UK Student Visa Rules 2026-27: What Changed for Nepal

What are the UK student visa rules for 2026-27?

The UK student visa rules for 2026-27 change in four main ways for Nepali students: higher living-cost funds for applications from November 30, 2026, a stricter compliance test for universities (the Basic Compliance Assessment), a shorter Graduate visa from January 1, 2027, and a new international student levy on universities from August 1, 2028.

The core Student visa requirements did not change: you still need an offer from a licensed student sponsor, an English level of B2 for degree courses, and the funds held for 28 days. The sections below show each change with its date, based on GOV.UK and UKCISA.

UK student visa changes: dates at a glance

The funds change comes from the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules HC 584, laid on September 3, 2026, according to GOV.UK. For a month-by-month view of all study abroad rule changes, see our rule changes calendar.

How much money do you need for a UK student visa from November 30, 2026?

For applications made on or after November 30, 2026, the Student route maintenance requirement rises to £1,570 a month for courses in London and £1,203 a month for courses outside London, each for up to 9 months, according to UKCISA. The rate applies by the date you apply, not the date you started saving.

Before that date, GOV.UK lists £1,529 a month in London and £1,171 a month outside London, also for up to 9 months. The cap on the amount students living in university accommodation can deduct, if they have already paid their sponsor, also rises to £1,570, according to UKCISA.

You still need your unpaid first-year tuition on top of living costs. See our guides to the full UK student visa cost and the bank balance required.

What is the Basic Compliance Assessment and why does it matter to Nepali applicants?

The Basic Compliance Assessment (BCA) is the Home Office check that decides whether a university or college keeps its student sponsor licence. Tougher thresholds apply to assessments applied for on or after June 1, 2026, according to the Student sponsor compliance guidance on GOV.UK:

A sponsor that misses a threshold gets a red rating, a reduced Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) allocation and an action plan. A sponsor that misses more than one threshold, or is rated red again after a final warning, can be removed from the Register of Student Sponsors and have its licence revoked. While removed, it cannot issue any CAS, according to the same guidance.

What this means for you: a university with weak visa results can lose the ability to sponsor students. Before you pay a deposit, check that your university appears on the official Register of licensed sponsors: students, and ask for the latest status in writing if you are unsure.

Is the Graduate visa really 18 months from January 1, 2027?

Yes. The Graduate visa lasts 2 years if you apply on or before December 31, 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after January 1, 2027. Doctoral graduates keep 3 years, according to GOV.UK.

UKCISA reports that on October 28, 2026 the Government announced a two-year Graduate route for people who graduate from high-compliance universities with strong labour market outcomes, and says details are not yet available, on its Graduate route page. Until the rules are published, plan on 18 months. Read our full guide to the 18-month Graduate visa.

What about the international student levy, English test and dependants?

International student levy: the Government says it will charge higher education providers in England a flat fee of £925 per international student per year from August 1, 2028, according to GOV.UK. It is paid by universities, not by you, but some may raise fees. See our levy guide.

English language: GOV.UK still lists CEFR level B2 for degree-level courses and B1 below degree level, with no future change shown on its English language page.

Dependants: GOV.UK says you can bring a partner or children under 18 only if you are a government-sponsored student on a longer course or a full-time postgraduate student on an RQF level 7 or above course of 9 months or longer. For courses starting on or after January 1, 2024, that must be a doctorate or a research-based higher degree, according to the family members page. Details are in our dependants guide and the 28-day rule guide.

What should Nepali students do now?

1. Apply after checking the date. If your application falls on or after November 30, 2026, budget for £1,570 or £1,203 a month.
2. Check your sponsor. Confirm your university is on the sponsor register before paying a deposit.
3. Plan for 18 months of post-study work time on the Graduate visa if you apply for it from January 1, 2027.
4. Look at scholarships to ease the higher funds requirement: see our UK scholarships guide.

For country basics, see study in the UK. Admizz Education is a consultancy that offers free consultation and admission and visa support: register here or read about the top education consultancy in Nepal.

Checked in November 2026. Re-check the funds amounts on GOV.UK Student visa: money you need, the sponsor thresholds in the Student sponsor compliance guidance, and the Graduate route on UKCISA before you apply.

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