UK Student Visa Fees in 2026
Understanding visa costs is one of the most critical steps for any international student planning to study in the UK. Even small changes can significantly impact your overall budget, especially for multi-year courses. Here’s a detailed, professional breakdown based on official updates and verified sources.
Student Visa Fee (Application Fee)
- In 2025, the UK student visa application fee was £524.
- From April 2026, the fee has been officially increased to £558, reflecting a £34 rise.
- This change is confirmed by the UK Home Office under the latest Immigration and Nationality Fee Regulations.
- While the increase may seem modest, it is part of the UK’s steady upward adjustment of immigration costs.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- The IHS is a mandatory fee required for all international students applying for a UK visa.
- For 2025, the IHS was £776 per year.
- As of 2026, there is no official change to the student IHS, meaning it remains £776 per year.
- Because this fee is paid for the entire duration of your course, it remains the largest component of visa-related costs.
Total Cost Implications
- The visa application fee is a one-time payment.
- The IHS is calculated based on the number of years of your course and paid upfront.
- For example, a 3-year program would require paying the IHS for all three years at the confirmed rate of £776 per year.
- This makes careful financial planning essential, as even minor changes in the visa fee or health surcharge can add significantly to your total expenses.
Recommended Planning Strategy
- Always budget based on £558 for the visa fee and £776 per year for IHS.
- Include a financial buffer for any future updates or unexpected changes.
- Verify costs directly from official UK government sources before submitting any visa application.