By Sandra Kenneth
The United Kingdom Home Office has announced an upward review of the financial requirements for international students applying for UK study visas, with new maintenance thresholds set to take effect from November 30, 2026.
According to reports, the adjustment means prospective international students—including Nigerians seeking admission into British universities—will be required to demonstrate higher access to living expenses, distinct from tuition fees and visa-related costs.
Under the revised guidelines, students opting for institutions located within London will now be required to show a monthly living expense access of £1,570, up from the previous £1,529. Consequently, for courses lasting nine months or longer, the maximum maintenance requirement will rise from £13,761 to £14,130, marking an increase of £369.
Similarly, students pursuing studies outside London will face adjusted rates, with the minimum monthly living expense increasing from £1,171 to £1,203. The maximum nine-month requirement for outside-London locations will move from £10,539 to £10,827, reflecting a £288 increase.
The UK Home Office emphasized that these figures represent the bare minimum living costs applicants must prove they possess before visa approvals are granted. Prospective students have also been reminded to budget separately for visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
The policy update comes as the UK higher education sector continues to attract a massive global demographic, with international enrollments accounting for roughly 24 percent of the student population—underscoring the need for Nigerian applicants to carefully review their financial planning ahead of upcoming intakes.
