1. Introduction: What is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa (formerly known as Tier 4) allows international students to study in the UK for longer than six months. To apply, students must pay a visa application fee and may also need to cover additional costs, such as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This guide explains the UK Student Visa fee structure and other costs to help you budget for your studies in the UK.
2. UK Student Visa Application Fee
As of 2024, the standard UK Student Visa fees are:
- £363 if you are applying from outside the UK.
- £490 if you are applying from within the UK to extend or switch to a Student Visa.
The fee is the same for each dependent who will join you in the UK (such as a spouse or child).
3. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
In addition to the visa application fee, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. The IHS is:
- £624 per year for each year of your visa (e.g., £1,872 for a three-year course).
- Payable for each dependent joining you in the UK.
The IHS is usually calculated and paid upfront when submitting the visa application.
4. UK Student Visa Costs Summary
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa Application (Outside UK) | £363 |
| Visa Application (Inside UK) | £490 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £624 per year |
5. Additional Costs Related to the UK Student Visa
Other costs to consider include:
- Biometrics Appointment: The cost of submitting your fingerprints and photo can vary by country and is often included if you apply at a visa application center.
- Priority or Super Priority Processing: If you need faster processing, priority service costs around £500 and super priority around £800. Availability depends on the application location.
- Translation of Documents: Any non-English documents require certified translations, which may cost between £20-£50 per document.
- English Language Test (IELTS or equivalent): The cost is typically £180-£210 for most test centers.
6. UK Student Visa Processing Time
Standard processing times are:
- 3 weeks for applications submitted from outside the UK.
- 8 weeks for applications submitted from within the UK.
7. Payment and Refund Policy
- Payment Method: Most payments can be made online through credit or debit card during the application process.
- Refund Policy: Generally, visa fees are non-refundable if the visa is refused or if you withdraw the application after submission.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a refund if my visa is refused? No, visa application fees and IHS payments are typically non-refundable if your application is denied.
- Do dependents have to pay the full visa fee and IHS? Yes, each dependent must pay the full visa fee and IHS applicable to their visa length.
- What if my course is longer than a year? You will pay the IHS for the full duration of your course, calculated annually.
9. Conclusion
Applying for a UK Student Visa involves multiple fees, including the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge. Understanding these costs in advance will help you budget effectively and ensure you meet all requirements to study in the UK. By following this guide, you can approach the UK Student Visa application process confidently and get ready to start your studies.