UK Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – From India (2025 Update)

28-Jun-2025

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Study Abroad

UK Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – From India (2025 Update)

Planning to study in the UK involves careful financial preparation, and one of the most important steps is understanding the cost of the UK Student Visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). These are mandatory fees for all international students, including those from India. In this blog, we explain the current 2025 costs for student visa applications and health coverage, how to make the payments, and how Pollster Education can support you throughout the process.

What Is the UK Student Visa?

The Student Route Visa (previously known as the Tier 4 visa) is the official visa required for international students planning to pursue full-time education in the United Kingdom. This visa allows students to study, work part-time during term, and stay in the UK during the validity of their course.

To apply, you must have an offer from a licensed student sponsor (a UK university or college), proof of financial resources, English language proficiency, and a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter.

UK Student Visa Fees and IHS Breakdown

When submitting your application, you will be required to pay two main fees online – the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

UK Student Visa Application Fee

The application fee for Indian students applying from outside the UK is:

£524
Approximately ₹62,915 (as per prevailing exchange rate)

This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The IHS gives you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. It is compulsory for all students staying in the UK for more than six months.

For a course lasting 16 months (which includes additional time granted after your course ends), the IHS fee is:

£1,164
Approximately ₹1,39,000

This amount is payable upfront during the visa application and ensures you are medically covered throughout your stay.

Total Estimated Cost for Indian Students – 2025

Here is a clear breakdown of the total cost:

Category	Cost (GBP)	Approximate INR Cost
UK Student Visa Application Fee	£524	₹62,915
UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£1,164	₹1,39,000
Total Estimated Cost	£1,688	₹2,01,915

Please note that the INR value may vary slightly depending on the exchange rate at the time of payment.

Additional Costs Related to Visa Application

In addition to the main visa and IHS fees, Indian students may also incur the following optional or mandatory charges:

TB Test Certificate: Required for stays over six months. Cost ranges between ₹2,500 to ₹3,500.
Biometric Appointment (at VFS): Standard appointments are included. Premium services such as doorstep document collection, faster processing, or additional support come at an extra cost.
Courier Charges or Priority Processing (Optional): Optional services for convenience and faster turnaround.

When and How to Pay

You are required to make both payments — visa fee and IHS — online during your visa application process on the UK Government website. Here is how it works:

Start your visa application form online
Enter your course and sponsor details (from your CAS letter)
The system automatically calculates your IHS based on your course duration
Pay the IHS fee first, then the visa application fee
Book your biometric appointment after successful payment

You must use an international debit or credit card that supports foreign currency transactions.

Can You Get a Refund?

Refunds are handled under specific conditions:

Visa Fee: Non-refundable if the application has already been processed or refused
IHS Fee: Fully refundable if your visa is refused or withdrawn before a decision is made
Other Optional Fees: Varies by service provider and is typically non-refundable

How Pollster Education Helps You with UK Visa Applications

Pollster Education is your trusted companion in simplifying the entire study abroad journey. Our free services include:

Complete Visa Documentation Review: We assist in organizing and checking your visa application documents to reduce the risk of rejections.
Guidance on IHS and Fee Payments: We explain the current rates, steps, and payment modes to avoid confusion or mistakes.
TB Test Booking Support: We help you locate UKVI-approved TB test centres near you.
Biometric Appointment Guidance: We provide support for selecting your VFS centre and guide you on what to expect during the appointment.
Visa Interview Preparation: Though most applicants are not interviewed, we offer mock sessions to help you feel confident if called.
Application Timeline Tracking: We help you stay on schedule so that you never miss a deadline or delay your visa process.

Pollster Education offers these services at no cost, ensuring students receive transparent, up-to-date, and professional support.

NOTE
Visa Application Support (Optional) : Free if applying through Pollster Education

Tips to Keep in Mind

Always check the latest exchange rates before making the payment
Apply early to avoid last-minute delays in booking appointments
Keep soft copies of all receipts for IHS and visa payment
Use your own card or your parent's card to make payments to avoid complications during financial verification

Understanding the UK Student Visa and IHS fee structure is essential for Indian students preparing for their higher education in the UK. The total estimated cost of £1,688 or around ₹2,01,915 should be budgeted in advance to ensure a smooth visa process. With the right guidance and documentation, your journey to the UK can begin confidently.

By working with a reliable study abroad expert like Pollster Education, you can reduce the chances of errors, stay informed on the latest visa rules, and make the transition to the UK smoother and stress-free.