The United Kingdom will increase the minimum living-cost funds required for international student visa applicants from November 30, 2026, raising the amount prospective students from Kenya and other African countries must demonstrate before travelling. Students studying in London will need to show £14,130 for nine months, while those studying outside London will need £10,827, excluding tuition fees.
The revised requirements form part of the UK government’s annual adjustment of student maintenance funds to align with financial support available to domestic students during the 2026/2027 academic year. The government has said the annual increases are intended to keep the maintenance requirement aligned with student living-cost support.
The London requirement translates to approximately £1,570 per month, while students attending institutions outside the capital must demonstrate approximately £1,203 monthly. At exchange rates that place the London requirement above US$18,000, the change could make financial preparation more demanding for students relying on family savings, personal income or support from relatives.
Applicants must demonstrate that they can cover both their living expenses and tuition fees. Course fees are calculated separately using the amount stated on the student's Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, the document issued by an approved education provider after an offer of admission.
The funds must generally remain available in an eligible account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of that period falling within 31 days of the visa application. Students may use their own savings, qualifying parental funds, eligible student loans or official financial sponsorship to meet the requirement.
The financial evidence rules also include exemptions. Applicants who have lived in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least 12 months before applying may not need to provide proof of maintenance funds. Some nationalities are also subject to different evidence requirements, although they may still be required to demonstrate that they meet the financial threshold.
For African applicants, the increase adds to the upfront costs of studying abroad, including tuition deposits, visa application fees, travel and accommodation arrangements. Students whose funding is limited may need to reassess their budgets, seek scholarships or confirm whether their universities offer financial assistance before committing to a course.
The higher requirement does not mean that every student must personally hold the full amount. Qualifying sponsorship and other permitted funding arrangements can be used, provided applicants meet the applicable evidence rules.
Prospective students planning to begin courses after November 30 should check the latest UK government guidance and confirm the applicable financial threshold before submitting their applications. Meeting the maintenance requirement remains a key part of demonstrating that they can support themselves during their studies in the UK.
