UK January 2027 Intake: The New Funds Rule From 30 November and the 18-Month Graduate Route

If your UK course starts in January 2027, two dates matter. For Student visa applications made on or after 30 November 2026, the money you must show rises to GBP 1,570 a month for London courses and GBP 1,203 a month outside London, for up to 9 months. For Graduate visa applications made on or after 1 January 2027, the Graduate Route lasts 18 months instead of 2 years. This guide covers the figures, the 28-day bank-balance rule, CAS timing and what the changes mean for a student applying from India.

The New Funds Rule From 30 November 2026

Statement of Changes HC 584, published on 3 September 2026, raises the monthly maintenance figures in Appendix Student, and raises the accommodation deposit offset to GBP 1,570. Its explanatory memorandum says the figures are aligned with the 2026/27 maintenance loans for home students.

"London" means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs. These totals are the living-cost part only, on top of any outstanding course fees shown on your CAS. A course shorter than 9 months needs funds for each month of the course, with part of a month rounded up. If you have paid an accommodation deposit to the university for housing it arranged, up to GBP 1,570 of it (GBP 1,529 before 30 November) can be offset against the requirement.

Dependants, where allowed, need GBP 845 a month (London) or GBP 680 a month (outside London) for up to 9 months, according to gov.uk. HC 584 changes only the student's own figures and the offset. We have not converted these amounts into INR, because the Home Office converts funds held in rupees into pounds at the oanda.com rate on your application date. Keep a buffer for rupee movement.

Should You Apply Before 30 November?

Only if the application is complete. A saving of GBP 369 or GBP 288 is not worth an incomplete file. To submit before 30 November you need a CAS, the money already in the account for 28 days, and your other documents ready. If any of these is missing, budget for the new figure. These are the official timing rules:

For a mid-January start, our suggestion, not an official deadline, is to submit by early December, which leaves room for the usual 3 weeks and travel.

The 28-Day Bank-Balance Rule

gov.uk gives this example: if you apply on 1 January, you must show the funds were in your account for at least the 28-day period ending on 1 December. Appendix Finance adds that the most recent financial evidence must be dated within 31 days before your application.

• The account must be in your name, or in a parent's or legal guardian's name with proof of the relationship and their written consent.
• Overdrafts do not count, and funds must be accessible immediately. Confirm with your bank before relying on a deposit.
• If your balance on the decision date falls substantially below the required level, you must show the money was spent on tuition, an accommodation deposit or other course costs.
• A government or regulated student loan, or an official financial sponsor, can replace cash. The loan letter must be dated within 6 months of the application.
• India is not on gov.uk's list of countries whose applicants do not need to prove funds, so expect to submit this evidence.

Fee, English and TB Test

The Student visa fee is GBP 558 from outside the UK, plus the student Immigration Health Surcharge of GBP 776 per year. Permission for a course of 12 months or longer normally runs from up to 1 month before the course to 4 months after it. That puts a standard 12-month master's in the band of more than one year and up to 18 months, where gov.uk charges one and a half times the yearly rate. By our arithmetic that is GBP 1,164, but your exact amount appears when you apply.

For degree-level courses you need English equivalent to CEFR B2, and your university may assess this itself. Otherwise you need an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI. gov.uk requires a tuberculosis test certificate if you are coming for 6 months or more and have lived in a listed country for 6 months or more. India is on that list. Some master's subjects also need an ATAS certificate.

The 18-Month Graduate Route

The Graduate visa lasts 2 years for applications made on or before 31 December 2026 and 18 months for applications on or after 1 January 2027. Doctoral graduates get 3 years. A Graduate application can only follow your provider confirming that you completed the course, so every January 2027 starter falls under the 18-month rule.

The application fee is GBP 937. You must be in the UK when you apply, and your university must be a licensed sponsor with a "track record of compliance", shown on the register as "Student Sponsor - Track Record". Check this before paying a deposit. You must have studied in the UK for the full course if it is 12 months or less, or at least 12 months of a longer course. You cannot extend a Graduate visa, but you can switch, for example to a Skilled Worker visa.

For a Skilled Worker switch, gov.uk shows a general salary of GBP 41,700 or the going rate. A discount to 70% of the going rate, with a floor of GBP 33,400, applies to people on or recently on a Graduate visa, and total stay on that discount cannot exceed 4 years including Graduate time. B2 English is needed when you switch. In our view, 18 months leaves six fewer months than the old rule to find a sponsor, so start looking in your first term. See our Graduate Route page and Skilled Worker page.

Dependants and Settlement

You can bring a partner and children only if you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months, or a full-time postgraduate student whose course, if it starts on or after 1 January 2024, is a PhD or a research-based higher degree. A one-year taught master's does not qualify. Graduate visa dependants must already be in the UK as dependants on your Student visa, or be born there during your stay.

The earned settlement model confirmed on 2 November 2026 does not count Student or Graduate time towards ILR, so your settlement clock starts only when you move onto a route that counts. Read our guide to the 10-year ILR rule and compare other destinations in Best Countries for Indian Students.

Checklist for a November to January Applicant From India

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the UK Student visa funds from 30 November 2026?

GBP 1,570 a month for courses in London and GBP 1,203 a month for courses outside London, for up to 9 months, plus any outstanding course fees stated on your CAS. Before 30 November 2026 the figures are GBP 1,529 and GBP 1,171.

Which date counts, my application date or my course start date?

The application date. Statement of Changes HC 584 says applications made before 30 November 2026 are decided under the rules in force on 29 November 2026. Applications made on or after 30 November use the new figures.

How long must the money be in my account?

At least 28 days in a row. The end date of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of your application date, and the most recent statement must be dated within 31 days before you apply.

How long is the Graduate visa for a January 2027 intake student?

18 months, or 3 years for a PhD or other doctorate. A Graduate application can only follow confirmation that you completed the course, so it cannot be made before 1 January 2027. The 2-year length applies only to applications made on or before 31 December 2026.

Can I bring my spouse on a one-year taught master's?

No. Dependants are allowed only for government-sponsored students on courses longer than 6 months and for PhD or research-based higher degree students on courses starting on or after 1 January 2024.

What are the Student visa fee and health surcharge?

The fee is GBP 558 when applying from outside the UK. The Immigration Health Surcharge for students is GBP 776 per year, with the total set by the length of the visa you are granted. Your exact amount is shown when you apply.

Can I use my parents' bank account?

Yes, if the account is in the name of a parent or legal guardian. You must provide proof of the relationship and their written consent to use the funds. A government student loan or an official financial sponsor can also meet the requirement.