UK Immigration Health Surcharge for students: how much you pay

What the Immigration Health Surcharge is

Students who apply for a UK Student visa usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, often called the IHS or the healthcare surcharge. This guide uses one source: the GOV.UK page on how much you pay for the healthcare surcharge. It explains the amount and how the length of your visa changes it. It cannot tell you whether a visa will be granted.

The surcharge is a separate cost from tuition and from the living funds you show for the visa. It is paid at the visa stage, so ask your lender and the visa application when the payment falls due. Plan for it as its own line in the family budget.

How much students pay

GOV.UK says students pay GBP 776 per year. The page gives the same GBP 776 per year for students, their dependants and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders. For whole years, you multiply the annual rate by the length of your visa. The page gives the example of GBP 1,552 for a 2 year visa.

At Rs 126.99 for one pound on 23 October 2026, GBP 776 is about Rs 0.99 lakh, and GBP 1,552 is about Rs 1.97 lakh. So for most students the surcharge falls somewhere between about Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, depending on visa length. Rates will move, and your bank may use a different rate when you pay.

How the length of your visa changes the amount

The amount depends on how long your visa is, not only on how long your course is. GOV.UK sets out these rules. For a course of 6 months or less, applicants outside the UK pay nothing. For more than 6 months but under one year, you pay the full yearly cost. For a visa of more than one year and up to 18 months, you pay the yearly cost plus half of it. For more than 18 months but under 2 years, you pay 2 full years.

This matters for a one year master's. If your visa is more than 6 months but under one year, you pay the full GBP 776 under this page. Check the exact length of the visa you will be given, then apply the rule above. If you are unsure, read the GOV.UK page for your own dates.

Paying on time and what happens if you underpay

If you underpay or do not pay, UK Visas and Immigration emails you payment instructions. If you are outside the UK, you have 7 working days to pay. The application will be turned down if you do not pay the full amount in time. Keep money ready and watch your email closely after you apply.

The page we checked does not say exactly when the first payment is due. Read the Paying the healthcare surcharge page on GOV.UK and follow the steps in your visa application. Other visa stage costs are listed on the GOV.UK Student visa pages. Our UK data shows a visa fee of GBP 558, and some master's level courses may need an ATAS certificate, so check both on GOV.UK. The UK guide lists these items with official links.

Budgeting for the surcharge and your loan

Ask your lender in writing whether it can finance the surcharge. Until it confirms, budget it as family money. Many costs at the visa stage are paid before the loan is released, so the family often carries them first. Our guide to margin money explains how the family share of the cost works.

When you send money abroad, tax collected at source can apply in some cases. Our TCS guide explains the rules. Then add the surcharge to your total cost and test the loan you will actually take in the calculator, so you see the EMI before you accept an offer.

The health surcharge in short

Students pay GBP 776 per year, about Rs 0.99 lakh, and GBP 1,552 for a 2 year visa, about Rs 1.97 lakh, at the 23 October 2026 rate. A visa of more than 6 months but under one year pays the full yearly amount. Pay the full amount on time, or the application will be turned down. Confirm the current amount on GOV.UK before you act. This is general information, not financial advice.

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