UK Student Visa Update 2026: Nigerians Must Prepare for Higher Proof of Funds from November 30

Nigerian students planning to study in the United Kingdom should prepare for an important change to the UK Student visa financial requirements. From 30 November 2026, international students applying for a UK Student visa will need to demonstrate that they have more money available to cover their living expenses.

The UK Home Office has announced an increase in the minimum maintenance funds required for international students. The change affects students planning to study in London and those choosing universities in other parts of the UK.

For prospective students preparing for the January 2027 intake and later admissions, understanding these requirements early can help prevent financial delays and avoidable visa application problems.

According to the UK government’s published immigration rules and guidance from UKCISA, the revised amounts will apply to Student visa applications submitted on or after 30 November 2026.

Official guidance: UK Student visa financial requirements.

1. How Much Money Will UK Students Need from November 30?

The required maintenance funds depend on where your university or college is located.

Study location	Current requirement	New monthly requirement	New nine-month total
London	£1,529	£1,570	£14,130
Outside London	£1,171	£1,203	£10,827

Source: UKCISA’s September 2026 update on immigration rule changes.

These figures represent the required living-cost funds for a maximum of nine months. They are not the total cost of studying in the UK.

For example, a student attending a university in London may need to demonstrate £14,130 in maintenance funds, in addition to the required outstanding tuition fees.

A student studying outside London may need to demonstrate £10,827 for living expenses, plus the applicable tuition fees.

2. Does the New Requirement Apply to Nigerian Students?

Yes. Nigerian applicants should prepare to meet the revised financial requirement if they submit their Student visa applications on or after 30 November 2026 and are required to provide financial evidence.

The rules are based on the applicable visa requirements and the location of the student’s institution, not simply on nationality.

Students from other African countries should also review the updated requirements before applying.

There are exceptions. For example, applicants who have lived in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months before applying generally do not need to demonstrate the maintenance funds. Some applicants may also be covered by the differential evidence arrangements, although UKVI can still request evidence in relevant cases.

Always check the rules that apply to your individual circumstances.

3. What About Tuition Fees?

The maintenance requirement is separate from tuition fees.

Generally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:

• Any required outstanding tuition fees for the relevant academic year, as shown on their Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
• The applicable living-cost requirement.
• Any other applicable visa and immigration-related charges.

If you have already paid part of your tuition fees and the payment is reflected in your CAS or otherwise properly evidenced, the amount you need to demonstrate for tuition may be lower.

Do not assume that paying a university deposit automatically satisfies the entire financial requirement.

4. How Long Must the Money Stay in the Bank Account?

For applicants required to provide bank-fund evidence, the money must generally be held for at least 28 consecutive days.

The final day of that 28-day period must normally fall within 31 days before the date of the visa application.

For example, if you intend to apply in December, you should plan your finances well in advance rather than transferring money into an account shortly before submitting your application.

Avoid unexplained large deposits, sudden movements of funds or financial documents that do not meet UKVI requirements. If money comes from a parent or another sponsor, make sure the evidence meets the applicable rules.

Read the official guidance before submitting your application: UK Student visa — Money you need.

5. Can Parents or Sponsors Provide the Funds?

Yes, where the applicable rules permit it. Acceptable evidence may include funds held in the student’s own account, a qualifying parent’s account, an eligible student loan or official financial sponsorship.

However, using a parent’s bank statement requires more than simply presenting the statement. Depending on the circumstances, applicants may need evidence of their relationship to the parent and written consent confirming that the funds can be used for their studies.

Students should also ensure that any financial evidence meets the relevant requirements for account ownership, access to funds and documentation.

Important: A sponsor’s willingness to pay does not automatically make every financial document acceptable to UKVI.

6. What Should January 2027 Applicants Do Now?

If you are planning to study in the UK in January 2027, consider taking the following steps:

Step 1: Confirm your university and course. Make sure your chosen institution offers your course for the intended intake and can issue the required CAS.

Step 2: Calculate your financial requirement. Identify whether your institution is in London or outside London, then calculate your applicable maintenance funds and outstanding tuition fees.

Step 3: Organise your financial evidence early. Ensure that your funds and supporting documents meet the relevant rules, including the 28-day holding period where required.

Step 4: Review your CAS. Check that your personal details, course information, tuition fees and payments are accurate.

Step 5: Prepare your visa application carefully. Review your supporting documents, application details and any interview preparation needed for your circumstances.

Step 6: Check the latest official guidance before submitting. If your application date is close to 30 November 2026, verify which financial thresholds apply to your intended submission date.

Do not rely solely on information shared on social media or by friends who applied under earlier rules.

7. Will the Increase Make UK Study More Expensive?

For many students, yes. The higher maintenance requirement means that applicants may need to demonstrate additional accessible funds before submitting their visa applications.

Families funding education from Nigeria should also account for exchange-rate fluctuations. The amount required in pounds sterling may translate into a different naira amount depending on the exchange rate when funds are arranged.

Students should budget for more than the minimum maintenance requirement. Tuition fees, accommodation deposits, flights, visa charges, the Immigration Health Surcharge and other living expenses can increase the overall cost of studying abroad.

Planning early can help students and their families avoid last-minute financial pressure.

8. How Diaso Tech Can Help

At Diaso Technology Services Limited, we support prospective international students as they prepare for overseas education.

Our services include:

• Study abroad counselling and university selection.
• Admission application assistance.
• Student visa documentation guidance.
• Financial evidence and proof-of-funds preparation support.
• UK credibility interview preparation.
• Guidance on preparing for the next stage of the study-abroad journey.

Every application is different, and no consultant can guarantee a visa decision. Our goal is to help students understand the process, prepare carefully and make informed decisions.

If you are planning to study in the UK for the January 2027 intake or a later session, contact Diaso Tech to discuss your study plans.

Website: www.diasotech.com

WhatsApp/Phone: +234 907 087 6607

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new UK Student visa maintenance requirement from November 30, 2026?

For a course in London, the requirement will be £1,570 per month, up to nine months (£14,130). For a course outside London, it will be £1,203 per month, up to nine months (£10,827).

Does the new requirement include tuition fees?

No. Maintenance funds are separate from the required outstanding tuition fees.

When do the new amounts take effect?

The revised requirements apply to Student visa applications submitted on or after 30 November 2026.

Must I keep the money in my account for 28 days?

Applicants relying on bank funds generally need to hold the required money for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end date normally within 31 days of the visa application.

Can I still apply for a UK Student visa if I cannot meet the new financial requirement?

You should not submit an application relying on financial evidence that fails to meet the applicable rules. Review your funding options and eligibility carefully before applying. Certain exemptions and alternative forms of qualifying financial evidence may apply, depending on your circumstances.