Studying in the United Kingdom can be a life-changing experience for many international students. Highly ranked institutions and courses, research excellence in diverse fields, and a rich cultural and sporting scene all make the UK a top destination. Plus, many international students stay in the UK after their studies to gain international work experience through the Graduate Route.

Are you currently studying in, or planning to study in the United Kingdom as an international student? The UK government recently announced some changes which are important for international students to know about. We’ll take a look at these updates and how they might impact your study journey below.

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The Student Visa Maintenance Amount is Rising

The first change is that the Student visa maintenance requirement will go up in November. On or after November 11, 2025, if you’re submitting a Student visa application, and must show proof you can support yourself, you must show you have access to:

• £1,529 per month if you’re studying in London (for up to nine months/one academic year)
• £1,171 per month if you’re studying outside London

This is an increase from the current required amount of £1,483 for students in London (and its 32 boroughs). Meanwhile, students outside of London and its boroughs must currently show proof of access to £1,136 per month.

Not sure if your academic institution is in the greater London area? Check your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) form. It will include your financial requirement amount.

Remember, the higher financial maintenance requirement only applies to future international students. Current students don’t need to show their increased financial capacity. However, as the maintenance amount is tied to the average cost of living, current students should also prepare for higher expenses.

Building your student budget? Check out our guide to the cost of living in the UK for international students.

Shorter Graduate Route Scheduled for 2027 and Beyond

Many international students plan to earn valuable international work experience through the UK’s Graduate Route after finishing their course. This post-study work period is a great time to put what you’ve learned into practice while building your professional network.

Currently, bachelor’s and master’s degree grads may stay and work in the UK for up to two years, and doctoral grads (like PhDs) may stay and work for up to three years. However, as of January 1, 2027, the duration of the Graduate Route is getting shorter for bachelor’s and master’s grads. It will drop down to a maximum of 18 months. Meanwhile, doctoral degree holders may still work in the UK for up to three years.

This change, proposed in the 2025 White Paper on Immigration, was confirmed on October 14 by the UK government. It’s something which will affect both future and current international students, as many current students will complete their degree and apply for the Graduate Route in 2027 or later.

The UK Remains a Top Destination for International Students

Famous for academic excellence, the UK attracts thousands of international students every year. Degrees from UK-based institutions are respected worldwide, and graduates are sought after. All academic institutions are held to a high standard, and students can use lists like the Register of Regulated Qualifications to compare different institutions before they enrol.

The UK also excels at world-class research. Despite the UK’s population being less than 1% of the global total, it produced 12% of the world’s most highly-cited scientific research in 2022.

As an entrepreneur or startup founder, the UK could offer you a great place to begin your business. The Innovator Founder visa, designed to nurture the world’s most talented entrepreneurs, is a great fit for grads building a scalable product which is completely different from anything currently on the market.

Plus, the Graduate Route still offers international students a solid range of opportunity and flexibility. Visa holders may work in most jobs, be self-employed, and look for work if needed. They may also travel abroad and return to the UK while holding this visa, and do voluntary work for a registered charity or government-appointed body.

This update to the Graduate Route may change your post-study timeline, but it importantly has not affected international grads’ eligibility for an employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa, which can allow them to stay in the UK on a more long-term basis. Health care grads should also look into whether they’re eligible for the Health and Care Worker visa.

As you prepare to become an international student, it’s important to keep up-to-date with any government or institution changes. If you have any questions, your academic institution’s international office or International Advice Service is a great resource. Their team can help you understand what you need to know and any actions you might need to take. Haven’t enrolled yet? Always check reputable sources like official government sites or the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) for current info.

No matter where you are in your study journey, we wish you continued success.

Ready to go? Explore thousands of options for studying in the UK on the ApplyBoard platform.

Taryn Graham leverages over 15 years of communications expertise from the public and private sectors in her work with ApplyBoard’s Strategic Content and Thought Leadership team, spanning ApplyBoard Insights and the main blog. She also manages the biannual Student and Recruitment Partner Pulse Surveys. [LinkedIn]