Increase in Maintenance Requirements for International Students
As part of ongoing efforts to ensure fairness and alignment with home student funding, there has been an important update regarding the maintenance requirements for international students applying to study in the UK. Starting from 2 January 2025, the financial requirement for international students to demonstrate sufficient funds for their visa applications will be increased. This change is intended to match the maintenance loans available to home students for the 2024-25 academic year.
What Are the New Maintenance Requirements?
The current maintenance level for students studying in London is set at £1,334 per month, while for those studying outside of London, it is £1,023 per month. Starting on 2 January 2025, these amounts will rise to £1,483 per month for students studying in London and £1,136 per month for those outside of London. This increase ensures that international students are better aligned with the financial requirements set for home students and reflects the rising cost of living in the UK.
When Will This Change Take Effect?
This change will apply to students making their visa applications on or after 2 January 2025. For those submitting their visa applications before this date, the current maintenance levels will remain valid, allowing international students more time to prepare for this transition.
Accommodation Offset Adjustment
Alongside this, the accommodation offset—which allows students to reduce the required maintenance amount if they have paid a deposit for accommodation—has also been updated. Currently, the maximum accommodation offset is £1,334 for students studying in London. From 2 January 2025, this offset will increase to £1,483 in line with the higher maintenance level for London-based students.
Future Reviews and Updates
In addition to these changes, a review is underway regarding the maintenance levels set for student dependants, with updates expected to be confirmed in due course. This reflects the ongoing adjustments to ensure that international students and their families have sufficient financial support during their studies in the UK.
Preparing for the Change
International students planning to apply for a UK study visa should take these new financial requirements into account when preparing their applications. At Flytouch Overseas, we are here to help guide you through these changes and ensure a smooth application process.
Stay informed and connected with us for further updates on this and other important announcements related to studying abroad.
