Costs Involved

1. Student Visa Application Fee

(Fees reviewed approximately every 6 months)

• Applying from outside the UK: £524
• Extending or switching from inside the UK: £524
• Priority and Super Priority Services are available for an extra fee:
  • Priority service: around £500 extra
  • Super-priority service: around £1,000 extra (costs vary by location)

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — also referred to as the NHS health insurance fee — is a mandatory payment made along with your visa application. It allows you to access National Health Service (NHS) care in the UK, similar to local residents.

• For students and their dependants: £776 per year
• For partial years (up to 6 months beyond a full year): £388
• For multi-year visas, the total is calculated pro rata based on the full visa term (rounded to the nearest 6 months)
• The surcharge gives access to most NHS services (such as hospital treatment and GP visits), but you may still pay small charges for prescriptions, dental, or optical care
• The rates were updated in February 2024 under the latest UK immigration health policy

Example Cost Calculations

Example 1: 1-Year Course

• Visa Fee: £524
• IHS: £776
• Total: £1,300

Example 2: 17-Month Course (1 year + 5 months)

• Visa Fee: £524
• IHS: £776 (for 12 months) + £388 (for the additional 5 months)
• Total: £1,164

Eligibility Requirements

How to Apply for a UK Student Visa

To qualify for a UK Student Visa, applicants must meet the following key requirements:

1. Course Enrolment: You must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by a licensed Student Sponsor — typically a recognized higher education institution in the UK. The CAS confirms your official offer of admission and is required for your visa application.
2. Health Insurance (IHS): You are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This provides you access to the UK National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your stay, similar to a health insurance plan for international students.
3. Genuine Student Requirement: You must demonstrate that you are a genuine student who intends to study in the UK temporarily and return home after completing your studies. This may be assessed through your academic background, study plans, and financial evidence.
4. Proof of Financial Capacity: You need to show sufficient funds to cover both your tuition fees and living expenses for at least the first year of study.
   • Tuition fees: Typically around £14,000 (depending on your course and university)
   • Living costs:
     • Studying in London: £1,334 per month (up to £12,006 for 9 months)
     • Studying outside London: £1,023 per month (up to £9,207 for 9 months)

   These figures are reviewed annually by the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration).

5. English Language Proficiency: Most universities require proof of English ability. The minimum requirement is usually:
   • IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
   • Equivalent scores in PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English tests
6. Tuberculosis (TB) Test: Applicants from certain countries must undergo a UKVI-approved tuberculosis (TB) test if applying for a visa longer than 6 months.
   • The test must be done only at a UK-approved clinic
   • You’ll receive a medical certificate, valid for 6 months, which must be included in your visa application

The Process is Simple with the Right Guidance

1. Choose Your Course and Institution: Explore programs and destinations that suit your goals.
2. Check Entry Requirements: Ensure you meet academic and English proficiency requirements.
3. Apply for the Program: Submit your application and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
4. Pay Initial Fees: Cover your course deposit, visa fee, and health insurance.
5. Apply for Your Student Visa: Submit your application online through the Department of Home Office (UKVI).
6. Wait for Approval: Once your visa is granted, you’re ready to pack your bags and start your United Kingdom.

Student Visa Financial Requirements (2025)

1. Tuition Fees: You must show you have enough money to pay for your first year’s tuition fees (or the full course if it’s less than a year).
   • Example: If your tuition fee is £15,000 per year and you’ve paid £5,000, you need to show £10,000 remaining.
   • The amount should match what’s written in your CAS.
2. Living Costs (Maintenance Funds): You must also show funds for living expenses, depending on where you will study:

   Location	Monthly Amount	Maximum (9 months)
   London	£1,334 per month	£12,006
   Outside London	£1,023 per month	£9,207

   “London” means any university or campus within the 32 London boroughs or the City of London.

3. Dependants (if applicable): If your partner or child is joining you:
   • In London → £845 per month (for up to 9 months = £7,605)
   • Outside London → £680 per month (for up to 9 months = £6,120)
4. How to Show the Funds: You can prove financial ability using:
   • Personal bank statements (in your name or your parent/guardian’s name)
   • Student loans from an official financial institution
   • Official sponsorships or scholarships

   Funds must be:

   • Held for at least 28 consecutive days before your visa application date.
   • The closing balance must be within 31 days of your application.
5. Exemptions: You don’t need to show financial proof if:
   • You’ve had a valid UK visa for 12 months or more
   • You’re applying as a “low-risk” national (e.g., from certain countries) — you’ll still need to have the money available, but you may not be asked to submit documents.

Example

A student studying in Manchester (outside London) with:

• Tuition fee: £14,000
• Paid deposit: £4,000
• Needs: £10,000 (fees) + £9,207 (living costs) = £19,207 total in their account for 28 days.