UK student guidance changes: Erasmus participation, course changes and the November maintenance transition

Several changes, with different legal effects

The Home Office updated its Student and Child Student guidance on 16 October 2026. Its change log covers Erasmus+ participation, course changes, evidence terminology and an accommodation-deposit offset linked to a maintenance increase from 30 November. The update date is not a universal commencement date for every item.

For an applicant studying in Georgia and considering a UK exchange, the first task is to identify the exact programme and sponsor. An exchange award, university admission and immigration permission answer different questions. Funding or academic acceptance does not by itself determine the appropriate visa conditions.

Erasmus participation must match the route

The current Appendix Student permits qualifying Erasmus+ participation at specified course levels with a participating sponsor. The caseworker guidance also explains part-time study for Erasmus participants and the activities and work conditions attached to the route. Applicants should check the relevant category rather than import the conditions of an ordinary full-time degree student.

A practical file should connect the exchange arrangement, receiving institution, course, dates and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. If one document describes a placement and another a taught course, resolve the discrepancy before applying. The legal classification of the activity can affect both permission and what work is allowed alongside it.

Plan around the financial rule that applies to the application

The guidance flags the 30 November 2026 maintenance transition. This is a reason to check the applicable Rules and commencement provisions at the time of filing, not to assume that a payment made in October permanently fixes the earlier requirement. The amount, qualifying evidence and permitted accommodation offset should be calculated together.

For example, paying a large private rental deposit is not necessarily equivalent to a qualifying accommodation payment to the sponsor. A receipt proves a payment occurred; it does not prove the payment can be deducted for immigration purposes. Obtain evidence showing who received it, what it covered and how the sponsor records it.

A new course may require a fresh immigration assessment

The update clarifies the condition concerning completion of a new course within existing permission, in line with ST 27.3, and distinguishes degree-level courses. The complete set of course-change conditions still matters. A university’s agreement to change enrolment should not be treated as confirmation that the existing visa permits every proposed course.

Before switching, compare the new level, sponsor, academic progression, remaining permission and work or placement arrangements. Request written confirmation from the institution’s immigration team and retain the relevant evidence. A short administrative delay in updating the academic record can become significant if the student begins an activity outside their conditions.

Documents and travel should be checked before departure

The guidance removes obsolete references to submitting or issuing Biometric Residence Permits. Applicants should follow current digital-status instructions and reconcile passport details with their UKVI account. Our analysis of the new identity glossary explains why a travel document and evidence of digital permission are not interchangeable.

• Confirm the programme, sponsor, course level and CAS details.
• Check the financial rules and transition applicable to the filing date.
• Verify any course change and work condition before starting the activity.
• Check digital status and travel documents separately from academic admission.

The guidance offers more detail for exchange students and institutions. Its practical benefit is greatest when the academic plan, immigration application and funding evidence describe the same activity and timetable.

Legal check date

Sources and law checked on 21 October 2026. Later developments are not reflected automatically. Application of the rules depends on the individual facts.