The UK has introduced several significant changes to its student visa policies in 2025. Here’s what prospective international students need to know:
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Increased Financial Requirements: Starting January 2025, students must demonstrate higher financial means. For those studying in London, the required maintenance funds are £1,483 per month (£13,347 for 9 months). Outside London, it’s £1,136 per month (£10,224 for 9 months). These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days before application submission. LinkedIn
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Visa Fee Hike: Effective April 9, 2025, the student visa application fee increased to £524. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which varies based on the length of stay. Masters Portal
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Dependants Policy Update: As of January 2024, only postgraduate research students or those on government-funded scholarships can bring dependants. This has led to an 86% drop in dependant applications by March 2025. GOV.UK+1GOV.UK+1
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Application Process Changes: From April 9, 2025, the administrative review mechanism for challenging visa conditions has been replaced. Errors in visa conditions or duration will now be addressed by an expanded error correction team. IntStuCharityUK+1uk-education-centre.com+1
What This Means for You: Prospective students must ensure they meet the new financial criteria and are aware of the updated application processes. It’s crucial to prepare documentation meticulously to avoid delays or refusals.