What's Changing for International Students in the UK?

Studying in another country demands a great deal of planning before you even arrive, and the rules that shape some of these plans are changing. Over the next two years, three new measures will take effect for international students. Today, we’ll take you through what each change will cause, and how you can mitigate any impacts they could have on your student experience. Change is scary, and if you’re heading overseas, it can be even more challenging. So, let’s put your mind at ease.

What Changes on 30th November 2026?

The living costs you must show for a Student visa rise. The monthly figure moves from £1,529 to £1,570 in London and from £1,171 to £1,203 outside London, for up to nine months. Over a nine-month course, that’s £14,130 in London, an increase of £369, and £10,827 elsewhere, an increase of £288.

For these purposes, London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. A university just beyond those boundaries falls under the lower figure.

The new amounts apply to applications made on or after 30th November 2026. Applications made earlier follow the current figures. The change was set out in a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules dated 3rd September 2026.

What Do You Need to Show in Total?

Living costs are only one part of the discussion. You must also have your course fees for one academic year, up to nine months, which is the amount stated on your CAS. Partners and children each need their own funds on top of your own if you are a mature student with a family. In London, this number is £845 per month, and outside the capital it is £680 at the time of writing.

As an example, a student applying after 30th November to study in London with a partner, on a course of nine months or more, would need £14,130 for their own living costs and £7,605 for their partner at today’s dependant rate. That’s £21,735 in total, before course fees.

The 28-Day Rule

You must have held the full amount in your account for at least 28 days before you apply.

These days are counted back from the closing balance on your most recent piece of financial evidence. Your evidence must cover the whole of these 28 days and must be dated within 31 days of you submitting your application. Throughout the 28 days, the balance must never fall below the required amount, not even for one day.

What Counts as Evidence?

Accepted evidence includes both paper and electronic bank statements, building society passbooks, certificates of deposit, and letters from a bank or building society. Each must show your name, the bank’s name and the amount. The money must be held in a personal account and be immediately accessible. Overdrafts, cryptocurrency, shares, pensions, and credit cards do not count. Funds are also not accepted from banks that are not regulated by the UK regulator.

Whose Money Can You Use?

The account can be yours, a parent’s, a legal guardian’s, or partner’s. A parent’s or guardian’s account needs proof of the relationship and their written consent. An official financial sponsor must provide a letter showing the date, the sponsor’s name and contact details, the duration and the amount. If you’ve had official sponsorship in the last 12 months, you need the sponsor’s written consent.

What If Your Savings Are in Another Currency?

Foreign currency is converted at the OANDA rate for the date of your application.

Who Doesn’t Need to Show Funds?

You don’t need to prove funds if you’ve been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months before applying. British National (Overseas) holders and nationals of countries on GOV.UK’s differential evidence requirement list don’t submit evidence upfront, but must still meet the requirement and may be asked for evidence.

What Happens to the Graduate Route From 1st January 2027?

Applying on or before 31st December 2026 gives a two-year Graduate visa. Applying on or after 1st January 2027 gives 18 months. PhD graduates receive three years. The length depends on your application date, not your completion date.

Who Can Apply for a Graduate Visa?

You must be in the UK on a Student visa (or Tier 4 General), have studied an eligible UK course, such as a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, for the minimum period, and your provider must have told the Home Office you’ve completed. You can apply once completion is reported, without waiting for graduation, and you must apply before your Student visa expires. A decision usually takes eight weeks, and you can stay in the UK while you wait.

What Does a Graduate Visa Cost?

The application fee is £937. The health surcharge is usually £1,035 a year, which GOV.UK totals at £1,552.50 for 18 months, £2,070 for two years and £3,105 for three years. Combined, that’s £2,489.50 for 18 months, £3,007 for two years and £4,042 for three years.

What Can You Do on a Graduate Visa?

You can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, do voluntary work, and live with your partner and children if they’re eligible. You can’t claim most public funds or the State Pension, or work as a professional sportsperson.

Will Some Graduates Keep Two Years?

At the Budget on 28th October 2026, the government said graduates of universities that follow immigration rules closely and show strong employment results will keep two years. The assessment criteria and start date haven’t been published.

What Is the International Student Levy?

From 1st August 2028, universities in England will pay £925 per international student per year. Students don’t pay it. The first 220 international students at each provider each year are exempt.  The money will be reinvested in higher education and skills, including maintenance grants for disadvantaged students on priority courses. No fee increase has been announced. If your course continues past August 2028, ask your university about its fee policy for those years.

Insider Tips

• The figures that apply depend on the date you submit your application, not the date on your CAS.
• Students’ Union sabbatical officers are also exempt from showing funds.
• A Graduate visa can’t be extended, but you may be able to switch to another visa, such as Skilled Worker.
• You can only study on a Graduate visa if the course isn’t eligible for a Student visa.
• You can travel abroad and return to the UK on a Graduate visa.

With the dates fixed and the evidence rules clear, you can plan each step in good time. When you’re choosing where to live while you study, explore our collection of luxury student accommodation around the country today.