If you’re planning to study in the UK, one of the important things you’ll come across is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Many students hear about it for the first time when applying for their visa and wonder what exactly it is, why they have to pay it, and how much it costs. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the IHS fee for a student visa. We’ll keep it simple, so it’s easy to follow and understand.
What is the IHS Fee?
The IHS fee is short for Immigration Health Surcharge. It’s a fee that international students and other visa applicants must pay when applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than 6 months. This fee gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), just like a British citizen.
When you pay the IHS, you can use NHS services without paying for things like visiting a doctor, going to a hospital, or getting emergency care. You still have to pay for things like prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye care, but overall, it’s a huge benefit.
Why Do Students Have to Pay the IHS?
The UK government introduced the IHS to help cover the cost of healthcare for people who are not permanent residents but will still use NHS services. Students who come to the UK for long-term studies often need medical care during their stay. Since they get full access to the NHS, the government asks for a fee upfront.
Paying the IHS is required for your visa application. If you don’t pay it, your visa application will not be processed.
How Much Is the IHS Fee for a Student Visa?
As of 2024, the IHS fee for students is £470 per year. This amount is lower than the rate for other visa categories, such as workers or family members, who pay £1,035 per year.
Let’s break it down with a few examples to show how much you would pay:
If your course is 12 months or less, you pay £470.
If your course is more than 12 months, you usually pay £470 for each year, plus a portion for any extra months.
Here’s a simple example:
If your course is 1 year and 4 months long, you would pay for 2 years of IHS, which equals £940.
Why? Because the UK Home Office counts any part of a year as a full year when calculating the IHS. Even if you’re staying for 13 months, you’ll pay for two full years.
When and How Do You Pay the IHS?
You pay the IHS during the visa application process. You don’t need to go to a separate website or make a separate payment. When you fill out your online visa application, you’ll be asked for details like the length of your course and the type of visa you’re applying for. Based on that, the system will calculate how much IHS you need to pay.
Here’s what the process looks like:
Fill in your visa application form online.
The system will calculate the IHS fee.
You will be directed to pay the IHS online with a debit or credit card.
After paying, you’ll be redirected back to finish your visa application.
Once your payment is complete, you will receive an IHS reference number. This number is very important. You’ll need to enter it on your visa application form to complete the process.
What If You Get a Visa Refusal?
If your visa is refused, you will usually get your IHS payment refunded automatically. However, the visa fee itself is not refunded.
Also, if you decide to cancel your application before a decision is made, you can request a refund of your IHS payment. Just make sure you don’t cancel after the visa is granted, or you may lose the fee.
Do You Need to Pay the IHS for a Short Course?
If your course is 6 months or less, you don’t have to pay the IHS. But this only applies if you’re coming on a Short-term Study Visa, which is a different visa than the Student Visa (previously called the Tier 4 visa).
If you’re applying for a regular Student Visa and your stay is more than 6 months—even if it’s just a bit over—you still need to pay the IHS.
So always double-check your visa type and the length of your stay to know if you need to pay the surcharge.
Is the IHS Worth It?
Some students feel the IHS is expensive, especially if they don’t use the NHS much during their studies. But in reality, it’s a very useful service.
Here’s why:
You can see a doctor (GP) without any extra fees.
You can go to the hospital in case of emergencies.
You have access to mental health support.
If you need surgery or specialist care, it’s included.
Compared to paying out of pocket for private health insurance, the IHS is often cheaper and more reliable. It gives peace of mind during your time in the UK.
Can You Get a Refund After You Arrive?
In most cases, no. Once you’ve entered the UK and your visa is active, you cannot get a refund on the IHS—even if you leave early or don’t use NHS services.
However, there are a few rare exceptions, like if you:
Get a new visa that overlaps with your current one.
Receive official permission to leave the UK early (with visa curtailment).
If you think you might qualify, you’ll need to apply through the Home Office and provide proof. But generally, the fee is non-refundable after you enter the UK.
What Happens After You Arrive?
Once you’re in the UK, you can register with a local General Practitioner (GP). This is your main point of contact for medical care. You’ll usually be asked for:
Your passport
Proof of address (like a tenancy agreement)
Your visa or biometric residence permit
Once you’re registered, you can book appointments, get prescriptions, and be referred to other services if needed. There’s no extra cost for GP visits, and you don’t need private insurance.
Other Healthcare Costs You Should Know About
While the IHS covers most of your medical needs, there are still some things you need to pay for. These include:
Prescriptions – In England, you’ll pay a flat fee per item, which is around £9.90.
Dental care – NHS dental care is not free, and the cost depends on the type of treatment.
Eye care – You’ll need to pay for eye tests and glasses.
Private services – If you choose to go to a private doctor or clinic, the IHS doesn’t cover it.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland sometimes have different rules. For example, prescriptions are free in Scotland and Wales. So it also depends on where in the UK you’ll be studying.
Final Tips for Students Applying for a Visa
Calculate your stay properly – Don’t assume it’s only the course dates. Add time before and after, as your visa may include extra months.
Keep your IHS reference number – You’ll need this when applying.
Make sure you have a debit or credit card ready – It’s the easiest way to pay online.
Plan your budget – Don’t forget to include the IHS in your total visa cost.
Conclusion
The IHS fee for a UK student visa is a mandatory payment that ensures you can access healthcare during your studies. While it might feel like an extra cost, it gives you full use of the NHS and helps you stay safe and healthy while you’re far from home. Understanding how it works—and how much you need to pay—can make your visa application smoother and help you avoid any surprises.
If you’re getting ready to study in the UK, take your time to review the visa steps carefully, and include the IHS fee in your financial planning. Once it’s paid and you have your visa, you can focus on enjoying your studies and your new life abroad.
