UK Student Visa Cost Breakdown (2026 Official Fees & Maintenance)
Comprehensive calculator for application fees, IHS health surcharge, and maintenance funds
£1,654 - £2,300 (Government & Testing Fees for 1-year MSc) + Living Maintenance Proof
A full transparent breakdown of government application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), biometrics, tuberculosis screening, and mandatory 28-day living maintenance bank funds required for a UK Student Visa.
Itemized Fee & Expense Schedule
| Expense Item | Amount | Payee | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Office Visa Application Fee | £490 | UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | Yes | Standard fee per applicant applying from inside or outside the UK. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year (e.g. £1,164 for 1-year Master’s visa) | UKVI / NHS | Yes | Discounted student rate granting complete access to NHS medical treatment. |
| University CAS Deposit | £1,000 - £4,000 (Varies by University) | Sponsoring University | Yes | Deducted directly from your first-year tuition fee balance. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Test | £60 - £150 | Approved IOM Clinic | Yes | Mandatory if residing in a listed TB screening nation for 6+ months. |
| SELT English Language Exam (IELTS for UKVI / PTE) | £180 - £220 | Approved Test Provider | Optional | Waived if University accepts previous degree or school qualifications. |
| Biometrics Submission Appointment | Free standard slots (or £75 - £250 for premium lounge) | VFS Global / TLScontact | Yes | Basic appointments are included in application fee. |
Living Maintenance & Bank Statement Funds
£1,483/month in London (max £13,347) OR £1,136/month outside London (max £10,224) for up to 9 months.
£845/month per eligible dependant in London OR £680/month outside London (PhD researchers only).
Rule: Funds must be held continuously for at least 28 consecutive days ending no earlier than 31 days before application submission.
Smart Money-Saving Tips for Applicants
- Pay your university tuition deposit early so the remaining maintenance calculation is reduced on your official CAS.
- Book standard free biometric appointment slots rather than premium lounge appointments.
- Maintain an extra 10% currency buffer in foreign bank accounts to prevent exchange rate fluctuations breaching the minimum threshold.
Official Statutory References & Guidance
All requirements, salary floors, maintenance rates, and eligibility criteria on this page are cross-checked against official UK Government legislation, Immigration Rules, and regulatory guidance:
- GOV.UK — Student Visa Fees Guidance
Official statutory fee regulation.
- GOV.UK — Immigration Health Surcharge Calculation
Official statutory fee regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, authoritative answers to common immigration, visa, and relocation questions.
The IHS fee must be paid online during the initial visa application submission process before booking your biometrics appointment.
Real Immigrant Experiences
Moderated, firsthand insights from immigrants who completed this pathway:
Global Talent Visa (Tech Nation / Exceptional Promise) Endorsement & Stage 2
Applied under Tech Nation exceptional promise route with 3 reference letters from AI founders, GitHub open-source contributions, and media features. Stage 1 endorsement came in 18 days, Stage 2 UKVI clearance took only 2 weeks without needing a sponsor employer.
NHS Registered Nurse Relocation to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Secured NHS Band 5 registered nurse sponsorship through international recruitment. The Health & Care Worker route has reduced visa fees and exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
Spouse Visa (Appendix FM) Journey: Meeting Financial Requirements & Relationship Evidence
Applied from Pakistan to join my British citizen husband in Birmingham. We prepared over 80 pages of combined relationship evidence (chat logs, wedding photos, tenancy agreement in UK, 6 months payslips and bank statements). Decision took 12 weeks standard.
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