UK to Increase Student Visa Maintenance Funds from January 2025


UK to Increase Student Visa Maintenance Funds from January 2025

This could make more challenging for Indian students to study in the UK
 
Students Visa Maintenance UK

UK remains a popular destination for Indian students due to the high quality of education

Starting January 2025, the United Kingdom (UK) will raise the minimum financial requirements for student visa applicants, which could make it more challenging for Indian students to study in the UK. The changes are aimed at adjusting for inflation and the rising cost of living.

What’s Changing?

To get a UK student visa, applicants must prove they have enough money to cover living expenses during their studies. Currently, students outside London need to show they have £1,023 (INR 1,12,248) per month, while students in London must show £1,334 (INR 1,46,373). This covers up to nine months of living costs.

But from January 2025, the required amounts will increase by over 11%. Students in London will need £1,483 (INR 1,62,722) per month, and those outside London will need £1,136 (INR 1,24,647).

Why Does This Matters?

These funds must be held in the student's or their family’s bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying for the visa, which adds financial pressure. Despite the increased costs, the UK remains a popular destination for Indian students due to the high quality of education, post-study work opportunities, and favourable visa acceptance rates.

Impact on Indian Students

Indian students, who make up a large portion of international students in the UK, are expected to feel the pressure. Many Indian families already spend over Rs 20 lakh (around £20,000) annually on tuition and living expenses. With the new rules, they will need to show they have even more savings in their bank accounts to meet visa requirements.

For example

  • A student in London with a £20,000 tuition fee will now need to show £33,347 in total, with £13,347 for living expenses.
  • A student outside London will need £30,224 in total, including £10,224 for living costs.

This new rule is part of the changing landscape of studying abroad, and while it may be a hurdle, the UK’s top position as an education hub is unlikely to be affected.

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