a rise in the student visa maintenance requirement from 30 November 2026. This is the amount of money every Student route applicant must show to prove they can support themselves in the UK, separate from tuition fees.
If you are an Indian student planning to study in the UK, this change directly affects your visa budget. This guide breaks down the new amounts, the official source behind them, and what you need to do before you apply.
Quick Summary
- New rule effective from: 30 November 2026
- London monthly requirement: £1,529 to £1,570
- Outside London monthly requirement: £1,171 to £1,203
- Source: Home Office Statement of Changes HC 584, 3 September 2026
What Is the UK Student Visa Maintenance Requirement
The maintenance requirement is proof of funds that UK Student visa applicants must show as part of their application. It covers living costs such as accommodation, food, and daily expenses during the course.
This amount is separate from tuition fees. Most applicants must show they hold the required funds for a continuous 28 day period before they apply, unless their sponsor confirms funding through the CAS.
According to the explanatory memorandum published alongside HC 584, the increase is designed to keep international student maintenance levels in line with the maintenance loans available to UK home students for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.
The Official Announcement: Statement of Changes HC 584
On 3 September 2026, the Home Office laid Statement of Changes HC 584 before Parliament. This document amends UK Immigration Rules across several routes, including Skilled Worker, Visitor, EU Settlement Scheme, and Student visas.
The changes do not all take effect on the same date:
- 8 October 2026: most changes across the affected routes
- 29 October 2026: Minister of Religion and Religious Worker route changes
- 30 November 2026: Student route maintenance requirement increases
- 9 December 2026: a further Appendix EU identity document change
Applications submitted before 30 November 2026 may be assessed under the current, lower maintenance figures, subject to transitional provisions. Students close to applying should check their intended submission date against this cut-off.
New Maintenance Fund Amounts
The table below compares the current and new monthly maintenance requirements for Student route applicants, along with the maximum totals over a standard nine-month course.
| Category | Old Monthly Requirement | New Monthly Requirement (from 30 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Studying in London | £1,529 | £1,570 |
| Studying outside London | £1,171 | £1,203 |
| Maximum total (9 months) – London | £13,761 | £14,130 |
| Maximum total (9 months) – Outside London | £10,539 | £10,827 |
The accommodation deposit offset, the amount sponsors can deduct from the maintenance figure when accommodation is pre-paid, also rises in step to £1,570.
Why Is the UK Increasing the Requirement
The Home Office has linked the increase to rising living costs and to parity with maintenance support available to domestic UK students. Maintenance loans for UK students are reviewed and adjusted for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, and the Student route figures have been raised to match.
London continues to carry a higher requirement than the rest of the UK, reflecting the higher cost of accommodation and daily living in the capital.
How This Affects Indian Students
India remains one of the largest source countries for UK Student visas. The increase means:
- Higher upfront savings are needed before you can apply
- Funds must still be held for 28 consecutive days before the application date
- Additional visa-related costs apply on top of maintenance funds
Other Costs to Budget For
- Student visa application fee: £558
- Immigration Health Surcharge: approximately £776 per year
- Tuition fee deposit, as specified by your university
Before vs After: Total Maintenance Cost Comparison
For a standard nine-month course, the total maintenance requirement rises by £369 for students in London and £288 for students outside London. This is in addition to tuition and other visa costs, and should be factored into your overall study budget well ahead of your application.
What Indian Students Should Do Now
- Check your course start date and intended application date against the 30 November 2026 cut-off
- Start building your maintenance funds early, given the 28-day holding requirement
- Keep funds in an acceptable account type and currency as specified by UK Visas and Immigration
- Speak to a visa counsellor before submitting to confirm your evidence meets current requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the new UK student visa maintenance amount for 2026?
From 30 November 2026, applicants studying in London must show £1,570 per month, and those studying outside London must show £1,203 per month.
2. When does the new rule take effect?
The new maintenance figures apply to Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026, as set out in Statement of Changes HC 584.
3. Does this apply to students who already hold a visa?
The increase applies to new applications from the effective date. Applications submitted before 30 November 2026 may fall under transitional provisions and the current, lower figures.
4. What counts as acceptable proof of funds?
Funds must generally be held in an acceptable account for 28 consecutive days before the application, unless the required amount is confirmed by a financial sponsor or covered through the CAS from your university.
Conclusion
The rise in the UK student visa maintenance requirement from 30 November 2026 means Indian students need to plan their finances further in advance. Reviewing your course timeline against the new cut-off date and starting your fund accumulation early will help you avoid last-minute complications.
Need Help Planning Your UK Study Visa?
Abroad Gateway’s visa counsellors can help you assess the new maintenance requirement, plan your fund timeline, and prepare a complete application.
Get in touch with our team for a personalised UK study visa consultation.
Sources: Home Office, Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584 (3 September 2026) and accompanying Explanatory Memorandum, gov.uk.
