Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - Nov 18, 2025
Planning to study in the UK? Understanding the total UK student visa cost upfront is critical for Indian students. The UK study visa fees are divided into two main, mandatory categories: the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Additionally, there is a maintenance fund requirement.
- The standard, non-refundable UK student visa fee for the main applicant, applying from outside the UK, is £524 (approximately ₹63,619.)
- You also must pay the compulsory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), set at £776 per year of your stay, which grants access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
- These fixed costs form the baseline for the overall England visa price.
Beyond the upfront fees, the single largest financial hurdle for an Indian applicant is proving the required maintenance funds, also known as the minimum bank balance required for UK student visa in rupees. The required amounts have been updated for 2026 applications:
- London Student Visa Price (Living Costs): If your course is in London, you must show £1,529 per month for up to nine months, totalling £13,761. This translates to approximately ₹16.73 lakhs (plus any outstanding tuition fees) that must be held for a minimum of 28 consecutive days.
- Outside London (Living Costs): For studies outside the city, the requirement is £1,171 per month, totalling £10,539. This equates to approximately ₹12.80 lakhs (plus any outstanding tuition fees).
Understanding the conversion of the UK visa fees for Indian students and the need for sufficient funds to meet this high minimum bank balance is the most essential step for a smooth visa application process.
Check Out: UK Visa New Rules
Core UK Visa Application Costs for Indian Students
The total student visa UK cost is much more than just the application fee. Indian students must budget for the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and can choose optional priority services for faster decisions. Below is the complete, up-to-date breakdown of the UK student visa fees in Indian rupees.
Standard Student Visa Application Fee (Mandatory)
| Item | Amount (GBP) | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant (from outside or inside the UK) | £524 | ₹61,000 – ₹61,500 |
| Each dependant | £524 | ₹61,000 – ₹61,500 |
- This is the base fee for UK student visa, applicable whether you apply from India or the UK.
- The fee is non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
| Course Duration | Cost Per Year | Typical Total IHS (GBP)* | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-year Master’s (visa ~13–16 months) | £776 | £970 – £1,165 | ₹1.13 – ₹1.36 lakh |
| 2-year course | £776 | £1,552 – £1,940 | ₹1.81 – ₹2.26 lakh |
| 3-year Bachelor’s | £776 | £2,328 – £2,715 | ₹2.72 – ₹3.17 lakh |
- IHS gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
- It must be paid in full while submitting your visa application.
3. Optional: Priority & Super Priority Services
| Service Type | Extra Cost (GBP) | Approx. in INR | Usual Decision Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priority Visa | £500 | ₹58,000 – ₹59,000 | Within 5 working days |
| Super Priority Visa | £1,000 | ₹1.16 – ₹1.18 lakh | Next working day** |
These optional services are ideal if you’re in a time crunch but do not guarantee visa approval.
Check Out:
Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa in 2026
The UK Home Office significantly increased the financial requirements on 2 January 2025, and these higher amounts remain in force for all applications in 2026.
- You must prove you (or your parents/sponsor) have enough money to cover living costs without relying on public funds.
- This proof of funds is completely separate from the actual UK student visa fee or IHS payment, but it is one of the most common reasons for refusal if not done correctly.
Latest Monthly Living Cost Requirements
| Location | Monthly Amount | Maximum Period Considered | Total Required (GBP) | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studying in London | £1,483 | 9 months | £13,347 | ₹15.58 – ₹15.60 lakh |
| Outside London | £1,136 | 9 months | £10,224 | ₹11.93 – ₹11.95 lakh |
Plus any unpaid tuition fees for the first year (or the entire course if less than 1 year) as shown on your CAS letter.
These amounts must:
- Be held for at least 28 consecutive days, ending no more than 31 days before your application date.
- Be in cash funds in a bank/current account (savings accounts usually accepted)
- Be in your name or your parent/legal guardian’s name (with birth certificate + letter of consent)
- NOT include overdrafts, bitcoin, stocks, or salary slips
You can reduce the amount by up to £1,483 per month if your university has already taken payment for accommodation and clearly mentions it on your CAS.
Example 1: 1-Year Master’s Degree in London
- Course location: London
- Unpaid tuition for the first year (as written on your CAS): £18,000
- Living costs requirement (London rate): £1,529 × 9 months = £13,761
- Total amount you must show in bank: £18,000 + £13,761 = £31,761 ≈ ₹37.1 – ₹37.5 lakh (at current ₹117/£ rate)
Example 2: 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree Outside London (e.g., Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds)
- Course location: Outside London
- Unpaid tuition for the first year only (as written on your CAS): £12,000
- Living costs requirement (outside London rate): £1,171 × 9 months = £10,539
- Total amount you must show in bank: £12,000 + £10,539 = £22,539 ≈ ₹26.35 – ₹26.65 lakh
Additional UK Student Visa Costs for Indian Students
Beyond the core fees for UK visa application and the financial proof requirements, there are several smaller but essential costs that Indian students should factor into the total UK student visa cost. They are not paid to the Home Office directly, but you cannot get your visa without them.
| Item | Cost Range (INR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuberculosis (TB) Test | ₹7,500 – ₹9,500 | Mandatory for all Indian applicants. Must be done at UKVI-approved clinics only (e.g. Apollo, Rele Clinic, Vijaya Diagnostic etc.). Price increased in most centres in 2025. Certificate valid for 6 months. |
| VFS Application Centre Charges | ||
| – Basic biometrics & submission | ₹8,000 – ₹15,500 | Varies by city and package (higher in Delhi/Mumbai). Includes appointment + basic service. |
| – Document upload assistance | ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 | Optional but almost everyone chooses it. |
| – Passport courier return | ₹600 – ₹1,200 | Mandatory unless you collect in person. |
| – SMS/email alerts | ₹200 – ₹500 | Optional. |
| Priority/Prime Time Appointment | +₹5,000 – ₹12,000 | Evening or weekend slots (very useful during peak season). |
| Document Translation & Attestation | ₹2,000 – ₹12,000 | Required if any document is not in English (e.g. 10th/12th marksheets, birth certificate). Cost depends on number of pages and urgency. |
| Passport-Size Photos | ₹300 – ₹800 | Must meet exact UKVI specifications (now uploaded digitally, but clinics still charge). |
| Travel to VFS Centre | ₹1,000 – ₹15,000+ | Flights/train + hotel if your city has no VFS centre. |
| English Language Test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE) | ₹15,500 – ₹22,000 | Usually already taken for university admission, but still part of total cost. |
Typical Total Additional Costs for Most Indian Students ₹25,000 – ₹55,000 (sometimes ₹70,000+ if you live far from a VFS centre or need urgent translation).
These smaller costs are easy to overlook, but missing a TB test or paying the wrong VFS package can delay your application by weeks. Plan and book everything early!
Total Estimated Costs for Indian Students in 2026
Now that we've covered the individual components of the UK study visa fees, here's a clear summary of the minimum expected cost for Indian applicants in 2025. These figures do not include tuition fees or personal travel but reflect the direct students visa fee for UK, health surcharge, and other mandatory charges.
Estimated Visa-Related Costs (1-Year Program):
| Expense | Amount in GBP | Approx. in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Fee | £524 | ₹61,000 – ₹61,500 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £970 – £1,165 (13–16 months visa) | ₹1.13 – ₹1.36 lakh |
| TB Test (at approved clinic) | – | ₹7,500 – ₹9,500 |
| VFS / Biometrics + Basic Services | – | ₹8,000 – ₹15,500 |
| Document Translation / Attestation | – | ₹2,000 – ₹12,000 |
| Passport Return Courier + Photos etc. | – | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| Total Mandatory Costs (no priority) | ≈ £1,500 – £1,700 | ₹1.95 lakh – ₹2.40 lakh |
With Optional Priority Services (very common in India)
- Priority (5 working days): +₹58,000 – ₹59,000
- Super Priority (next working day): +₹1.16 – ₹1.18 lakh
Realistic Total Most Students Pay
- Standard processing → ₹1.95 – ₹2.40 lakh
- With Priority → ₹2.50 – ₹3.00 lakh
- With Super Priority → ₹3.10 – ₹3.60 lakh
Very Important This is only the money you actually spend/spend upfront. You must still show the separate proof-of-funds bank balance in your (or parents’) account:
- London: ₹16.06 lakh (living) + unpaid tuition
- Outside London: ₹12.30 lakh (living) + unpaid tuition
(Full calculation → Proof of Funds for UK Student Visa)
Budget at least ₹2 – ₹3.5 lakh in extra costs + the large bank balance for living expenses, and you won’t face any last-minute surprises. These are the exact figures students applying right now for January or September 2026 intakes are paying.
Financial Planning Tips for Indian Students for UK Student Visa in 2026
Given the rising study visa cost for UK and increased financial proof requirements, Indian students must plan their expenses early and carefully. Here are some useful tips to manage the overall fee for UK student visa and related costs:
Start saving early
Begin setting aside funds at least 6–12 months before your intended intake. This ensures you can meet both visa payment deadlines and proof of funds requirements without delay.
Track currency exchange rates
The INR-GBP exchange rate fluctuates. Converting your money or loading your forex card when the rate is favorable can save several thousand rupees on your total UK student visa cost.
Maintain a 28-day fund window
UKVI requires that proof of funds be held for 28 consecutive days. Make sure your bank statements, fixed deposits, or education loan accounts reflect this without interruption.
Explore scholarships and fee waivers
Scholarships like Chevening, GREAT, and Commonwealth can reduce not only tuition but also help offset your overall UK study visa fees.
Avoid last-minute applications
Waiting until the last minute may force you to pay for costly priority services or risk visa delays. Submitting early gives you time to correct documentation errors and reduce stress.
Check Out: Cost of Living in UK
The overall UK student visa cost in 2026 is higher than in previous years due to increased financial requirements and service charges. From the student visa UK fee and health surcharge to proof of living expenses, Indian students must plan ahead to meet all UK study visa fees confidently and avoid last-minute complications.
FAQs
Ques: What is the current student visa UK fee for Indian students in 2025?
Ans: The standard student visa UK fee is £490. In Indian currency, this amounts to approximately ₹53,000–₹54,000, depending on exchange rates.
Ques: What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and how much does it cost?
Ans: The IHS is a mandatory fee that allows international students to access the UK’s National Health Service. It costs £776 per year, or about ₹84,000+ for a 1-year course.
Ques: What is the total UK student visa cost for Indian students in 2025?
Ans: The total UK student visa cost for a 1-year course includes the visa fee, IHS, TB test, and VAC charges. On average, it ranges between ₹1.44 lakh and ₹1.50 lakh, excluding living expenses and optional services.
Ques: How much bank balance is required to meet financial requirements for a UK study visa?
Ans: Students must show proof of funds for 9 months of living expenses: £13,347 (₹14.5 lakh+) for London or £10,224 (₹11 lakh+) for other locations, in addition to tuition fees.
Ques: Are the UK study visa fees refundable if the application is refused?
Ans: No, the fee for UK student visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge are generally non-refundable if your visa application is refused or withdrawn.
Ques: How much does the TB test and VAC appointment cost for Indian students?
Ans: The TB test typically costs ₹3,000–₹5,000, while Visa Application Centre (VAC) charges, including biometric enrollment, range from ₹3,500 to ₹4,000.
Ques: Can I choose priority processing for my UK study visa?
Ans: Yes. Priority service costs £500 (₹54,000+) and super priority service costs £1,000 (₹1.08 lakh+). These are optional and speed up processing but don’t affect the visa outcome.
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