UK student visa rules change: Indians may need to show nearly Rs 18 lakh from November 30

Indian students planning to study in the United Kingdom will have to meet higher financial requirements when applying for a Student visa from November 30, 2026. The UK government is increasing the minimum maintenance funds that international students must demonstrate to cover their living expenses during their stay.

The revised requirements, announced through the UK Home Office's Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 584), will apply to all international students, including applicants from India, submitting visa applications on or after November 30.

The biggest financial requirement will apply to students enrolling at universities in London, who will need to demonstrate savings of nearly Rs 18 lakh for living expenses alone.

How much money will Indian students need?

Under the revised rules, students studying in London will have to show approximately Rs 2 lakh per month towards living costs, compared with the existing requirement of Rs 1.94 lakh.

For courses lasting nine months or longer, the total amount students must demonstrate will increase to approximately Rs 17.97 lakh from the current Rs 17.50 lakh. This represents an increase of around Rs 46,937.

Students pursuing higher education outside London will also face a higher threshold. Their monthly maintenance requirement will rise from Rs 1.49 lakh to approximately Rs 1.53 lakh.

For a course lasting nine months or longer, applicants outside London will need to demonstrate around Rs 13.77 lakh, compared with the existing requirement of Rs 13.41 lakh.

What does the maintenance amount cover?

The financial requirement is calculated according to the duration of the course, with a maximum limit of nine months. Students enrolled in programmes lasting longer than nine months will not have to demonstrate additional living expenses beyond this period under the standard calculation.

However, the maintenance amount covers accommodation and other living costs and does not include tuition fees. Applicants must separately show that they can pay any outstanding course fees mentioned in their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), issued by their university or educational institution.

28-day bank balance rule and application deadline

The date of submission will determine which financial requirement applies. Students applying before November 30 will continue to follow the existing thresholds, while those submitting applications on or after that date must meet the revised limits.

Applicants relying on personal savings must generally maintain the required bank balance for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting their visa applications, subject to applicable exemptions.

This makes advance financial planning important, particularly for students whose application dates are close to the November deadline.

Other expenses students must account for

Apart from the maintenance funds and tuition fees, Indian students should factor in visa application charges, the Immigration Health Surcharge, accommodation deposits and international travel costs.

The UK Home Office said the revised figures reflect the maintenance support available to domestic students for the 2026–27 academic year.

The changes do not introduce a new visa category or alter the purpose of the Student visa. Instead, they raise the amount international applicants must demonstrate they can afford while studying in Britain.

Prospective students should check their CAS details, calculate the applicable maintenance requirement and consult the official UK government visa guidance before submitting their applications.