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.
UK remains a major destination for African students
The impact is particularly significant because the UK remains a major overseas study destination for students from across the continent.
HESA data show enrolments from several African countries, while Nigeria stands out as one of the largest source markets.
More recent Home Office figures show that 26,060 Sponsored Study visas were granted to Nigerian main applicants in the year ending June 2026. This represented 7% of the total and placed Nigeria third globally behind China and India.
Overall, the UK granted 365,868 Sponsored Study visas to main applicants during the period, down 12% from the previous year.
UK tightens student immigration rules
The increase comes as Britain continues to tighten parts of 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, while students also face restrictions on switching to work visas before completing their studies.
The government has also raised concerns about the role of some international recruitment agents, particularly where prospective students were misled about study and work opportunities in the UK.
However, a 2024 review by the Migration Advisory Committee found no evidence of widespread abuse of the Graduate visa route, although it did identify concerns around some recruitment agents and sub-agents.
Against that wider policy backdrop, the Home Office says the latest rise in maintenance requirements is linked to the support available to domestic students.
The new figures have been aligned with maintenance loans for home students for the 2026/27 academic year and are expected to be reviewed annually.
Students face other costs
The maintenance requirement covers living expenses only and is separate from tuition fees. Applicants may also need to show they can cover any outstanding course fees before their visa is approved.
They must hold the required maintenance funds in their bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the closing balance dated no more than 31 days before the application is submitted.
Beyond those funds, applicants must also pay a £558 Student visa application fee and an Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year.
