UK Student Visa Update: Increased Maintenance Funds from November 2025

By Imogen Thompson / BURC Lanka, October 2025

For all students planning to study in the UK under the Student route from November, important changes are coming that you should be aware of. On the 14th October, 2025, the UK Government confirmed a change in the immigration rules regarding financial requirements for students applying to university in the UK from the 11th November onwards.

What are the key changes we should be aware of?

There are a few key changes that students should be aware of, especially when preparing their finances:

• For new applicants making their visa application on or after the 11th November, the required amount of available funds to meet the maintenance (living cost) requirement has increased.
  • If you are studying in London, the requirement has increased from £1,483 to £1,529 per month for nine months of study.
  • If you are studying outside London, the requirement has increased from £1,136 to £1,171 per month for nine months of study.
  • In addition to this, the Graduate Route (Post Study Work Visa) will be changing from the 1st January 2027. For applications with a UK bachelor’s or master’s degree under the student visa, the length of stay will be 18 months, down from the current 2 years (24 months). Applications with a doctoral qualification are unaffected and will continue to be granted three years under the Graduate Route.

So why does this matter to you and your application?

If you are planning your studies for January 2026 or later, there are a few important factors to consider. Firstly, planning is key. If your visa application is to be submitted on or after the 11th November 2025, you will need to show the new amount. This may involve speaking with your bank and increasing the funds you are currently showing in either your Fixed Deposit or Savings account to match the new requirements.

If you are eligible to apply for your visa before this date, consider lodging your application early to benefit from the lower requirement. Remember, though, your money has to have matured in your chosen bank for the full 28-day period, and you must have received your CAS letter from your university, as well as completed your TB test.

For those of you who will finish their studies on or after 1st January 2027, the length of stay you are eligible for will be shorter by six months. If you are hoping to secure a graduate role after your studies, then look at how you can maximise your time at university. This could include work experience opportunities, placement years, if your university offers this, career fairs, and extracurricular activities. Remember, this is your time to really enhance your CV. Seek out and take on opportunities and experiences to ensure you stand out in what is an increasingly competitive job market!

What should you do next?

Check your application timeline – if you are planning to apply for your student visa before the 11th November, you may fall under the older maintenance threshold. If you are applying after this date, you may need to adjust your financial plans to accommodate the new increases. If you are unsure about how much you are now required to show in full, please get in touch with us. We would be happy to discuss these requirements with you further.

Final thoughts

The increase in maintenance funds reflects the UK government’s update to the cost base for international students. While it introduces a higher financial hurdle, by planning early and working closely with your advisers, you can still successfully chart a pathway to the UK. At BURC Lanka, we are committed to keeping you informed of any ongoing changes to the student visa changes and helping you navigate your UK student journey with confidence.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if you’d like to start your student journey to the UK. You can contact us at +94 777 543 854.