How Much Does the UK Student Visa Cost in 2026?
The UK Student Visa — formerly known as the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa — is the mandatory immigration permission required for most international students wishing to study at a UK university for longer than 6 months. As of 8 April 2026, the Home Office increased the visa application fee. Below is the complete cost breakdown every applicant needs to know.
The Complete Cost Breakdown
1. Visa Application Fee: £558
The main Student Visa application fee is £558 for applications made outside the United Kingdom. This fee was raised from £490 on 8 April 2026 as part of the government's wider immigration fee review.
If you are already in the UK and extending or switching to a Student Visa from within the country, the fee is the same: £558 (previously £490 pre-April 2026).
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) gives you access to NHS healthcare during your time in the UK. It is calculated per year of your visa, so the longer your course, the higher the total.
- 1-year master's course: £776
- 2-year master's course: £1,552
- 3-year undergraduate degree: £2,328
- 4-year undergraduate degree (with placement year): £3,104
The IHS must be paid in full at the time of your visa application. It is not refundable if you leave the UK early, though you may be able to reclaim a portion in some circumstances.
3. Biometric Enrolment Fee: £19.20
If you are applying from outside the UK, you will need to attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometrics). The enrolment fee is £19.20 and is paid at the VAC. This is separate from any service charge the VAC itself may levy for appointment booking or document handling.
4. Priority and Super Priority Service
Standard UK Student Visa processing takes approximately 3 weeks (15 working days) for applications made outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks for applications made from within the UK.
If you need a faster decision, two premium services are available:
- Priority service: +£500 — decision within 5 working days (availability varies by country)
- Super Priority service: Higher fee — decision the next working day (not available in all countries)
Total Cost Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £558 |
| IHS (1-year master's) | £776 |
| IHS (3-year UG degree) | £2,328 |
| Biometric enrolment | £19.20 |
| Priority service (optional) | +£500 |
| Typical 1-year master's total | ~£1,353 |
| Typical 3-year UG total | ~£2,905 |
What Is a CAS Letter and How Do You Get One?
Before you can apply for your Student Visa, your UK university must issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This is a unique reference number — not a physical letter — that your university submits to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on your behalf.
Your CAS number contains key details: your course name, course start and end dates, your tuition fees, and your university's Sponsor Licence number. You will need this reference to complete your visa application online.
Universities typically issue CAS numbers approximately 6–12 weeks before your course start date. You cannot apply for your visa until you have received your CAS, so it is important not to leave things too late.
What Documents Do You Need?
In addition to your CAS number, your Student Visa application will require:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months remaining beyond your course end date)
- Proof of financial requirements (bank statements showing £1,334/month for London or £1,023/month elsewhere)
- Academic qualifications (degree certificates, transcripts)
- English language proof (IELTS, PTE, or MOI letter from your previous institution)
- ATAS certificate (if studying certain science, engineering, or technology subjects)
- TB test result (if applying from certain countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana)
- Parental consent letter (if under 18)
The Application Timeline
Here is a recommended timeline working backwards from a September 2026 course start:
- March–April 2026: Apply to universities and receive offers
- May–June 2026: Accept your offer; university begins CAS process
- July 2026: Receive CAS number from university
- July 2026: Gather all financial documents and language certificates
- Late July – early August 2026: Submit visa application online; book biometrics appointment
- August 2026: Visa decision received (standard 3-week processing)
- September 2026: Enrol and begin your studies
What Gangal Handles for Free
At Gangal Education, we support international students through every stage of the process at no cost to you. We help you:
- Choose the right university and course for your qualifications and budget
- Submit a strong application to secure your CAS as quickly as possible
- Prepare all financial documentation in the correct format
- Understand exactly which documents the Home Office requires for your nationality
- Review your visa application form before submission
We are paid a commission by UK universities — not by students. Our guidance costs you nothing.