BREAKING NEWS: Critical UK Visa Changes for International Students (2025-2027)
The United Kingdom has officially announced major changes to its immigration policies affecting international students. These amendments will impact maintenance fund requirements for Student visas and the duration of the Graduate visa route. As a trusted educational consultancy, StudyAbroad.com.ng brings you the verified details directly from UK government sources.
1. Higher Maintenance Fund Requirements – From November 11, 2025
On October 14, 2025, the UK Government published a Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules that significantly increases the financial requirements for Student visa applicants.
New Maintenance Requirements:
- Students studying in London: £1,529 per month (up from previous requirements)
- Students studying outside London: £1,171 per month (up from previous requirements)
- Maximum accommodation payment offset: £1,529 (increased)
These new requirements apply to all Student visa applications submitted on or after November 11, 2025.
The maintenance requirement ensures international students can support themselves during their studies without relying on public funds. For courses longer than 9 months, students must demonstrate they have the required funds for a maximum of 9 months.
| Location | Monthly Requirement | Total for 9 Months |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
2. Graduate Visa Duration Reduction – From January 1, 2027
In another significant development, the UK Government has confirmed the reduction of the Graduate visa duration from 24 months to 18 months for bachelor’s and master’s graduates.
Key Points:
- Current Duration: 24 months (2 years) for undergraduate and master’s graduates
- New Duration: 18 months (1.5 years) for undergraduate and master’s graduates
- Implementation Date: January 1, 2027
- PhD Graduates: Will continue to receive the full 3-year post-study period
This change will only affect applications submitted on or after January 1, 2027. Students who apply before this date will still receive the current 24-month period. The decision follows a government review indicating that more than 80% of students on the Graduate visa found employment within three months of completing their studies.
Timeline of Changes:
October 2025
Changes announced by UK Government
November 11, 2025
New maintenance fund requirements come into effect
January 1, 2027
Graduate visa duration reduction implemented
What This Means for Students
These policy changes have significant implications for anyone planning to study in the UK:
- Financial Planning: Prospective students need to ensure they have sufficient funds to meet the increased maintenance requirements.
- Application Timing: Students graduating in 2026 who wish to benefit from the full 24-month Graduate visa should ensure they apply before January 1, 2027.
- Career Strategy: With the reduced post-study work period, students will need to develop a more targeted approach to securing employment in the UK.
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Book a Free Consultation TodayFAQs About UK Visa Changes
Q: Will these changes affect students who are already in the UK?
A: Current students will not be affected by the maintenance fund increase for their existing visas. For the Graduate visa duration reduction, only applications made on or after January 1, 2027, will be affected.
Q: Can I still bring dependents on my Student or Graduate visa?
A: From January 1, 2024, most international students are no longer able to bring their family members (spouse and children) to the United Kingdom, with the exception of postgraduate research students.” This rule change came into effect on January 1, 2024, and according to search results, it is still valid as of 2025. The exceptions are: Students enrolled in PhD or other doctoral-level research programs Students on research-based master’s programs Students on government-sponsored courses lasting more than six months (where the scholarship covers both tuition fees and living expenses) These rules are not applied retroactively for programs that began before January 1, 2024. For students who started before this date and their dependents, the previous rules still apply.
Q: Is the UK still a good destination for international students despite these changes?
A: Yes. The UK remains a premier education destination with world-class universities. The Graduate visa, even at 18 months, still provides valuable work experience opportunities, and PhD graduates continue to receive a full three-year period.
