From 2025, Nigerian students aiming to study in the UK will face a tougher financial hurdle. In response to inflation and the UK’s rising cost of living, the UK Home Office has raised its monthly proof-of-funds requirement for student visas to £1,483 (around ₦3 million) for those studying in London and £1,136 (₦2.4 million) for students outside the capital.
This increase, set to take effect on January 2, aims to align international student financial requirements with those of domestic students, ensuring all students in the UK can cover living expenses.
The previous maintenance level for international students was £1,334 monthly for London and £1,023 for locations outside the city. Under the new rules, international students must now demonstrate they can sustain these higher amounts during their studies. “The increase reflects both inflation and the growing cost of living,” the UK Home Office noted in its release, emphasizing that students should be able to support themselves independently. 
Nigerian students, the third largest group of international students in the UK, have historically accounted for a significant share of the international population. Data from the 2022/2023 academic year show that over 53,000 Nigerian students enrolled in UK universities, representing 6.5% of the international student body. However, the rising financial requirement, along with the continued depreciation of the Naira against the Pound, may make it increasingly challenging for many Nigerians to afford UK education.
As of now, the exchange rate stands at roughly ₦2,140 per Pound, adding further pressure to those planning to study abroad. This change is expected to influence the decisions of countless Nigerian families, who must either meet this increased financial standard or reconsider UK-based education options.
Acceptable funding sources for the UK proof-of-funds requirement include personal savings, family support, scholarships, and educational loans. Failing to provide valid proof may lead to visa rejection, potentially impacting students’ plans and even leading to the forfeiture of admission.
What are your thoughts on this increase in financial requirements? Will it affect students’ study plans, and perhaps, their future?
