Indian students planning to study in the UK will now need to show higher funds for their student visa applications. From November 30, 2026, the UK Home Office has increased the maintenance funds requirement, which means students will have to prove they have more money to cover their living expenses during their stay.
The change applies to all student visa applications made on or after November 30, 2026. Students who apply before this date will still be assessed under the current, lower amounts.
What Has Changed?
Under the new rules, students studying in London will need to show £1,570 per month for living expenses, up from the current £1,529. In Indian rupees, this is approximately Rs 2.01 lakh per month, up from Rs 1.95 lakh.
For a full nine-month course in London, students will need to show £14,130, which is approximately Rs 18.10 lakh, up from £13,761 (around Rs 17.62 lakh).
Students studying outside London will need to show £1,203 per month, up from £1,171. In rupees, this is approximately Rs 1.54 lakh per month, up from Rs 1.50 lakh.
For a nine-month course outside London, the total requirement will be £10,827, which is approximately Rs 13.87 lakh, up from £10,539 (around Rs 13.50 lakh).
| Location | Old Monthly (INR) | New Monthly (INR) | Old 9-Month Total (INR) | New 9-Month Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | Rs 1.95 lakh | Rs 2.01 lakh | Rs 17.62 lakh | Rs 18.10 lakh |
| Outside London | Rs 1.50 lakh | Rs 1.54 lakh | Rs 13.50 lakh | Rs 13.87 lakh |
Understanding the Maintenance Funds Requirement
The maintenance funds requirement is a key part of the UK student visa application process. It ensures that students have enough money to support themselves during their stay without relying on public funds.
The amount required depends on two factors: the location of the university (London or outside London) and the duration of the course. Students studying in London need more funds because the cost of living is higher there.
For courses lasting less than nine months, the requirement is calculated based on the actual number of months. For courses lasting nine months or more, the maximum amount is capped at nine months’ worth of living expenses.
28-Day Bank Balance Rule Explained
Along with the increased funds, students must also follow the 28-day rule. This means the full amount required for living expenses must sit in the account continuously for 28 consecutive days.
The balance should not drop below the required amount at any point during these 28 days. Even a single day where the balance falls short can lead to a visa refusal.
Additionally, the end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date the student applies for the visa. This means students need to plan their finances carefully and ensure the money is in the account well before they apply.
What Counts as Acceptable Funds?
The funds can be held in the student’s own account or in a parent’s account. If the money is in a parent’s account, additional documents like a birth certificate and a letter of consent may be required.
Education loan sanction letters from regulated lenders are also accepted as proof of funds. Students should check with their bank and visa consultant to ensure their documents meet the UKVI requirements.
Financial instruments such as shares, bonds and credit cards are not accepted as evidence of funds. Only cash funds in a bank account or a valid loan sanction letter will be considered.
Tuition Fees Also Need to Be Covered
Along with living expenses, students must also show proof of funds for any outstanding tuition fees. This amount is mentioned on the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) statement issued by the university.
So, the total funds required will be the sum of living expenses (based on location and course duration) plus any unpaid tuition fees. Students should calculate this carefully before applying.
What About Health Surcharge?
Apart from tuition and living expenses, students also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The current rate is £776 per year for students, which is approximately Rs 99,500 per year.
This is a separate cost and is not included in the maintenance funds requirement. Students should budget for this additional expense when planning their finances.
What Indian Students Should Do
Indian students planning to study in the UK should start preparing their finances well in advance. Here are a few key steps:
- Calculate the exact amount needed based on course location and duration.
- Keep the required funds in the account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying.
- Ensure the bank statement is issued no more than 31 days before the visa application date.
- Keep funds in a personal or parent’s account, or arrange an education loan from a regulated lender.
- Budget for the Immigration Health Surcharge separately.
Why This Matters for Indian Students
The UK is one of the most popular study-abroad destinations for Indian students. With the increase in maintenance funds, students will need to plan their finances more carefully to avoid visa refusals.
The 28-day rule is especially important, as many students fail to maintain the required balance continuously, leading to rejections. Proper planning and timely documentation can help avoid such issues.
Impact on Indian Students
The increase in maintenance funds will have a direct impact on Indian students planning to study in the UK. Many students rely on education loans or family savings to meet the financial requirements, and the higher amounts mean they will need to arrange more money.
For students from middle-income families, this could mean additional financial pressure. However, proper planning and early preparation can help manage the increased costs.
Important Note on CAS Date
Students should note that the new financial requirements are based on the visa application date, not the CAS issue date. Even if a CAS was issued before November 30, 2026, the higher amounts will apply if the visa application is submitted on or after that date.
This means students should not rush to submit an incomplete application just to meet the old deadline. It’s better to wait, arrange the full funds and apply with complete documents.
What Happens Next
Students applying for a UK student visa on or after November 30, 2026, will need to follow the new financial requirements. Those applying before this date can still use the current, lower amounts.
With the new rules in place, Indian students should start preparing their documents and finances early to ensure a smooth visa application process.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the new UK student visa financial requirements come into effect?
The new maintenance funds requirement will apply to all student visa applications made on or after November 30, 2026. Students who apply before this date will still be assessed under the current, lower amounts.
How much money do Indian students need to show for a UK student visa?
Students studying in London will need to show £1,570 per month (around Rs 2.01 lakh) for living expenses. Students studying outside London will need to show £1,203 per month (around Rs 1.54 lakh).
What is the total amount needed for a 9-month course?
For a 9-month course in London, students need to show £14,130 (around Rs 18.10 lakh). For a 9-month course outside London, the total is £10,827 (around Rs 13.87 lakh).
What is the 28-day rule for UK student visa?
The 28-day rule means the full amount required for living expenses must sit in the account continuously for 28 consecutive days. The balance should not drop below the required amount at any point during this period.
Can I use my parent’s bank account for proof of funds?
Yes, funds can be held in a parent’s account. However, students must submit a birth certificate to prove the relationship, along with a letter of consent from the parent confirming that the funds are available for the student’s use.
Can I use an education loan for UK student visa?
Yes, education loan sanction letters from regulated lenders are accepted as proof of funds. The sanction letter should clearly state the loan amount, the student’s name and the purpose of the loan.
Are shares, bonds or credit cards accepted as proof of funds?
No. Financial instruments such as shares, bonds and credit cards are not accepted as evidence of funds. Only cash funds in a bank account or a valid loan sanction letter will be considered.
Do I need to show tuition fees separately?
Yes, along with living expenses, students must also show proof of funds for any outstanding tuition fees. This amount is mentioned on the CAS statement issued by the university.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The IHS is a separate fee that students must pay along with their visa application. The current rate is £776 per year for students, which is approximately Rs 99,500 per year.
Does the new rule apply if my CAS was issued before November 30?
Yes. The new financial requirements are based on the visa application date, not the CAS issue date. Even if a CAS was issued before November 30, 2026, the higher amounts will apply if the visa application is submitted on or after that date.
What happens if my bank balance drops below the required amount during the 28-day period?
If the balance drops below the required amount even for a single day during the 28-day period, it can lead to a visa refusal. Students should ensure the full amount stays untouched in the account for the entire 28 days.
How early should I start preparing my finances for a UK student visa?
Students should start preparing their finances at least 2-3 months before the visa application date. This gives enough time to arrange the funds, maintain the 28-day balance and prepare all documents.
Can I apply for a UK student visa with incomplete documents to meet the old deadline?
No. It’s better to wait, arrange the full funds and apply with complete documents. Submitting an incomplete application just to meet the old deadline can lead to a refusal.
Where can I get official updates on UK student visa rules?
Students should check the official UK government website (GOV.UK) and their university’s international office for the latest updates on visa rules and financial requirements.
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