On September 3rd, the British Home Office published a new set of amendments to immigration rules (HC 584), two of which are of most direct relevance to international students, The financial proof threshold has been raised since November 30, 2026. , and adjust the Student, ChildStudent and Victor paths for Britain's return to Erasmus+ since 2027.

These two changes take effect at different times. The annual financial upgrade of the Student route will be 30 November Entry into force; Most HC 584 amendments, such as Erasmus+, will be made to 8 October Entry into force.

What is the financial needs of the Student visa?

The cost-of-living financial requirements of the British Student visa are in principle calculated on a monthly basis for a maximum of nine months. Under the new:

  • London area: from £1,529 to £1,570 per month
  • Non-London area: from £1,171 to £1,203 per month

For a full nine months, the maximum cost-of-living financial threshold would be:

  • LONDON: £14,130
  • Non-London: £10,827

These are the cost-of-living financial requirements. Does not include outstanding tuition fees, visa application fees and IHS 。 The British Government has stated that this increase is intended to bring the financial requirements of international students in line with the level of maintenance loan for British native students in the 2026/27 academic year, and will continue to be subject to annual review.

Delivery around 30 November, with different applicable amounts

The note by HC 584 makes it clear that the financial resources of the Student route were increased from 30 November 2026. In other words, Taiwan students who are preparing to travel to England at the end of the year or at the beginning of 2027 should pay particular attention to their actual date of delivery.

The same rules are synchronized to raise the maximum amount that can be used for accommodation etc. If the student has paid for the accommodation of the eligible Student Sponsor, the deduction and the amount of the deduction shall be determined in accordance with the Student route rules and case documents in force at the time.

Britain returns Erasmus+, Student and ChildStudent paths are also adjusted

The UK has entered into an arrangement with the EU for re-engagement in Erasmus+ in 2027. In line with the new system, HC 584 expands the migration routes available for some international student and short-term educational exchanges.

These include:

  • Erasmus+ course even Not leading to accreditation. It can still be done through the Student route sponsorship when it meets the conditions;
  • Some Erasmus+ courses can be as low as RQF Level 2；
  • The Erasmus+ work placement can provide more flexible arrangements than the Standard route;
  • British public schools with public schools and academy can receive Erasmus+Student or ChildStudent if they meet the conditions;
  • Victor Route also added Erasmus+ related short-term studies, training, job shadowing, skills committees and specific tripeship activities.

According to the British Government, these amendments in themselves provide flexibility under the existing visa and sponsorship structures and do not create an entirely new "Erasmus visa".

Implications for Taiwanese students and families

The most important thing for Taiwan students who apply to English universities is to prepare them first. November 30th. 。 If an application is expected to be made for admission in January, spring or after 2027, funding should be planned directly in new amounts rather than following the current £1,529/£1,171 standard.

As for the Erasmus+ revision, in the short term it is more likely that students involved in European exchanges, cross-school education activities, internships or international secondary school exchanges will be affected. With the official return of the UK to Erasmus+ in 2027, short-term mobility options between British universities, secondary schools and educational institutions and European partners are expected to increase in the future.

However, what kind of visa or Visitor arrangement is actually available still depends on the length of the course, the nature of the activity, age, school sponsor licence and individual Erasmus+ projects. Students should not simply see "Erasmus+ Relax" as assuming that all exchange events are free of Studen visa.