The UK government announced on September 3, 2026, that it will increase the financial maintenance requirement for international student visa applicants from Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, and other African countries. These changes take effect on November 30, 2026.
Applicants enrolling in London-based courses will need to demonstrate access to £1,570 per month during their studies, up from £1,529. For those studying outside London, the monthly requirement rises to £1,203 from £1,171. Over a nine-month course duration, the maintenance funds required will total £14,130 (approximately $19,100) in London and £10,827 ($14,630) elsewhere, representing increases of £369 and £288 respectively.
African Countries and Visa Statistics
The updated
financial requirement applies to international students generally, including those from African nations such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Cameroon. According to Home Office data, Nigeria issued 26,060 Sponsored Study visas to main applicants in the year ending June 2026, making it the third largest source of student visas after China and India. Overall, 365,868 Sponsored Study visas were granted to main applicants in that period, reflecting a 12% decline from the previous year.
Visa Application Costs and Fund Holding Requirements
Students must also pay a £558 Student visa fee plus an annual Immigration Health Surcharge of £776. The
funds intended to cover living costs must be held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days with the closing balance dated no more than 31 days before visa submission. Tuition fees are not included in the maintenance fund and must be provided separately during application.
Government Policy and Immigration Measures
The maintenance fund increase aligns with the level of maintenance loans available to domestic UK university students for the 2026/27 academic year, a process overseen by the Home Office which will review these thresholds annually. Since 2024, the UK government has implemented tighter regulations on the international student visa system, including restrictions on bringing dependants
for taught postgraduate students and limits on switching from student visas to work visas before graduation. Concerns remain over misleading practices by some recruitment agents, although a 2024 Migration Advisory Committee report found no widespread abuse of the Graduate visa route.
Financial Obligations for Students
African international students applying from November 30, 2026, will need to demonstrate maintenance funds totaling £14,130 if studying in London or £10,827 outside London for nine months. These funds must be accessible for at least 28 consecutive days with appropriately dated documentation. Additionally, applicants are liable for the Student visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. Fulfilling these financial
obligations is mandatory alongside covering tuition fees to meet UK visa requirements.
