[REVISION HISTORY]

UK international student financial policy changes

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What changed

2026-10-28 10:03 UTC → 2026-10-30 01:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The UK Home Office is implementing new financial maintenance requirements for international students under the student visa route, effective 30 November 2026. Students must demonstrate higher levels of funds to cover monthly living costs, separate from tuition fees. For those studying in London, the nine-month maximum requirement will rise from £13,761 to ~~£14,130.~~ £14,130, reflecting a monthly requirement of £1,570. For students outside of London, the requirement will increase from £10,539 to ~~£10,827.~~ £10,827, with a monthly requirement of £1,203. The Home Office stated these adjustments aim to “align financial requirements with the maintenance loans available to domestic students for the 2026/2027 academic year.” In addition to these maintenance increases, the UK government announced an International Student Levy scheduled to begin on 1 August 2028. This annual charge will be applied to universities based on their international enrolments, with the first 220 international students at each institution exempt. The levy is projected to generate approximately £445 million in its first year. While the charge is levied against institutions, it is expected that universities may adjust tuition fees and scholarship offerings in response to the added financial burden.

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