Nigerians planning to study in the United Kingdom will need to provide evidence of higher living expenses when applying for student visas, following an increase in the minimum maintenance funds required by the UK government.
The revised requirements will take effect on November 30, 2026, with students enrolled at institutions in London required to show access to £1,570 monthly, while those studying outside the capital must demonstrate £1,203 per month.
According to a report by Peoples Gazette on Wednesday, applicants studying in London for a nine-month course will need to provide evidence of funds totalling £14,130, up from the previous requirement of £13,761.
For students attending institutions outside London, the amount required for a nine-month course will rise to £10,827 from £10,539, representing an increase of £288.
The monthly maintenance requirement for London-based students has increased by £41, from £1,529 to £1,570, while the amount for students outside London rose from £1,171 to £1,203, an increase of £32.
The maintenance funds are intended to cover students’ living expenses during their studies and are separate from tuition fees and other applicable visa charges. Applicants will therefore need to make additional financial provisions to meet the overall cost of studying in the UK.
Figures cited in the report showed that 685,565 international students enrolled in UK higher education institutions during the 2024/2025 academic session, accounting for 24 per cent of the total student population.
Meanwhile, the UK government is proposing to introduce an annual levy of £925 on universities for each international student by 2028. The proceeds are expected to support grants for domestic students.
However, British universities have raised concerns that a decline in international student enrolment could threaten the viability of the proposed levy, given the role overseas students play in the country’s higher education sector.
