IHS Fee for UK Student Visa: Complete Guide for International Students (2025 Update)

“Learn about the IHS fee for UK Student Visa in 2025. Find out how much international students must pay, what it covers, exemptions, refunds, and real-life examples.”

Introduction

One of the most overlooked parts of applying for a UK Student Visa isn’t the tuition deposit or even the flight ticket — it’s the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Many international students, especially Nigerians, only realize this cost when they reach the final stage of their visa application.

The IHS is not optional, and it can add hundreds or even thousands of pounds to your total study expenses. But here’s the good news: once you understand how it works, you can plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises.

In this guide, I’ll explain what the IHS fee is, how much it costs, how to pay, what it covers, and common mistakes to avoid. I’ll also share my personal experience of being caught off guard by the extra months added to my visa — something every student should know before applying.

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The IHS is a mandatory healthcare fee you must pay when applying for a UK Student Visa.

It gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
Without it, your visa application will be refused.
It’s separate from your visa fee.

👉 Official UK Government Guide: Pay the healthcare surcharge

Who Must Pay the IHS?

You must pay the IHS if you are:

Applying for a UK Student Visa lasting more than 6 months.
Extending your visa inside the UK (even for less than 6 months).
Bringing dependants (spouse or children).

📌 Note: Even if you have private medical insurance, you are still required to pay the IHS.

How Much is the IHS Fee for UK Students in 2025?

£776 per year for students and each dependant.
£388 for half-year periods (6 months or less).

Example Calculations

Course / Visa Length	Visa Duration (incl. extra months)	Total IHS Fee	Source
1-year Master’s degree	~16 months	£1,164	UCL
3-year Undergraduate	~37 months	£2,716	University of Westminster
4-year PhD	~53 months	£3,492	University of Edinburgh

👉 Remember: The UK adds extra months before and after your course to your visa, and those months count towards IHS.

When and How to Pay

The IHS is paid online during your visa application.
You cannot pay in instalments — it must be paid in full.
After payment, you receive an IHS reference number which you include in your Student Visa application.

🔗 Payment link: UK Gov IHS Payment Portal

What Does the IHS Cover?

Once paid, you get access to NHS services, just like UK residents.

✅ Covered:

GP (doctor) visits
Hospital treatment
Emergency services
Specialist referrals
Mental health services

❌ Not Covered:

Prescriptions (around £9.65 per item in England)
Dental treatment
Eye tests and glasses
Private healthcare

🔗 More details: NHS Services

Exemptions from IHS

You do not need to pay if:

Your course is less than 6 months (and you’re applying from outside the UK).
You are on a Health and Care Worker visa (different category).
You’re applying for a visitor visa.

Full list: Who doesn’t need to pay

Refunds

You may get a refund if:

Your visa application is refused.
You withdraw your visa application.
You accidentally paid twice.

Refunds are processed automatically to the same account used for payment.

My Personal Experience

When I applied for my UK Master’s, I budgeted £776 for IHS, thinking it was for one year. But my visa was issued for 16 months, not 12 — and suddenly my IHS fee became £1,164.

👉 Lesson: Always check how long your visa will last (course + extra months). Budget at least £300–£400 extra beyond the base fee.

FAQs About the IHS Fee

1. How much is the IHS fee for UK Student Visa in 2025?

It is £776 per year, and £388 for part years of 6 months or less.

2. Can I pay the IHS fee later?

No. You must pay upfront during your visa application.

3. Do dependants pay IHS too?

Yes, each dependant pays the same fee as the main applicant.

4. Does IHS cover dental care?

No. Dental, eye tests, and prescriptions are separate costs.

5. Can I get my IHS refunded?

Yes, if your visa is refused, withdrawn, or shortened.

Conclusion

The IHS fee for UK Student Visa is a non-negotiable cost that every international student must budget for.

£776 per year for students and dependants
£388 for half years
Paid upfront online, as part of your visa application
Covers NHS access, but not dental, prescriptions, or private healthcare

👉 For a 1-year Master’s, expect to pay around £1,164. For a 3-year undergraduate, budget £2,700+.

Planning early for IHS will save you stress and help you prepare financially for your studies in the UK.

🔗 Useful Links for Students: