The amount international students must show for living costs under the UK Student route rises from 30 November 2026, under the annual uplift in Statement of Changes HC 584. The Home Office explanatory memorandum confirms the uplift takes effect on that date, aligned with maintenance loans for home students for 2026/2027.

Under the figures reported from university guidance, students studying in London will need to show £1,570 a month, up from £1,529, while students studying outside London will need to show £1,203 a month, up from £1,171. The requirement applies for each month of the course up to nine months, taking the maximum living-cost sum to £14,130 in London, up from £13,761, and to £10,827 outside London, up from £10,539.

What the money must cover

The maintenance sum is in addition to outstanding first-year tuition fees on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies; applicants must also budget separately for the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. Funds generally must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of the application; a dip below the required level restarts the clock.

Applications submitted before 30 November will still be assessed under the current figures, so early applicants for a January 2027 start are unaffected. Students who have lived in the UK for at least 12 months on a valid visa, and those with an official financial sponsor, are generally exempt from showing funds.

Why the change is happening

The Home Office memorandum describes the change as an annual uplift to keep the requirement aligned with home students' maintenance loans. It also updates the maximum accommodation offset in line with the new level. This article summarises published rules only and is not advice for any individual application; applicants should check current GOV.UK guidance.

Sources: GOV.UK, Explanatory memorandum to HC 584; QNC News.