The UK government announced that international students from African countries will face higher financial requirements for student visa applications starting November 30, 2026.
Monthly maintenance costs for student visa applicants in London will rise to £1,570, up from £1,529, while those studying outside London must prove £1,203 monthly, increased from £1,171. Over nine months, these amounts total £14,130 ($19,100) for London and £10,827 ($14,630) for other UK regions.
Affected Countries and Visa Statistics
The new funding requirement applies to students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon. According to Home Office figures, Nigeria was the third largest
source of UK student visas globally in the year ending June 2026, with 26,060 Sponsored Study visas granted to Nigerian applicants, comprising 7% of the total 365,868 visas issued during that period. This marked a 12% decrease from the previous year.
Policy Background and Government Motivations
The updated maintenance threshold aligns with support available to domestic students, matching the maintenance loan levels for UK home students for the 2026/27 academic year. The UK government has been tightening international student visa rules since 2024 to prevent misuse of the Student route. Measures introduced include barring most taught postgraduate students from bringing dependants and limiting their ability
to switch to work visas before completing studies. The Migration Advisory Committee’s 2024 review found no widespread abuse of the Graduate visa route but noted issues involving some recruitment agents misleading prospective students.
Financial Proof and Application Costs
Applicants must demonstrate that required living funds have been held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the balance dated no earlier than 31 days before submitting the visa application. They must also pay a £558 Student visa fee and a £776 annual Immigration Health Surcharge. Separate from maintenance costs, tuition fees must be covered by applicants as part of the visa application process.
