UK raises Student visa funding requirement to $19,100 for students from Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa and other African countries starting November 30

• From November 30, 2026, international students in the UK, including those from Africa, will need to show higher proof of living expenses under new immigration rules.
• Students in London must show £1,570 per month, and those outside London must show £1,203, representing increases over previous thresholds.
• The rule applies broadly to African applicants, affecting students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and other countries.
• Applicants must also pay visa fees and health surcharges, and must have funds in their account for 28 days before <a href="https://jiuniversity.com/college-admissions-how-to-apply/” title=”College admissions: How to apply”>applying, with the new requirements effective for applications submitted from November 30.

The changes, presented to Parliament on September 3, raise the amount international students must prove they can afford while studying in the UK

Under the revised rules, students in London will need to show £1,570 for each month of their course, up from £1,529, while those outside London will need £1,203, up from £1,171

Over nine months, the maximum requirement rises to £14,130 ($19,100) in London and £10,827 ($14,630) elsewhere, increases of £369 and £288 respectively

The rule applies to international students generally, so applicants from across Africa will be affected, including those from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Cameroon

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The impact is particularly significant because the UK remains a major overseas study destination for students from across the continent

HESA data show that students from several African countries are enrolled at UK universities, while Home Office figures place Nigeria among the continent’s largest

In the year ending June 2026, the UK granted 26,060 Sponsored Study visas to Nigerian main applicants, representing 7% of the total and placing Nigeria third globally behind China and India

Overall, 365,868 Sponsored Study visas were granted to main applicants during the period, down 12% from the previous year

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The increase comes as Britain continues to tighten its international student system, building on measures introduced since 2024 to curb what the government describes as abuse of the Student route

Since January 2024, most international students on taught postgraduate courses have been barred from bringing dependants and face restrictions on switching to work visas before completing their studies

The government has also raised concerns about some international recruitment agents accused of misleading prospective students about study and work opportunities in the UK

However, a 2024 Migration Advisory Committee review found no evidence of widespread abuse of the Graduate visa route, although it flagged concerns about some agents and sub-agents

The Home Office says the latest maintenance increase is instead tied to support available to domestic students

The new thresholds have been aligned with maintenance loans for home students for the 2026/27 academic year and are expected to be reviewed annually

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Beyond the higher maintenance threshold, applicants must also account for tuition fees, which are separate from the living-cost requirement and may need to be covered as part of the visa application

The required funds must be held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated no more than 31 days before the visa application is submitted

Applicants must also pay a £558 Student visa fee and a £776 annual Immigration Health Surcharge

Source: africa.businessinsider.com