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If you are planning to study in the UK, your Student Visa budget needs to cover more than tuition and living expenses. One of the additional costs International Students need to consider is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
The IHS is a fee paid by eligible International Students as part of their UK Visa application. Paying the surcharge generally gives eligible Visa holders access to healthcare through the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their Visa period.
Understanding the IHS UK requirement can help you calculate the total cost of your UK Student Visa before submitting your application.
What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge, commonly known as IHS, is a healthcare fee paid by many people applying for a UK Visa for more than six months.
For International Students, the surcharge is paid as part of the Visa application process. The amount depends on how long your Visa is granted for.
The current discounted rate for students is £776 per year. This rate also applies to student dependants and certain other Visa applicants.
Check the official UK government IHS guidance
How Much Is IHS for UK Students?
Students currently pay:
£776 per year
However, you do not simply multiply £776 by the number of years of your course. The actual amount depends on the length of your Visa.
For example:
For Visas covering part of a year, different calculation rules apply. If a Visa lasts more than six months but less than one year, the full annual rate is generally charged. For longer periods, the IHS is calculated according to specific Visa-duration rules.
The exact amount you need to pay will be calculated during your Visa application.
Who Needs to Pay IHS?
You will usually need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge if you are applying for a UK Visa:
- For more than six months from outside the UK
- For any length of time when applying from inside the UK
There are some exemptions depending on the type of Visa and individual circumstances.
For International Students applying for a standard Student Visa from outside the UK for a course longer than six months, IHS will generally form part of the Visa application costs.
What Does the IHS Cover?
Paying the surcharge gives eligible Visa holders access to healthcare through the NHS during their immigration permission.
This can include access to NHS services such as:
- GP services
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency care
- Some specialist healthcare services
However, not every healthcare service is automatically free, and certain services may have separate charges.
The IHS should therefore not be considered the same as private health insurance.
Do I Still Need Private Health Insurance?
Paying the IHS does not necessarily mean that you cannot purchase private health insurance.
Some students choose private insurance for additional benefits or services, such as private treatment, shorter waiting times or other coverage not provided through the NHS.
However, having private medical insurance does not normally exempt you from paying the IHS if your Visa requires it. The UK government specifically states that you still need to pay the surcharge even if you have private medical insurance.
When Do You Pay the IHS?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid during the online Visa application process.
You will be asked for information such as your course dates when applying as a student.
After paying, you will receive an IHS reference number, which is also displayed on screen. You then continue with the rest of your Visa application and pay the applicable Visa fee.
It is important to keep your IHS confirmation and reference number for your records.
How Much Does a UK Student Visa Cost?
The IHS is separate from the Student Visa application fee.
As of August 2026, the UK Student Visa application fee is £558 for applications made from outside or inside the UK. The IHS is an additional cost calculated according to the length of your Visa.
Your overall Visa budget may therefore include:
- Student Visa application fee
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Biometric-related costs, where applicable
- Other travel and application expenses
Students should also budget separately for tuition fees and living costs.
Can I Get an IHS Refund?
In certain situations, you may receive a full or partial IHS refund.
For example, a full refund may apply if:
- Your Visa application is refused
- You withdraw your application before a decision is made
- You accidentally pay the IHS twice for the same application
A partial refund may apply in certain circumstances, such as receiving less Visa time than requested.
However, you generally will not receive a refund simply because you decide not to travel to the UK after your Visa has been granted.
Is IHS Required for Short Courses?
The requirement depends on your Visa and the length of your stay.
If you apply from outside the UK for a Visa lasting six months or less, you generally do not pay the IHS. However, if you apply from inside the UK, different rules apply.
Students taking longer programmes, such as bachelor’s or master’s degrees, will generally need to pay the surcharge as part of their Student Visa application.
How Can Students Budget for IHS?
The IHS should be included when calculating your total cost of studying in the UK.
A simple budget can include:
Tuition fees + living expenses + Student Visa fee + IHS + travel and other costs
Because the IHS is normally paid upfront as part of your Visa application, make sure you have enough funds available when you are ready to submit your application.
If you are planning a multi-year degree, remember that the total IHS amount may be higher than the annual £776 rate because your Visa can cover additional time before or after your course.
Plan Your UK Study Journey with AUG
Understanding the IHS UK requirement is an important part of preparing your overall UK study budget.
From tuition fees and living expenses to Visa costs and healthcare charges, planning your finances early can help make your transition to studying in the UK smoother.
AUG Student Services can help students explore UK University options, prepare their applications and understand the steps involved in studying abroad.
Explore AUG’s UK study options
Learn more about studying in the UK
Check UK application deadlines
Start planning your UK study journey early and make sure you understand all the costs involved before submitting your Student Visa application.
