Nigerian students must show up to £14,130 in proof of funds for UK visas

The United Kingdom will require Nigerian students applying for study visas to show more money for their living expenses from November 30, 2026, under updated proof of funds requirements for international students.

Students planning to study in London will need to demonstrate access to £14,130 to cover nine months of living costs, while those attending institutions outside the capital must show £10,827.

The revised figures increase the amount students must provide as evidence of financial support when applying for a UK student visa.

Under the new requirements, students in London must show £1,570 for each month of their stay, compared with the previous monthly requirement of £1,529. This brings the total for nine months to £14,130, up from £13,761.

For students studying outside London, the monthly requirement has increased from £1,171 to £1,203.

The new nine-month total of £10,827 represents an increase from the previous £10,539.

The proof of funds requirement is intended to establish that international students can support themselves financially while studying in the UK, including meeting expenses such as accommodation, food and transport.

The money required for living expenses is separate from tuition fees.

Applicants may also need to account for the student visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which are additional costs associated with studying in the UK.

The revised thresholds will apply from November 30, 2026, making the date important for prospective students preparing their applications and financial documents.

Nigerian applicants planning to study in the UK will need to ensure they meet the relevant threshold for their institution’s location and satisfy the applicable visa requirements before submitting their applications.