The UK government will increase the minimum funds international students from Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, and other African countries must demonstrate when applying for student visas. Effective November 30, 2026, applicants will need to prove their ability to cover higher living costs under updated Home Office rules.
New Funding Thresholds for Living Costs
Students studying in London must show they can afford £1,570 per month, up from the previous £1,529. Outside London, the monthly requirement rises to £1,203 from £1,171. This corresponds to a total maintenance fund of £14,130 ($19,100) for nine months in London, and £10,827 ($14,630) for the same period outside London. The increases
represent £369 and £288 more, respectively, for the nine-month duration.
Visa Application Requirements and Fees
Applicants are required to have held the specified maintenance funds for at least 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated no more than 31 days before the visa application. Separate tuition fees must also be covered and presented in the application. Additionally, students must pay a £558 visa application fee and an annual £776 Immigration Health Surcharge.
Policy Changes Since 2024 Tighten Student Visa Oversight
Since January 2024, the UK has introduced restrictions on international students enrolled on taught postgraduate courses, barring most from bringing dependants and limiting their ability to transition to work visas before completing
studies. The government cites these measures as part of efforts to prevent misuse of the student visa pathway, targeting issues related to unscrupulous recruitment agents.
African Student Enrollment and Visa Data
Home Office data indicate the UK granted 26,060 Sponsored Study visas to Nigerian main applicants in the year ending June 2026, positioning Nigeria as the third-largest source market for UK student visas globally, behind China and India. Total Sponsored Study visas granted to main applicants during this period declined 12% to 365,868 compared to the previous year. Students from other African countries affected by the funding increase include Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Tanzania, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, and Cameroon.
Government Justification for Funding Increase
The Home Office explains that the maintenance funding threshold adjustment aligns international students’ required living cost funds with those applicable to domestic students receiving maintenance loans for the 2026/27 academic year. The increase is part of an annual review aiming to ensure students have adequate funds to support themselves during their studies, while responding to concerns about some recruitment agents misleading prospective candidates.
