The United Kingdom has increased the financial requirements for international students including Nigerians applying for study visas from November 30 2026.

The new maintenance requirements were introduced by the UK Home Office in a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584 laid before Parliament on September 3 2026.

Under the revised rules students studying in London must show £1,570 per month for living costs up from £1,529. For a nine month course which is the maximum period used, that totals £14,130 up from £13,761, an increase of £369.

Students studying outside London must now show £1,203 per month up from £1,171. For nine months that is £10,827 up from £10,539, an increase of £288.

The amounts are for living expenses only and do not include outstanding tuition fees stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, visa fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge.

The Home Office said the increase reflects rising living costs and is aligned with maintenance loans available to UK students. This is the third rise since January 2025.

The date of application decides which figure applies. Applications submitted before November 30 2026 will be assessed under the old figures while applications on or after November 30 will use the new figures. This will affect many January 2027 intake students.

Applicants must hold the required funds in their personal bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the 28 day period ending not more than 31 days before the application.

The maximum accommodation offset also rises to £1,570. Students who have paid a deposit for accommodation arranged by their university can deduct that amount from the maintenance funds they need to show. This does not apply to private landlords.

Students who have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more do not need to show maintenance funds when extending their visa.