UK student maintenance increases on 30 November: prepare the right evidence now

Explainer · Checked 21 October 2026.

Students preparing UK visa applications should distinguish the current living-cost requirement from the higher figures scheduled for 30 November 2026. The published Statement of Changes HC 584 raises the relevant monthly amount to £1,570 in London and £1,203 outside London.

The implementation section assigns those amendments to 30 November, with applications made before that date considered under the preceding rules for these changes. This is an announced future requirement, not an increase that began during the week of 15–21 October.

Separate tuition from living costs

The current financial-evidence guidance lists £1,529 monthly in London and £1,171 outside London, for up to nine months where applicable. Course fees are a separate component and are tied to the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. Individual exceptions and dependant requirements must be checked separately.

For a nine-month illustration, the future maintenance totals are £14,130 in London and £10,827 outside London, before relevant tuition and other costs. These are simple multiplications of the announced monthly figures, not a statement of the complete amount every applicant must show.

Build the evidence around the application date

Start with the intended submission date, course location and unpaid course fees. Ask the education provider to confirm that the CAS information is correct. Review which account, sponsorship or loan evidence is acceptable and how long funds need to be held; a large balance on one convenient day may not meet the evidence rules.

Avoid moving money between accounts without considering how that affects the documentary history. Keep statements legible and make sure names and account ownership can be explained. Families should also check whether a partner or child is eligible to accompany the student before adding dependant costs to a plan.

If the timetable crosses the November change, recheck the live guidance before submitting. A rushed application built around the old amount can create more difficulty than a carefully prepared one using the correct applicable figures. This planning note highlights an upcoming deadline; it does not guarantee eligibility or a visa decision.