From 1 December 2020, if you apply under the Student route, then you will have to meet increased living funds for entry clearance application or if you have been in the UK with permission for less than 12 months. The changes are made to reflect the increased living costs in the across UK cities segmented as Inside London and Outside London.

Home Office financial requirements require applicants to show money to support them. Financial requirements funds include course fees for 1^st year or full course fees if the course is less than 1 year and living costs. Students need to have enough money to meet these requirements. They need to maintain: Course fees (up to 1 year) + Living funds = Maintenance funds for at least 28 days continuously at a UKVI approved bank before they can apply for student visa unless the applicant is relying on a student loan or an official financial sponsorship. The end date of the 28 day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

If the applicant has paid a deposit for student accommodation to the student sponsor educational institution, then up to £1,334 can be offset from the living costs required funds if the campus is inside London or up to £1,023 can be offset from the living costs required funds if the campus is outside London.

Living funds requirements for student dependents who apply for entry clearance visa or if they have been in the UK with permission for less than 12 months will require showing the funds as before (£845 per month for inside London and £680 per month for outside London).

For more information, please check UKCISA Student News here and UKVI Policy Paper here.