UK Raises Student Visa Living Cost Requirements Starting November

Britain's Home Office has raised the financial thresholds applicable to international students seeking to obtain a student visa, effective November 30, 2026. Prospective students from Nigeria and elsewhere will face these new requirements when applying to attend universities in the UK.

Proof of funds documentation submitted with visa applications must now satisfy higher standards, separate from educational fees and associated charges. Prospective students enrolling at London institutions must demonstrate access to £14,130 to cover living expenses based on the updated guidelines.

For those enrolling outside London, the threshold stands at £10,827. These represent increases over prior requirements.

The monthly maintenance threshold for students in London has risen from £1,529 to £1,570. The variation between institutions within and outside the capital reflects disparities in accommodation, transport, and everyday costs.

All international applicants, whether from Nigeria or elsewhere, must comply with the revised requirements to obtain student visas. Bank statements, sponsorship documentation, or equivalent proof will be needed to demonstrate financial capacity throughout the course of study.

Such funds must be documented independently from university fees and other education-related expenses. The Home Office introduced these modifications because of escalating living expenses across the United Kingdom.

Individuals who obtained visa clearance before November 30, 2026 will retain their approvals and face no impact from the changes. Those submitting applications from the effective date onwards must satisfy the higher financial benchmarks as a condition for approval.