Effective November 30, 2026, the United Kingdom will increase the minimum funds that international students from African countries must prove for living expenses when applying for student visas. The requirement for students studying in London rises to £1,570 per month from £1,529, totaling £14,130 ($19,100) for a nine-month period. Students outside London must show £1,203 monthly, up from £1,171, or £10,827 ($14,630) over nine months. This affects applicants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon. Applicants must hold these funds for 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated within 31 days
before the visa application. Additionally, a £558 student visa fee and a £776 annual Immigration Health Surcharge are required.
Background and Government Rationale
The funding increase aligns with maintenance loan levels available to domestic UK students for the 2026/27 academic year, according to the UK Home Office. The British government announced the update to Parliament on September 3, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts since 2024 to restrict abuses in the international student visa system. Measures introduced earlier include prohibitions on dependants for most taught postgraduate international students and limitations on switching to work visas during study. The government also flagged concerns over deceptive
practices by some recruitment agents targeting prospective students. A 2024 review by the Migration Advisory Committee found no widespread misuse of the Graduate visa route but noted agent-related issues. The new maintenance fund thresholds are set for annual review.
Visa Issuance Statistics for Affected Countries
The UK Home Office reported 26,060 Sponsored Study visas issued to Nigerian main applicants in the year ending June 2026, representing 7% of the total. Nigeria ranked third globally behind China and India for Sponsored Study visa grants. Overall, 365,868 Sponsored Study visas were granted to main applicants that year, a 12% decrease from the prior year. Students from other African
nations listed, including Morocco, South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya, contribute to the continent’s sizeable presence in UK higher education according to HESA data.
Financial and Application Requirements for Students
Prospective African students must maintain proof of the increased maintenance funds for at least 28 continuous days before submitting visa applications. The closing balance statement must be dated within 31 days of the submission date. In addition to maintenance funds, applicants must separately budget for tuition fees as these are not covered by the living cost requirement. The student visa fee of £558 and the £776 annual Immigration Health Surcharge remain applicable. These financial prerequisites aim to
ensure students can cover their expenses while studying in the UK under revised immigration policies.
