UK Student Visa Changes 2027: New Funds Rule & 18-Month Graduate Visa for Punjab Students
Two UK rule changes land in quick succession for Indian students: from 30 November 2026 the money you must show for a Student visa rises to £1,570 per month in London and £1,203 per month elsewhere, and from 1 January 2027 the Graduate (post-study work) visa for bachelor's and master's graduates falls from 2 years to 18 months. If you are applying from Punjab for the January or September 2027 intake — or finishing your degree in the UK right now — both changes affect your planning.
This explainer covers exactly what changed, who is affected, and a practical checklist for Jalandhar and Punjab applicants, based on the official Statement of Changes HC 584 (laid 3 September 2026) and GOV.UK guidance.
UK Student Visa Changes 2027 at a Glance
Rule | Before | After | Applies from |
|---|---|---|---|
Living costs — London | £1,529 per month (max 9 months) | £1,570 per month (max 9 months = £14,130) | Student visa applications made on or after 30 Nov 2026 |
Living costs — outside London | £1,171 per month (max 9 months) | £1,203 per month (max 9 months = £10,827) | Student visa applications made on or after 30 Nov 2026 |
Graduate visa — bachelor's / master's | 2 years | 18 months | Graduate visa applications made on or after 1 Jan 2027 |
Graduate visa — PhD / doctorate | 3 years | 3 years (unchanged) | — |
Applications made before 30 November 2026 are decided under the rules in force on 29 November 2026, so the old maintenance figures still apply to them. For the Graduate visa, what matters is the date you apply for the Graduate visa itself, not when you started your course.
Change 1: Higher Maintenance Funds from 30 November 2026
The UK sets its student living-cost requirement in line with the maintenance support available to UK home students, which is reviewed each year. HC 584 updates the figures for the 2026/27 academic year. The accommodation offset (used when you have already paid university accommodation fees) is updated in line with the new amounts.
What you must show
Living costs for each month of your course, up to 9 months — £1,570 per month in London or £1,203 per month outside London.
Any course fees for your first year that are still unpaid, as shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Fees are in addition to living costs.
Funds held for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end of that 28-day period falling within 31 days of your visa application date.
Worked example
A student from Jalandhar starting a one-year master's in Birmingham (outside London) who applies after 30 November 2026 must show 9 × £1,203 = £10,827 for living costs, plus whatever first-year tuition is still unpaid on the CAS. The same student studying in London would need 9 × £1,570 = £14,130 plus unpaid fees. Because rupee exchange rates move, we recommend keeping a buffer above the exact sterling amount so a small currency swing does not push your balance below the requirement during the 28-day window.
Punjab-specific tips on funds
If the money is in a parent's account, UKVI guidance allows this with proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate) and a signed letter of consent from the parent. Keep names consistent across documents.
Education loans should come from an acceptable lender with a clear sanction letter that states the amount and that funds are available to you.
Avoid last-minute large deposits without an explanation — sudden unexplained credits are a common reason for extra scrutiny.
Change 2: Graduate Visa Cut to 18 Months from 1 January 2027
The Graduate visa lets you stay and work in the UK after completing an eligible degree, without needing a job offer or sponsor. GOV.UK now states that bachelor's and master's graduates get 2 years if they apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if they apply on or after 1 January 2027. Doctoral graduates keep 3 years. The Graduate visa cannot be extended, but you may be able to switch to another route such as the Skilled Worker visa.
What this means for students already in the UK
If you are finishing a course now and your university has reported successful completion, applying before 31 December 2026 secures the longer 2-year period. You must apply from inside the UK while your Student visa is still valid, and your university must have confirmed completion to the Home Office. Plan ahead: Graduate visa fees are £937 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year for this route.
What this means for new applicants from Punjab
If you start a taught master's in January or September 2027, you will almost certainly apply for your Graduate visa after 1 January 2027 — so plan for 18 months of post-study work time, not 2 years. That makes it more important to choose a course and city with strong employer links, start job-hunting during your studies, and understand the Skilled Worker salary and skill rules early.
Which Students Are Affected? Scenario Table
Your situation | Maintenance rule | Graduate visa length |
|---|---|---|
Master's in UK, course completed and Graduate visa applied by 31 Dec 2026 | Not relevant (already studying) | 2 years |
Master's in UK, Graduate visa applied on or after 1 Jan 2027 | Not relevant | 18 months |
January 2027 intake, Student visa applied before 30 Nov 2026 | Old: £1,529 / £1,171 per month | 18 months (on graduating) |
January 2027 intake, Student visa applied on or after 30 Nov 2026 | New: £1,570 / £1,203 per month | 18 months |
September 2027 intake | New amounts (unless changed again) | 18 months |
PhD / doctorate | New amounts if applying after 30 Nov 2026 | 3 years (unchanged) |
Checklist for January 2027 Intake Applicants from Punjab
Accept your offer and get your CAS — you can apply up to 6 months before your course starts when applying from outside the UK.
Decide your application date: before or after 30 November 2026 determines which maintenance figure you must meet.
Place the full amount (living costs plus unpaid fees, with a buffer) in an acceptable account and keep it untouched for 28 consecutive days.
Book your tuberculosis (TB) test at a UKVI-approved clinic — applicants from India staying more than 6 months need a TB certificate.
Prepare your English evidence as required by your university and CAS.
Pay the £558 application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year for students).
Attend biometrics at the visa application centre. UKVI usually decides applications made outside the UK within about 3 weeks.
Build your post-study plan around an 18-month Graduate visa.
Documents and consistency matter more than volume. Our UK Visa from Jalandhar guide covers the full document set, and our SOP writing guide explains how to write a statement of purpose that matches your finances and career plan.
Rules That Have Not Changed
Most taught master's students still cannot bring dependants; only PhD, other doctorate or research-based higher degree students (and government-sponsored students on courses longer than 6 months) can.
HC 584 did not introduce a new general Skilled Worker salary threshold.
The Student visa application fee from outside the UK remains £558 at the time of writing.
How World Immigration Terminal Can Help
Timing is the key issue this season: whether you file before or after 30 November, and whether a current UK student can file for the Graduate visa before 31 December. Our Jalandhar counsellors can review your CAS, fund documents and timeline, and help you avoid the mistakes covered in our student visa rejection reasons guide. Planning to stay on and work after graduation? Read our UK Skilled Worker visa guide and book a consultation with World Immigration Terminal to plan your UK route.
Last verified: September 2026. UK immigration rules, fees and thresholds change often. Always confirm the current requirements on GOV.UK before applying, or speak to our team for up-to-date guidance. This article is general information, not legal advice, and no visa outcome can be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need for a UK student visa after 30 November 2026?
For Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026, you must show £1,570 per month for courses in London or £1,203 per month outside London, for up to 9 months (a maximum of £14,130 or £10,827), plus any unpaid first-year course fees. Applications made before that date are assessed under the old £1,529 / £1,171 figures.
Is the UK Graduate visa now 18 months?
Yes, for bachelor's and master's graduates who apply on or after 1 January 2027. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026 you can still get 2 years. PhD and other doctoral graduates continue to get 3 years.
I am joining a UK university in January 2027 — which rules apply to me?
If you submit your Student visa application on or after 30 November 2026, the new maintenance amounts apply. When you graduate and apply for the Graduate visa (which will be after 1 January 2027), you will get 18 months rather than 2 years, unless you complete a doctorate.
Can my spouse come with me on a UK Student visa?
Only in limited cases. Under current UK rules, most students starting courses from January 2024 can bring dependants only if they are on a PhD, another doctorate or a research-based higher degree, or are government-sponsored on a course longer than 6 months. Taught master's students generally cannot.
How long must the money stay in the bank for a UK student visa?
UKVI requires the funds to be held for at least 28 consecutive days, and the end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply.
Does World Immigration Terminal guarantee a UK student visa?
No. No consultant can guarantee a visa — the decision rests solely with UK Visas and Immigration. We help you prepare accurate, complete documents and avoid common refusal reasons.
Official Sources
This guide is written by World Immigration Terminal, a licensed immigration consultancy in Jalandhar (license 668/ALC-4/LA/FN:905). Rules and figures change — always confirm current details with the official sources below or with our counselors before making decisions:
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