ABUJA, Nigeria – International students planning to study in the United Kingdom will face higher student visa maintenance requirements from 30 November 2026, increasing the amount applicants must demonstrate they can access to cover living expenses during their studies.
Under the revised requirements, students studying in London will need to show access to £1,570 per month for living costs, up from £1,529. For a course lasting nine months or longer, this amounts to £14,130, excluding outstanding tuition fees. For students studying outside London, the required amount will rise to £1,203 monthly, from £1,171. Applicants covering a nine-month period will therefore need to demonstrate access to £10,827, compared with the previous £10,539.
The changes mean London-based applicants will need to demonstrate an additional £369 for nine months, while those studying elsewhere will need an extra £288.
The maintenance requirement is separate from unpaid tuition fees, which applicants must also account for according to the amount stated on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The applicable financial requirement depends on an applicant’s circumstances and the rules in force when the application is made.
The increase makes financial planning particularly important for prospective international students, including Nigerians, who must demonstrate that they can meet the required living costs as part of their visa applications. Applicants should check the UK government’s official Student visa guidance before submitting an application, especially if their application date falls close to the implementation deadline.
Separately, the UK government plans to introduce an annual £925 levy on higher education providers for each international student covered by the scheme, beginning on 1 August 2028.
The levy is intended to raise funds for higher education and skills, including targeted maintenance grants for disadvantaged domestic students.
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