Executive Summary: UK Student Visa Maintenance Update
Starting November 11, 2025, the UK Home Office has increased the financial maintenance requirements for international students to align with rising domestic living costs. Applicants must now demonstrate £1,529 per month for London or £1,171 per month for outside London for up to nine months. These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days in a regulated account to avoid automatic visa refusal under the new “Part Suitability” framework.
Learn about the mandatory UK student visa maintenance increase November 2025. See the new monthly fund requirements for London and outside London applicants to avoid visa refusal.
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the November 2025 Maintenance Changes
- New Financial Thresholds: London vs. Outside London
- The 28-Day Rule and Financial Evidence Requirements
- Impact on January 2026 Intakes
- Avoiding Common Refusal Mistakes
- Summary of 2025-2026 Immigration Law Changes
Introduction to the November 2025 Maintenance Changes
The Home Office has officially implemented a significant UK student visa maintenance increase November 2025, marking a pivotal shift in how international students must prove their financial self-sufficiency.1 Starting November 11, 2025, all applicants under the Student and Child Student routes must demonstrate access to higher levels of savings to cover their living costs.3 This adjustment is designed to align maintenance requirements with the annual increases in domestic student finance loans, ensuring that international arrivals are not left vulnerable to the rising cost of living in Britain.1
For students planning their journey, understanding these figures is critical. Failing to meet the exact penny required by the new thresholds is one of the most common reasons for automatic visa refusal in the current “Part Suitability” framework.2
New Financial Thresholds: London vs. Outside London
The UK student visa maintenance increase November 2025 has established two distinct tiers based on the location of your Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If you are studying in London, your monthly requirement is higher due to the increased cost of rent and transport in the capital.4
| Study Location | Monthly Requirement (New) | Total for 9-Month Course |
| In London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
| 3 |
These funds must be demonstrated in addition to any outstanding tuition fees for your first academic year.4 If you are bringing dependents, such as a partner or child (where permitted under restricted 2025 rules), you must also show an additional £845 per month for London-based students or £680 per month for those outside London.4
The 28-Day Rule and Financial Evidence Requirements
Simply having the money is not enough; you must prove the “longevity” of your savings. To satisfy the UK student visa maintenance increase November 2025 standards, the required funds must be held in a regulated bank account for at least 28 consecutive days.4 The closing balance on your bank statement must be dated within 31 days of your visa application date.4
Accepted forms of evidence include personal bank statements, building society passbooks, or official letters from a regulated financial institution.4 You cannot use cryptocurrency, stocks, or overdraft facilities to meet these requirements.4 For a detailed list of valid documents, refer to the official UK Government Financial Evidence Guidance.
Impact on January 2026 Intakes
While the change took effect in late 2025, the primary victims of confusion are students targeting the January 2026 intake. Because visa applications are typically submitted 2–3 months in advance, any student applying after November 11, 2025, is subject to the higher rates, even if their course does not start until next year.2
This increase is part of a broader trend of tightening rules, including the transition to eVisas and the upcoming B2 English language standard required for those switching to work routes in January 2026.1 For more context on these shifts, see our guide on student immigration law 2025 for international students.
Avoiding Common Refusal Mistakes
Niche data from regional consultants indicates that many applicants from high-volume markets like Pakistan and India are facing rejections due to “bulk deposits”. If a large sum of money suddenly appears in your account just before the 28-day period begins, visa officers may flag it as a temporary loan rather than genuine savings.
Another common error is calculating the exchange rate incorrectly. UKVI uses the OANDA exchange rate for the date of the application. It is highly recommended to keep a “buffer” of 5-10% extra in your account to protect against currency fluctuations that might bring your balance below the required minimum.
Summary of 2025-2026 Immigration Law Changes
The UK student visa maintenance increase November 2025 is one of several hurdles introduced this year. Other notable changes include:
- Graduate Route Reduction: From January 1, 2027, the post-study work duration for Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates will drop from 24 months to 18 months.10
- English Proficiency: The standard for the Skilled Worker route will rise to level B2 starting January 8, 2026.1
- Innovator Founder Pathway: A positive change allowing students to start business activities immediately after course completion while switching to an entrepreneur visa.2
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When exactly do the new UK student visa maintenance rates apply? A: The higher rates apply to all Student and Child Student visa applications submitted on or after November 11, 2025. Applications submitted before this date are assessed under the previous, lower financial thresholds.
Q: How much total bank balance do I need for a 9-month course? A: For courses in London, you must show £13,761. For courses outside London, you must show £10,539. This must be in addition to any unpaid tuition fees for your first academic year.
Q: Can I use a combination of cash and cryptocurrency to meet the requirement? A: No. The Home Office strictly prohibits the use of cryptocurrency, stocks, or overdrafts as financial evidence. Only cash held in regulated personal or parental bank accounts, building society passbooks, or official government sponsorship is accepted.
Q: Do these changes affect my dependants? A: Yes. Maintenance requirements for dependants have also shifted. You must now demonstrate £845 per month (London) or £680 per month (outside London) for each dependant, up to a maximum of nine months.
Q: What is the “28-Day Rule” for 2025/2026 applications? A: Your total required funds must remain in your account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. Your bank statement must be dated within 31 days of your visa application submission date to be considered valid.
Conclusion
Navigating the UK student visa maintenance increase November 2025 requires meticulous financial planning. By ensuring your funds are in place 28 days early and accurately reflecting the London vs. regional differences, you can secure your path to a world-class education. For the latest updates, always verify your institution’s specific requirements through their international student support office.