Visa Application Fee
| Fee Type | Amount (from 8 Apr 2026) | Previous |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application | £558 | £524 (+£34) |
This is a one-time fee paid when you submit your online application.
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to the NHS during your stay. It's paid upfront for the entire duration of your visa.
| Duration | Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | £776 |
| 2 Years | £1,552 |
| 3 Years | £2,328 |
Major Increase Since 2023
IHS was £470/year in 2023. It's now £776/year - a 65% increase. This is the biggest cost increase for students.
Living Costs (Maintenance)
You must prove you have enough money for 9 months of living expenses. The amount depends on where you'll study.
London (City of London + 32 London Boroughs)
| Monthly requirement | £1,529 |
| 9 months total | £13,761 |
Outside London
| Monthly requirement | £1,171 |
| 9 months total | £10,539 |
Rising on 30 November 2026
From 30 November 2026 the monthly maintenance amounts go up to £1,570 in London and £1,203 outside London (9-month totals £14,130 and £10,827). The maximum accommodation payment you can offset also rises to £1,570. If you apply on or after that date, show the new amounts. Dependant amounts are not changed by this update. Source: Statement of Changes HC 584 (3 September 2026), paragraphs APP ST8–ST10.
Dependant Living Costs
If bringing a spouse or children:
| Location | Monthly | 9 Months |
|---|---|---|
| London | £845 | £7,605 |
| Outside London | £680 | £6,120 |
TB Test Cost (Nigeria)
| Clinic | Cost (11+ years) |
|---|---|
| The Consultants Practice, Ikoyi | ₦120,000 |
| Q-Life Family Clinic, Victoria Island | ₦120,000 |
| St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos Island | ₦120,000 |
Prices per the gov.uk approved-clinic list (updated May 2026). View full clinic details
Total Cost Examples
Example 1: 1-Year Masters Outside London
| Visa fee | £558 |
| IHS (2 years - includes Graduate visa period) | £1,552 |
| Living costs (9 months) | £10,539 |
| TB test (approx.) | £50 |
| Total POF + Costs | £12,699 |
Example 2: 1-Year Masters in London
| Visa fee | £558 |
| IHS (2 years) | £1,552 |
| Living costs (9 months) | £13,761 |
| TB test (approx.) | £50 |
| Total POF + Costs | £15,921 |
Critical Financial Rules
- 28 consecutive days: Money must be held in account for 28 days without dropping below the required amount
- 31-day window: The 28-day period must end within 31 days of your application date
- Application date: This is when you submit online, NOT your biometrics date
- Acceptable sources: Your account, parents' account (with birth certificate), or official sponsor
- NOT acceptable: Overdrafts, cryptocurrency, stocks/shares, unregulated banks, fintech apps (Grey, Wise)
Exchange Rate Warning
UKVI uses OANDA rates on the day of your application. Add 5-10% buffer to your POF to protect against rate fluctuations.
Calculate Your Exact Costs
Use our calculator to get your personalized cost breakdown based on your specific situation.
Open CalculatorLast updated: October 2026