For those planning to apply for a UK student visa, here’s a new update for you. The UK government has announced an increase in the financial savings which international students must show to secure a student visa. The new changes are effective from January 2, 2025. It reflects the rising cost of living in the UK.
If reports are to go by, this marks the first adjustment since 2020.
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What are the new requirements?
As per the new announcement, from January 2025 onwards, international students will be required to show that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses for each month of their course, up to nine months. The financial requirements vary depending on where a student is planning to study: For instance, for studies in London, an international student must show they have GBP 1,483 per month. If a student is staying outside London, the amount one needs to prove they have is GBP 1,136 per month.
Previously, these amounts were GBP 1,334 per month for London and GBP 1,023 for other parts of the UK.
For students planning to study in London for nine months or more, the total amount they need to show in their savings is now GBP 13,348. This represents the cumulative sum of GBP 1,483 per month for nine months. As per the UK government , these changes are necessary to keep pace with inflation and rising living costs.
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Is there any flexibility?
– Accommodation deposits: If a student has already paid a deposit for accommodation in the UK, this can be offset against the total funds they need to show.
– Exemptions for long-term UK residents: Students who have lived in the UK on another visa for at least 12 months by the time of their application are exempt from showing proof of maintenance funds.
In addition to meeting the financial threshold, students applying for a UK visa will also need to meet other requirements, such as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK educational institution, proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL), enrollment in the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for access to the UK’s National Health Service, a valid passport or travel document.
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Can you bring dependents?
As per the new system, only students enrolled in postgraduate programs or government-sponsored courses can bring dependents, such as a spouse or children. Undergraduate students are generally not allowed to bring dependents with them.