UK Hikes International Student Maintenance Requirements from Jan 2025

The UK government has increased the financial requirements for international students for the first time since 2020, impacting those planning to study in the country. According to the Home Office, students must now demonstrate sufficient savings to support themselves for each month of their course, up to nine months.

New Financial Requirements

• London: Students will need to show evidence of having £1,483 per month.
• Outside London: The requirement is set at £1,136 per month.

Previously, the requirements were £1,334 per month for students in London and £1,023 outside of London.

Total Savings for Visa Applications

For students studying in London for nine months or longer, they will need to provide proof of a total of £13,348 in savings when applying for their visa.

Additional Information

• The new rules will take effect for students arriving in the UK on or after January 2, 2025.
• The government plans to regularly adjust these financial requirements to account for inflation and changes in domestic maintenance loans.
• Students can “offset” their proof of funds, meaning if they have already paid a deposit for their accommodation in the UK, they may need to show less in maintenance funds.
• Additionally, those who have been in the UK on another visa route for at least 12 months will not need to provide proof of maintenance funds.

This increase in financial requirements may impact the decisions of prospective international students, particularly those from countries with different economic conditions