Planning to study in the UK? A new Student Visa financial requirement is coming into effect from 30 November 2026.
International students applying for a UK Student Visa will need to demonstrate a higher level of funds to cover their living expenses. The amount will depend on whether the student’s course is based in London or outside London.
For Bangladeshi students planning to study in the UK, understanding this change early can help with financial planning, bank statements and visa preparation.
At CHS Education Limited, we help students understand university admission and visa requirements so they can prepare their applications with greater clarity.
UK Student Visa Maintenance Funds: What Is Changing?
Under the UK Government’s latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules, the Student Route maintenance requirement will increase from 30 November 2026.
The current requirement is:
- London: £1,529 per month
- Outside London: £1,171 per month
The increase means students applying under the new rules will need to demonstrate:
- £41 more per month for study in London
- £32 more per month for study outside London
- Over nine months, this represents an additional £369 for London or £288 outside London
These figures are based on the UK Government’s published Immigration Rules.
Why Is the UK Increasing the Student Visa Maintenance Requirement?
The UK Government explains that the Student Route maintenance requirement is reviewed annually.
According to the explanatory memorandum accompanying the September 2026 Immigration Rules changes, the maintenance requirement is aligned with the maintenance loans available to home students and is being increased to reflect the 2026–27 academic year.
This means the change is part of the UK Government’s annual adjustment of the financial requirement rather than a change to university tuition fees.
What Does This Mean for Bangladeshi Students?
For students from Bangladesh planning to apply for a UK Student Visa, the updated maintenance requirement should be included in their overall financial planning.
It is important to remember that the maintenance funds are not the same as tuition fees.
A student may need to demonstrate funds for:
- Outstanding tuition fees, as applicable and shown on the CAS
- Living costs / maintenance funds
- Other applicable visa-related costs
The UK Government states that students normally need enough money to pay their course fees for one academic year, up to 9 months, as applicable, alongside the required maintenance funds.
Example: Student Studying in London
A student applying under the new requirement and needing the full nine months of maintenance funds would need to demonstrate:
£1,570 × 9 = £14,130
This amount is for the maintenance requirement only. Tuition fees and other applicable costs are separate.
Example: Student Studying Outside London
For a student studying outside London:
£1,203 × 9 = £10,827
Again, this is the maximum nine-month maintenance requirement and does not represent the student's total cost of studying in the UK.
Do I Need to Show the Full 9 Months of Funds?
Not necessarily in every case.
The UK Student Visa financial requirement is calculated according to the applicable rules and the length of the course, subject to the maximum of nine months.
Therefore, students should not automatically assume that every application requires exactly nine months of maintenance funds.
The exact amount should be calculated according to the applicant's individual circumstances, course and visa application.
How Long Must the Money Be Held?
One of the most important points for visa applicants is the 28-day financial evidence requirement.
Under current UK guidance, where financial evidence is required, applicants generally need to show that the required funds have been held for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of that 28-day period must also fall within the relevant timeframe before the visa application.
This makes proper financial planning extremely important.
Students should avoid waiting until the last moment to arrange their financial evidence.
London vs Outside London: Why Does It Matter?
The UK Student Visa maintenance requirement differs depending on where the student will study.
The UK Government defines London for this purpose as the City of London and the 32 London boroughs.
Therefore, students should check the location of their university and course carefully before calculating the required funds.
For example:
Studying in London → £1,570 per month under the new requirement
Studying outside London → £1,203 per month under the new requirement
Choosing a university outside London does not simply mean a lower visa maintenance requirement; students should also consider tuition fees, accommodation, transport and other living expenses when preparing their overall budget.
When Does the New Requirement Start?
The new maintenance figures will take effect on:
30 November 2026
The UK Government's Statement of Changes specifically states that the relevant Student Route amendments will take effect on 30 November 2026. Applications made before that date will be decided under the Immigration Rules in force before the change, subject to the implementation provisions.
This date is particularly important for students planning their September 2027 or later UK intake.
What Should UK-Bound Students Do Now?
If you are planning to study in the UK, consider these steps:
1. Start Your Financial Planning Early
Do not wait until the visa application stage to calculate your required funds.
Prepare a complete budget covering:
- Tuition fees
- Maintenance funds
- Accommodation
- Visa-related expenses
- Travel costs
- Insurance or healthcare-related costs where applicable
- Initial living expenses
2. Check Your University Location
Confirm whether your course is located in London or outside London because the Student Visa maintenance requirement differs between the two.
3. Maintain Proper Financial Evidence
If you need to provide financial evidence, make sure your funds meet the relevant UKVI requirements, including the applicable holding period.
4. Check Your CAS Carefully
Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) contains important information about your course and tuition fees.
Make sure the financial planning for your visa application matches the information relevant to your CAS and individual circumstances.
5. Avoid Last-Minute Visa Preparation
Financial evidence is only one part of the Student Visa process.
Your application may also involve documentation relating to your CAS, passport, academic history, English-language requirements where applicable and other visa conditions.
UK Student Visa Maintenance Funds: Quick Summary
| Requirement | Before 30 Nov 2026 | From 30 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529/month | £1,570/month |
| Outside London | £1,171/month | £1,203/month |
| Maximum period | Up to 9 months | Up to 9 months |
| London 9-month maximum | £13,761 | £14,130 |
| Outside London 9-month maximum | £10,539 | £10,827 |
| Financial evidence period | Generally 28 consecutive days | Generally 28 consecutive days |
The 28-day requirement and maximum nine-month calculation are subject to the applicable UK Student Visa rules and exemptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new UK Student Visa maintenance requirement for London?
From 30 November 2026, students studying in London will need to demonstrate £1,570 per month, subject to the applicable rules.
What is the new maintenance requirement outside London?
From 30 November 2026, the requirement will be £1,203 per month for students studying outside London.
What is the maximum maintenance amount for 9 months?
For London, the maximum is £14,130.
For study outside London, the maximum is £10,827.
Is maintenance money the same as tuition fees?
No. Maintenance funds are intended to demonstrate that the student can support themselves during their stay. Tuition fees are a separate financial requirement.
Do I need to keep the money in my account for 28 days?
Where financial evidence is required, current UK guidance generally requires the applicant to have held the required funds for 28 consecutive days, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
Does the new requirement apply from 30 November 2026?
Yes. The relevant changes to the Student Route maintenance requirement take effect on 30 November 2026.
Planning to Study in the UK?
The new maintenance requirement is an important update for students preparing for upcoming UK intakes.
However, financial evidence is only one part of a successful UK Student Visa application. Choosing the right university and course, checking eligibility, preparing the CAS-related documents and ensuring your financial evidence meets the applicable requirements are all important steps.
At CHS Education Limited, our team can assist students with:
- 🇬🇧 UK university selection
- 🎓 Course and university application
- 📄 Document preparation
- 💰 Financial requirement guidance
- 📝 CAS-related application support
- 🛂 UK Student Visa guidance
- 🎓 Scholarship and funding opportunities
- ✈️ Pre-departure guidance
Your UK Study Journey Starts With the Right Guidance
Dreaming of studying in the UK? Start planning your application with CHS Education Limited.
📍 H#24, Flat-1B, Road-14/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka-1209, Bangladesh
📞 01896-507090
🌐 www.chseducation.com
📧 office.chs.edu@gmail.com
Book a consultation: CHS Education Appointment
Your dream deserves authentic guidance.
Important Note
UK immigration requirements can change. The figures in this article reflect the UK Government's published Immigration Rules and guidance available at the time of publication. Students should check the latest official UK Government requirements before submitting a visa application. Individual circumstances, exemptions and financial evidence requirements may vary.
