Indian students applying for a UK Student visa are generally required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. For those researching the NHS surcharge for Indian students UK 2025, the amount is calculated according to the total visa length rather than only the duration of the academic course.
What Is the NHS Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a mandatory healthcare fee paid during the UK visa application process. It allows eligible visa holders to access National Health Service (NHS) healthcare during their stay in the UK.
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For Student visa applicants, the NHS surcharge rate is £776 per year. This discounted student rate also generally applies to eligible student dependants.
The fee is calculated based on the total visa duration, including any additional months granted before or after the course period.
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Example NHS Surcharge Costs
| Visa Duration | Approximate IHS Cost |
| 1 year | £776 |
| Up to 18 months | £1,164 |
| 2 years | £1,552 |
| 3 years | £2,328 |
These examples are estimates and may vary depending on the final visa length granted.
What Does the NHS Surcharge Cover?
The surcharge generally provides access to:
- GP appointments
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency healthcare services
- NHS care available to eligible UK residents
What Is Not Fully Covered?
Students may still need to pay for:
- Prescription charges in certain parts of the UK
- Dental treatment
- Eye tests and optical services
Important Points for Indian Students
- The IHS must be paid before the Student visa application can be processed.
- It is separate from the visa application fee.
- The amount is calculated automatically during the online visa application process.
Conclusion
For most Indian students applying for a UK Student visa in 2025, the NHS surcharge is £776 per year. However, the total amount payable depends on the full visa duration, including any additional months added by UK immigration rules.


