How much does a UK student visa cost for Indian students in 2026?

Understanding the UK student visa fees 2026 for Indian students is essential when planning your study budget. Besides tuition and living expenses, applicants must pay the Student visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), both of which are mandatory for most international students applying to study in the UK.

What Are the UK Student Visa Fees for Indian Students in 2026?

Indian students applying for a UK Student visa from outside the UK must pay a Student visa application fee of £558. Based on the official UK Home Office visa fee schedule for India, this is approximately ₹72,545, although the exact amount may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate and payment processing date.

Key Costs

• Student visa application fee: £558 (approximately ₹72,545)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year of study
• Biometric enrolment: Usually included in the visa application process
• Additional costs: Tuberculosis (TB) test (if required), passport, document translations, and courier services may apply.

Types of Fees

Visa Application Fee

This is a one-time payment made when submitting the online Student visa application.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The IHS provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during the visa period and is paid as part of the visa application.

Why These Fees Matter

Knowing the complete visa cost helps students prepare an accurate financial plan and avoid delays caused by insufficient funds during the application process.

How to Budget

• Check the latest Home Office visa fees before applying.
• Calculate the IHS based on your course duration.
• Keep additional funds for mandatory supporting expenses.
• Pay all fees through the official UK government application portal.

Common Misconceptions

The visa application fee does not include the Immigration Health Surcharge, and both payments are generally required before the application can be processed.

Conclusion

For most Indian students applying in 2026, the UK Student visa cost includes a £558 visa application fee plus the applicable Immigration Health Surcharge, making it important to budget for all mandatory immigration expenses before submitting an application.