The Mandatory Maintenance Requirement: Key Compliance Rules
28-Day Rule: The total amount required (tuition fee plus maintenance funds) must be held in a bank account for a continuous period of at least 28 days before the date the visa application is submitted.
Currency Conversion: If the funds are held in a currency other than GBP, the UKVI will use the official OANDA exchange rate on the date of the online application.
Source of Funds: The funds must be readily available (not in investments or cryptocurrency) and generally in the student or their parent’s names.
NHS Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and the Mandatory Maintenance Requirement
If your visa is longer than six months, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your student visa application.
This gives students full access to the UK’s National Health Service (GP visits and hospital care are free). However, students must pay for certain services on the same fixed basis as UK citizens (i.e. prescriptions and routine dental care).
Current rate: £776 per year (subject to change)
For a three-year undergraduate course: approximately £2328
The IHS must be paid by all international students, regardless of whether you also hold private health insurance.
International applicants must also meet the Mandatory Maintenance Requirement. This means proving that you hold enough funds to cover tuition and living expenses for 9 months.
As of 11th November 2025, the required funds are £1,529 (inside London- £13,761 for 9 months) and £1,171 (outside London- £10,539 for 9 months).
Top Tips
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-Visa regulations move quickly. Always double-check current rates on the UK government website, or with your university’s international office before applying.
-While access to the NHS is included through the Immigration Health Surcharge, some international students also choose to take out private health insurance to supplement their care. This can offer faster access to certain services and greater flexibility in choosing providers.
More About Studying at UK Universities
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