The new UK university rules coming into force in November

The new UK university rules coming into force in November International students will need to show they have higher funds to cover their living costs in the UK - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Students from overseas looking to study at a UK university will have to prove they have enough money to cover living costs for each month of their course. From 30 November, the UK Home Office is increasing the financial maintenance requirement for international students applying under the student visa route. Applicants studying in or outside London will now need to show they have higher funds to cover their living costs in the UK. Here, the Independent breaks down what these rules mean for international students: What is changing for international students? Students will have to prove they have more than £360 extra to study per year in London under the new rules. Currently students studying in London need to show they have £1,529 for each month of their course, up to a maximum of nine months. But from 30 November this figure will rise to £1,570 — that’s an increase of £369 for the year. For a course lasting nine months or longer, the maximum amount will therefore increase from £13,761 to £14,130. Students studying outside London currently need £1,171 per month. This will increase to £1,203 per month, bringing the maximum nine-month requirement from £10,539 to £10,827 — which is £288 extra. Are these funds separate from course fees? The maintenance requirement funds are separate to course fees, which must be held in addition to this cost. Immigration lawyers at Morgan Smith highlight that the student visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge are also separate costs. Students should account for each of these expenses when calculating the overall cost of studying in the UK. Applications submitted on or after 30 November will need to show they can afford the higher amount. How can students meet the new requirement? Students will need to provide evidence that they have enough maintenance money combined with tuition fees for one academic year and that must be held for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. The final day of this period must be within 31 days of the date the Student visa application is submitted. The money can be held in the student’s own account or in a parent’s account or students can rely on a student loan or official financial sponsorship. Those who have been living in the UK with valid immigration permission for at least a year on the date of their application do not normally need to prove that they meet the financial requirement. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments