London, October 28
International students seeking to study at universities in the United Kingdom will have to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses.
The UK Home Office is increasing the financial requirements for international students applying for student visas from November 30.
Applicants studying in London or elsewhere in the UK will have to show that they have more money available to cover their living costs than is currently required.
Students studying in London currently need to demonstrate that they have £1,529 for each month of their stay, for up to nine months. From November 30, this amount will rise to £1,570 per month, an annual increase of £369.
For courses lasting nine months or longer, the maximum amount students must show will increase from £13,761 to £14,130.
Students studying outside London currently need £1,171 per month. This will rise to £1,203, increasing the amount required for a maximum of nine months from £10,539 to £10,827.
Known as the maintenance funds requirement, this amount is separate from university tuition fees. According to solicitors specialising in immigration, student visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge must also be paid separately.
According to statistics, 685,565 international students were enrolled at higher education providers in the UK in the 2024–25 academic year, accounting for 24 per cent of the total student population. Of these, 63,600 students came from European Union countries, while 622,000 came from outside the EU.
Professor Padam Simkhada, Dean of Global Impact and Research at the University of Chester, says international students make a significant contribution to the British economy and higher education sector. He said approximately 2.86 million students are currently studying in the UK, including around 700,000 international students.
“In 2021–22, international students contributed £41.9 billion to the UK economy, generating a net benefit of £37.4 billion,” he said.
He also said Nepal has become the fifth-largest source country for international students in the UK. Nepal follows India, China, Pakistan and Nigeria in the number of students studying in Britain.
According to Simkhada, 19,553 Nepali students were granted study visas in the year up to December 2025.
Hundreds of Nepali students have also travelled to the UK for further studies in 2026. However, many are experiencing considerable hardship. Rising living costs, limited job opportunities and academic pressures have left students facing financial strain, difficulties adjusting to their studies and other challenges.
Srishti Bohora, who moved to the UK last year to pursue a three-year bachelor’s degree at the University of Roehampton, describes student life there as extremely difficult.
“Finding a job in the UK is very difficult, and even when you do find one, working 20 hours a week is not enough to cover food and room rent,” she said. “I am having to borrow money in Nepal to pay my university fees.”
