From 30 November 2026, applicants for a UK Student visa must show more money for living costs, under the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584, published on 3 September 2026. The monthly maintenance figure rises from £1,529 to £1,570 for study in London, and from £1,171 to £1,203 for study outside London, according to reporting of the changes. Over the standard nine months, that takes the London total from £13,761 to £14,130, an extra £369, and the outside-London total from £10,539 to £10,827, an extra £288.

Which figure applies depends on the date the application is submitted, not the date a university issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or the date a deposit was paid, according to solicitors' explanations of the rules. Applications made before 30 November are decided under the old figures, while applications made on or after that date must meet the new amounts. For many January starters, who often receive their CAS in November or December, that means the higher figure will apply.

The wider HC 584 package

The maintenance rise is one stage of a four-stage package. The bulk of HC 584 took effect on 8 October 2026, covering visitor, Student, Skilled Worker and family routes, plus EU Settlement Scheme, Hong Kong BN(O), Victim of Domestic Abuse and Long Residence changes. Minister of Religion and Religious Worker routes follow on 29 October, the student maintenance rise lands on 30 November, and EU Settlement Scheme identity-document changes land on 9 December. HC 584 does not introduce a new general Skilled Worker salary threshold.

This is general information, not personal immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently, and the figures that matter are those in force on the date you apply. Always check the official GOV.UK Student visa pages and, where needed, a regulated immigration adviser before applying or making financial decisions. Sources: UK Immigration Law and Anifowose, reporting HC 584.