Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students around the world, but understanding visa costs is one of the most important early steps before applying. This guide breaks down exact fees, add-ons, healthcare charges, and how much you’ll actually pay.
We use official UK government sources (GOV.UK) where possible and explain everything clearly.
1. Visa Application Fee (Main Cost)
Standard Student Visa Fee (2025-2026)
| Application Type | Fee in GBP (£) |
|---|---|
| Student visa (outside UK) | £524 |
| Student visa (inside UK extension/switch) | £524 |
| Child Student visa | £524 |
| Short-Term Study visa (English up to 11 months) | £214 |
These fees are fixed until at least July 2025 and are the latest official amounts from GOV.UK.
This is the core cost you pay to the UK Home Office to process your visa application.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) NHS Access Fee
What it is:
All students applying for a visa longer than 6 months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) so you can use the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while you’re in the UK.
How much you pay (2026)
The standard IHS (official) is:
- £776 per year of your visa, including any extra months added for post-study wrap-up.
Example Calculations:
| Program Length | IHS Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-year degree | £776 |
| 2-year degree | £1,552 |
| 3-year degree | £2,328 |
Your visa often includes extra time (e.g., 4 months after your course), so the final surcharge is based on the full visa length rather than just the course duration.
You must pay the IHS before submitting your visa application.
3. Optional Priority & Super Priority Services
If you want a faster decision:
| Service | Approx Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Priority Visa Processing | ~£500 |
| Super Priority Visa (Next business day) | ~£1,000 |
These are optional upgrades and not included in the standard fee. You only pay them if you choose faster processing.
4. Other Possible Costs
Aside from the main fees above, you might need to budget for:
Biometric Appointment
Eligible applicants must attend a biometric appointment to give fingerprints/photograph.
- Fees vary (often included or charged at the application centre)
- Typical cost ~£19–£80 depending where you apply
Documentation & Visa Centre Charges
Visa Appointment Centres (like VFS Global) may charge:
- Service fees
- Courier return charges
- SMS updates (optional)
These are separate from UKVI fees and vary by country.
5. Real-World Budget Example
Here’s how the total might look for a 2-year Master’s student applying from outside the UK:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Student visa application | £524 |
| IHS (2 years) | £1,552 |
| Priority service (if chosen) | +£500 |
| Visa centre charges (approx) | +£50–£150 |
| Total Estimated | £2,626–£2,726+ |
This is a realistic budgeting figure and may vary slightly by country, exchange rate, and optional upgrades.
Tips for Budgeting & Planning
1. IHS is per year and mandatory.
Even if your course is 9 months, your visa may be issued longer (e.g., extra 4 months). Always calculate IHS based on actual visa length.
2. Pay all fees before final submission.
Missing IHS payment is a common reason applications get delayed or refused.
3. Don’t overpay agents.
Most students can complete the application themselves online, agents often add large service fees.
4. Always confirm the latest fees on GOV.UK before you pay.
Fees can change with new Home Office updates.
