Attention International Students!
I have the latest news regarding the international student maintenance requirements in UK, which have arrived from the UK Home Office. The UK has recently hiked the financial requirements for student visas for the first time since 2020.
From January 2, 2025, international students will have to demonstrate stronger financial proof to show their ability to support their studies in the UK. So, if you plan to further your studies in the United Kingdom in the upcoming year, this is a must-read for you!
Breakdown of the Increase in International Student Maintenance Requirements in UK for Student Visas
Effective from the 2nd of month January 2025, international students applying for UK student visas will need to demonstrate that they have immediate access to at least £1,483 per month (up to a maximum of nine months) if they have enrolled in a university located in London. And if they’re studying outside London, they’ll need to show financial proof of around £1,136 per month (up to a maximum of nine months).
Why is UK Government Increasing the International Student Maintenance Requirements?
There are quite a few reasons behind the sudden hike in international student maintenance requirements, which we are going to cite here:
1. Help Students Manage the Rising Costs of Living in UK
Currently, the UK is grappling with global issues like inflation that have eventually led to high living costs, particularly for international students. This means that the tuition fee, along with the costs for food, utilities, bills, and accommodation, are also going to experience an unexpected surge in the year 2025.
Thus this makes sense as to why to sustain in UK, students now relatively need stronger financial support as compared to previous years. Based on these facts, the UK government now demands students to demonstrate that they are able to financially support their stay in UK for nine straight months.
2. Ensure a Hassle-free Educational Journey for International Students
The UK government wants to make sure that students don’t have to face any financial constraints during their studies in UK. As per the rising inflation rates, the UK is more worried about how it will impact international students.
When students come to the UK, the majority of them start finding part-time work opportunities to fund their studies. All this happens because of inadequate financial support. Because of this, students often find themselves unable to keep up with their studies, which is why they came here.
This is the reason the UK is going to implement new international student maintenance requirements to address this particular issue. This strategy will guarantee that students will be able to complete their degrees without having to worry about the financial side.
What International Students Need to Do?
Amid the new maintenance requirements for international students in UK, students need to be strategic and plan their finances well ahead of time. Here’s what you can do to stay on the safe side:
1. Plan Financial Resources
As an international student, you need to be all sorted out in terms of your financial support. Whether you are being sponsored or funding your studies yourself, you should have a financial plan in place.
As of now, students cannot really rely on part-time work opportunities in UK in order to cover their studies. So if you want a hassle-free educational experience in Great Britain, you need to have an amount of around £13347 in your account for a consecutive nine-month stay in the country.
2. Explore Scholarships and Funding Options
Another great way to tackle your finances in the UK is to look for scholarships and bursary options that are available for international students. There are a wide number of scholarships that the UK government has made accessible to international students.
So, do your research, and apply for the ones that you find yourself eligible for. Try your luck, as this approach is surely going to alleviate your financial burden.
Some most popular scholarships in UK for international students are listed below:
- Chevening Scholarship
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships
- Marshall Scholarship
Tips for Cost Management While Studying in the UK
Here are some cost-effective tips for managing your finances in UK as a foreign student:
1. Utilize University Support Services
All educational institutes in UK have dedicated a department for international students that works and provides university support services to them. This special team can offer advice regarding various topics like career, academics, funding options, as well as personal matters. Generally, these services are free of cost. So, you should definitely benefit from these support services and save plenty of money.
2. Look For Part-time Employment Opportunities
Another great way to manage your finances in UK is by working part-time here. This way, you can ease up a significant part of your financial burden and sustain yourself as an outsider in the country in an improved manner.
In addition to covering finances, working while studying will also equip you to hone essential skills that will prove to be quite useful once you land in the labor market. However, you need to understand that your work should never interfere with your academics.
Also, keep in mind that students are allotted fixed hours to work in UK, i.e., 20 hours a week. So, make sure you never exceed this limit.
3. Try to Eat Home-made Food
Try to cook at home, or if kitchen amenities are not accessible, look for cost-effective meal providers like messes, etc. Suppose you decide to get your food at a restaurant. In that case, you need to explore affordable options.
4. Do Grocery From Community Stores
If you really want to save costs, go to community stores to run errands. These stores offer significant discounts, and if you buy in bulk, you can manage to save a lot. Apart from that, these marts usually have fresh and locally produced goods that can be quite healthy as well.
5. Avail Student Discounts
There are so many unexpected and miscellaneous expenses that students have to bear in UK, which can, unfortunately, burn a hole in their pockets. So it is always a good idea to save a little money while studying at a British university by availing of student discounts.
There are so many student cards available in the UK that offer significant discounts on things like transportation, shopping, food, etc.
How Can StudyWise Help You?
Want to get an instant solution to all of your queries regarding studying in UK? No worries. We, the StudyWise are here to resolve all your problems. Whether it’s the exploration of the right study options abroad, managing your finances, or getting your visa approval, we’ll be there every step of the way. So what are you waiting for? Contact us now and see how we make things easier for you.
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FAQs:
What are the benefits that international students get by studying in UK?
Here are some of the most common benefits that international students get to enjoy in UK:
- High-quality education
- Scholarship facilities
- Cultural diversity
- A wide range of study programs
- Stay and work in the UK after graduation
- Personal growth opportunities
Can an international student get a maintenance loan UK?
International non-EU students may face challenges in obtaining student loans from the UK Government. However, some universities offer their own student loan programs specifically designed for talented students from low-income backgrounds, including non-EU students.