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    2026 UK Student Visa Policy: What's Changed

    By Lightning Enrolment Editorial TeamPublished Updated 6 min read

    Reviewed against official UK university and UKVI sources. See oureditorial policy.

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    2026 UK Student Visa Policy: Key Updates

    The UK government has made several important changes to student visa policies in 2026. Here's what international students need to know.

    Key Policy Changes

    1. Financial Requirements Update

    The maintenance funds requirement has been updated:

  1. London: £1,529 per month (for up to 9 months, total £13,761)
  2. Outside London: £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months, total £10,539)
  3. Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before application

    4. 2. Graduate Route Preserved

    Despite earlier speculation, the Graduate Route visa remains available, allowing 2 years of post-study work (3 years for PhD graduates). This was confirmed following the MAC review.

    3. Dependent Visa Restrictions

  4. Only research postgraduate students and government-sponsored students can bring dependents
  5. Taught Master's students can no longer bring family members on dependent visas

    6. 4. Part-Time Work Rules

  6. During term: 20 hours per week maximum
  7. During holidays: Full-time work permitted
  8. Work must not interfere with studies

    9. 5. English Language Requirements

  9. UKVI continues to accept IELTS (SELT), TOEFL, PTE Academic, and now more widely accepts the Duolingo English Test through universities
  10. B2 level remains the minimum for degree-level study

    11. 6. CAS and Sponsorship

    Universities must issue a valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) before students can apply. Enhanced compliance measures mean universities now face stricter monitoring.

    Application Timeline

    StepWhen

    |------|------|

    Receive CASAfter unconditional offerApply onlineUp to 6 months before courseBiometricsWithin days of applicationDecisionUsually 3-8 weeksTravelUp to 1 month before course

    Tips for a Smooth Application

  11. Start gathering financial documents early
  12. Ensure your English test score is current (within 2 years)
  13. Use the official UKVI checker to confirm your test is accepted
  14. Apply online via GOV.UK and avoid third-party sites

    15. Source: UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), GOV.UK, and Home Office official updates 2026.

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    📍 Entry Requirements by Country

    Check country-specific UK university entry requirements:

    🇮🇳 India🇳🇬 Nigeria🇵🇰 Pakistan🇧🇩 Bangladesh🇨🇳 China🇬🇭 Ghana🇰🇪 Kenya🇦🇪 UAEView all countries →

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