Nigerian students, others face higher costs as UK hikes visa maintenance funds

The United Kingdom has raised the monthly maintenance funds international students must show to qualify for study visas, effective November 30, 2026, according to a report by Legit.ng.

Students in London must now show £1,570 monthly, up from £1,529, while those outside London require £1,203, up from £1,171. The changes affect Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and other African countries.

Nigeria, which received 26,060 Sponsored Study visas in the year to June 2026, ranks third globally in UK student visa numbers. Beyond maintenance funds, applicants must also budget for tuition, a £558 visa fee, and a £776 Immigration Health Surcharge, amid Britain’s broader tightening of student immigration rules.