Changes to UK Student and Graduate Visa Rules
11/12/20252 min read
In this article, we summarise the key updates announced by the UK Home Office in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules published on 14 October 2025. These changes particularly affect Student Route and Graduate Route visa applications and will come into effect between late 2025 and early 2027.
At Metropol Visa, we’re here to help you prepare your application accurately and confidently under the new rules.
New Financial Requirements for Student Visas (from 11 November 2025)
Starting from 11 November 2025, the UK has increased the maintenance requirement — the amount of money students must show to prove they can support themselves while studying.
The new rates are as follows:
Students studying in London: £1,529 per month (for up to 9 months)
Students studying outside London: £1,171 per month (for up to 9 months)
Additionally, the maximum amount that can be deducted for pre-paid accommodation has been updated to £1,529.
This change reflects the rising cost of living in the UK and means students will need to demonstrate a higher level of financial readiness when applying.
At Metropol Visa, we help you prepare the right financial evidence and eliminate the risk of visa refusal due to documentation errors.
Graduate Visa Duration Reduced (from January 2027)
From 2027 onwards, the duration of stay permitted under the Graduate Route will change.
This will apply only to applications submitted in 2027 and beyond.
The new rules specify that:
Undergraduate and Master’s graduates will have their post-study stay reduced from 2 years to 18 months.
PhD graduates will continue to receive 3 years of stay.
This update was first outlined in the Migration White Paper published in May 2025 and is now being implemented.
Applications submitted before 1 January 2027 will continue to benefit from the previous terms.
For students graduating in 2026, applying early for the Graduate Route could be advantageous — contact Metropol Visa to plan your timing strategically.
What This Means for Students
These updates send two key messages to international students planning to study in the UK:
Financial planning is now more critical than ever.
The new maintenance threshold means students — especially those heading to London — will need to reassess their budgets.Timing is everything for career planning.
With a shorter post-study work period, graduates must take a more strategic approach to securing employment or transitioning to a sponsored visa.
Professional Support from MetropolVisa
UK immigration regulations change frequently, and even a small oversight can impact your application outcome.
At Metropol Visa, we offer expert support in:
Preparing compliant financial documentation for Student Visa applications,
Developing a Graduate Route timeline and strategy,
Ensuring all documents meet current Home Office standards.
Plan your UK education and career with confidence — contact Metropol Visa today.
