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Article Summary
- UK student visa fees in 2026 include a GBP 524 application fee and an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of GBP 776 per year. For a one-year course, the total estimated cost is about GBP 1,300, including mandatory healthcare charges.
- The total UK student visa cost for Indian students depends on the course duration. A one-year master’s typically costs around GBP 1,300, while a two-year program with placement can reach about GBP 2,076 due to the yearly Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Priority services can speed up UK student visa processing beyond the standard three-week timeline. Students can choose a GBP 500 priority service for a five-day decision or a GBP 1,000 super priority service for the next working day result.
Many Indian students choose the UK for higher education because of its well-known universities and strong career opportunities. Once you receive an offer from a UK university, the next important step is applying for a UK student visa, which also involves paying certain visa fees and additional charges. Every year, more than 1 lakh students from India apply for a UK student visa. Because of the large number of applications, it is important to understand the visa fees and related costs before starting the process so you can plan your budget properly. In this guide, you’ll know about the UK student visa fee for 2026, along with other important charges and payment details to help you prepare for your visa application smoothly.
This Blog Includes:
- UK Student Visa Fee 2026: Overview
- UK Student Visa Application Fee (Outside UK)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 2026 Update
- Total UK Student Visa Cost for Indian Students
- Priority & Super Priority Visa Fees
- UK Student Dependent Visa Fees
- Additional Costs to Consider
- UK Student Visa Processing Time
- Refund Rules: When Do You Get Your Visa Fee Back?
- Comparison of UK Student Visa Fees vs USA & Canada
- FAQs
UK Student Visa Fee 2026: Overview
Along with submitting your documents, you also need to pay some required fees. These include the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The visa fee is paid to process your application, and the IHS allows you to use healthcare services in the UK while you are studying there.
According to the UK government, students applying for a visa from outside the UK need to pay a visa application fee of GBP 524. Along with this, students must also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of GBP 776 per year, depending on how long their course is. Applicants also have to visit a visa application centre for their biometric appointment as part of the process. Below are the main UK student visa fees for 2026 you should know about:
- Application Fee: GBP 524
- Immigration Health Surcharge (per year): GBP 776
- Biometric Fee: May vary depending on the visa application centre
- Total Estimated Cost (1-year course): around GBP 1,300
- Total Estimated Cost (2-year course): around GBP 2,000 to GBP 2,100
UK Student Visa Application Fee (Outside UK)
Students who apply for a UK student visa from outside the UK need to pay a fixed visa application fee. This fee is the same for most international students, including applicants from India. Below is a table showing the UK student visa application fees:
| Visa Type | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR) |
| Student Visa (Outside UK) | GBP 524 | INR 55,000 |
| Child Student Visa | GBP 524 | INR 55,000 |
| Short-term Study Visa (6–11 months) | GBP 214 | INR 22,000 |
Note: INR values are approximate and depend on the exchange rate at the time of payment.
Also Read: Top 10 Unique Courses to Study in the UK for Indian Students
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 2026 Update
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that international students need to pay when applying for a UK student visa. This fee allows students to use healthcare services under the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) while they are staying in the country. As of 2026, the IHS for students is GBP 776 per year. The total amount depends on how long your course and visa are. This fee is paid during the visa application process, and the full amount must be paid before you submit your application.
| Course Type | Duration | IHS Cost |
| Master’s Degree | 1 year | GBP 776 |
| Master’s with Placement | 2 years | GBP 1,552 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 3 years | GBP 2,328 |
Total UK Student Visa Cost for Indian Students
Knowing the total visa cost early helps students plan their budget before they move to the UK. For students who want to study in UK, visa fees and healthcare charges are part of the total expenses.
| Course Duration | Visa Fee | IHS | Total (GBP) | Total (INR) |
| 1-year Master’s | GBP 524 | GBP 776 | GBP 1,300 | INR 1.35 lakh |
| 2-year Master’s (with placement) | GBP 524 | GBP 1,552 | GBP 2,076 | INR 2.15 lakh |
| 3-year Undergraduate | GBP 524 | GBP 2,328 | GBP 2,852 | INR 3.0 lakh |
Priority & Super Priority Visa Fees
If you want to get your visa decision faster, you can choose priority visa services by paying an extra fee. These services help reduce the waiting time for your visa result. Below are the available priority visa options with their details:
| Service | Additional Fee | Processing Time |
| Standard Processing | Included in visa fee | 3 weeks |
| Priority Service | GBP 500 | 5 working days |
| Super Priority Service | GBP 1,000 | Next working day |
UK Student Dependent Visa Fees
Students who want to bring their family members to the UK must make sure that each dependent applies for a visa separately. The fees are similar to the main student visa charges. Each dependant must pay a visa application fee of GBP 524, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of GBP 776 per year.
| Applicant | Visa Fee | IHS | Total |
| Student | GBP 524 | GBP 776 | GBP 1,300 |
| Spouse | GBP 524 | GBP 776 | GBP 1,300 |
| Total Cost | GBP 2,600 |
Additional Costs to Consider
Apart from the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), students may also spend some money on other things during the visa process. These costs depend on the tests you need to take and the services you choose at the visa centre.
- TB Test (India): Students from India must take a tuberculosis test at a UK-approved clinic. The test usually costs around INR 2,500 to INR 3,500.
- IELTS or English Test: Many universities ask for an English language test. The IELTS exam fee in India is usually around INR 16,000 to INR 17,000.
- Document Translation: If your documents are not in English, they may need to be translated by a certified translator. This can cost around INR 1,000 to INR 3,000, depending on the document.
- VFS Service Charges: Visa application centres may charge extra for services like document checking, courier delivery, or premium lounge access. These charges can vary.
- Biometric Appointment Services: The biometric process is usually included, but choosing special appointment slots or extra services may cost additional money.
UK Student Visa Processing Time
The time it takes to get a UK student visa can change depending on the service you choose and the time when you apply. In most cases, students get their visa within a few weeks, but faster options are also available.
- Standard Processing: The normal processing time is usually about 3 weeks after your biometric appointment. Most students apply through this option.
- Priority Processing: If you want your visa result faster, you can choose the Priority service, which usually gives a decision in about 5 working days after the biometric appointment. This service costs extra.
- Peak Season Delays: During the busy months from June to September, many students apply for visas. Because of this, the processing time may take longer. Applying early can help avoid delays.
Also Read: Top Online MBA Programs in the UK 2026 for Global Students
Refund Rules: When Do You Get Your Visa Fee Back?
In some situations, students may be eligible for a refund after submitting their UK student visa application. However, the refund rules depend on the situation and the type of fee paid.
- If the Visa is Refused: If your visa application is refused, the visa application fee is usually not refunded. However, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you paid is normally refunded automatically.
- If the Application is Withdrawn: If you cancel or withdraw your application before a decision is made, the IHS amount is usually refunded. In most cases, the visa application fee is not returned once the application has been submitted.
Comparison of UK Student Visa Fees vs USA & Canada
The cost of a student visa is different in each country. Looking at these costs can help students understand the overall expenses before choosing where to study.
| Country | Visa Fee | Total Estimated Cost |
| UK | GBP 524 | GBP 1,300 for 1 year |
| USA | USD 185 | USD 1,200 – USD 2,000+ |
| Canada | CAD 150 | CAD 600 – CAD 1,200 |
FAQs
For a 2-year course in the UK, students usually pay the GBP 524 student visa application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of GBP 776 per year. For two years, the IHS is GBP 1,552, making the total cost around GBP 2,076.
The F-1 visa is the main student visa for international students studying full-time at US universities or colleges. The J-1 visa is an exchange visitor visa used for exchange programs, research scholars, or short-term academic training.
The UK can be moderately expensive for Indian students. Tuition fees and living costs are higher than in some countries, but shorter course durations, scholarships, and part-time work opportunities can help manage overall expenses.
If you receive a visa for a 2-year course, you can usually stay for the full duration of the course plus a few additional months after it ends. This extra time allows students to prepare for travel or apply for further visas.
The J-1 visa duration depends on the specific exchange program. Some programs last a few months, while research or academic programs can last up to 5 years, depending on the category and sponsor approval.
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This was all about the UK student visa fees and the total cost involved in the visa application process. We have covered the main expenses, including the visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and other additional costs that students may need to consider. Understanding these charges can help you plan your budget accordingly and avoid extra charges during the application process. With proper planning, applying for a UK student visa can become a much smoother experience.
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