Nigerians planning to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom will need to prepare for higher visa-related financial requirements as the UK government increases the minimum funds international students must demonstrate for their living expenses.

The new thresholds, announced by the UK Home Office, will take effect on November 30, 2026, and apply to student visa applications submitted from that date. The amount required will depend on whether the applicant’s institution is located in London or elsewhere in the country.

Under the revised rules, students intending to study in London must demonstrate access to £1,570 monthly for living expenses, compared with the current £1,529. For courses lasting nine months or more, the maximum amount required will rise to £14,130 from £13,761, an increase of £369.

Applicants studying outside London will also face higher financial thresholds. Their monthly maintenance requirement will increase from £1,171 to £1,203, bringing the maximum amount for nine months to £10,827, up from £10,539.

The funds are intended to cover students’ day-to-day expenses while in the UK and are separate from tuition fees. Applicants must also account for the cost of their visa applications and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which contributes towards access to the UK’s National Health Service under the applicable immigration rules.

The revised requirements mean prospective Nigerian students will need to review their finances carefully before submitting their applications. They must demonstrate that they can meet the applicable living-cost threshold for their study location, alongside any outstanding tuition fees.

Under the financial evidence rules, applicants are generally required to have held the necessary funds for at least 28 consecutive days before applying, subject to the applicable exemptions and other provisions.

The changes come as international students continue to make a substantial contribution to British universities and the wider economy, despite the financial pressures associated with accommodation, everyday expenses and restrictions on employment while studying.

Figures cited in the report indicate that 685,565 international students were enrolled in UK higher education institutions during the 2024/2025 academic year, accounting for approximately 24 per cent of the student population. Of this number, about 622,000 came from countries outside the European Union, while approximately 63,600 were from EU countries.

Professor Padam Simkhada, Dean of Global Impact and Research at the University of Chester, was also cited as estimating that international students contributed about £41.9 billion to the UK economy in the 2021/2022 academic year.

With the new thresholds approaching, prospective students are advised to check the financial requirements applicable to their intended application date and ensure their funds meet the prescribed conditions before proceeding with their visa applications.

Source: Nairametrics, Punch News.