UK Student Visa Rules for 2027: What's Changed for Indian Students

The key numbers at a glance

Rupee amounts use the ECB reference rate of 11 Nov 2026 (£1 = ₹124.67) and are rounded.

1. You need more money from 30 November 2026

For applications made on or after 30 November 2026, the living-cost requirement rises to £1,570 a month in London and £1,203 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months. Before that date it is £1,529 and £1,171. The change comes from the Statement of Changes HC 584.

London means the City of London and the 32 London boroughs, and what counts is where you study, not where you live. You must also show any unpaid first-year tuition shown on your CAS. Our bank-balance guide explains the 28-day rule and whose money you can use.

2. The Graduate Route drops to 18 months

If you apply for the Graduate visa on or after 1 January 2027, you get 18 months after a bachelor's or master's degree — down from two years. PhD graduates still get three years. The date of your Graduate application is what counts, not when your course started.

In practice everyone starting a UK course now falls under the 18-month rule, so plan internships and the switch to a Skilled Worker job from your first term.

3. Universities are under stricter Home Office checks

From 1 June 2026, universities must keep their students' visa refusal rate under 5% (it was 10%) and enrolment at 95% or more to keep their licence in good standing. The Home Office now rates every university Red, Amber or Green on these measures, and Amber or Red universities can have their CAS numbers capped or cut.

That's why many universities now run credibility interviews, check documents more closely, ask for bigger deposits and set earlier deadlines. A strong, honest application matters more than ever.

4. Family can come only with research degrees

Taught master's students cannot bring a partner or children. Dependants are allowed only for students on a PhD, another doctorate or a research-based master's of nine months or longer, or students with full government sponsorship.

5. Other things that are now standard

• ·eVisa: you get a digital eVisa through a free UKVI account — physical BRP cards are no longer issued.
• ·TB test: required for Indian applicants staying six months or more, at a UKVI-approved clinic. In Kerala these are KIMS Health, Thiruvananthapuram and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi.
• ·Work: up to 20 hours a week in term time at degree level, full-time in official vacations.
• ·Faster decisions: priority (£500, usually 5 working days) and super priority (£1,000, usually next working day) — only if offered when you apply.
• ·Apply up to 6 months before your course starts.

What to do now if you're aiming for 2027

• ·Budget with the new funds figure, not the old one.
• ·Start the money in the bank early so it is held for 28 full days before you apply.
• ·Prepare for a credibility interview: know why this course, this university and this career plan.
• ·Plan your post-study job search for an 18-month window.
• ·Use only certified, accredited consultants — universities using agents must now follow the UK Agent Quality Framework.