UK student visa costs in 2026

Studying in the UK costs more than just tuition. This guide breaks down the main visa-related costs a Nepali student should budget for. All figures change - treat the amounts below as a guide and confirm the current fees on the official pages before you apply.

1. Visa application fee

You pay a Student visa application fee when you apply (the amount differs slightly for applications made inside vs outside the UK). Check the current fee on gov.uk/student-visa.

2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

This gives you access to the NHS during your stay and is usually the largest single cost after tuition. Students pay a discounted yearly rate, multiplied by the length of your visa. See our dedicated guide: What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

3. Proof of funds (maintenance)

You must show you have enough money to cover your course fees plus living costs for a set period. The required monthly living-cost amount is higher for study in London than outside London, and you must usually hold the funds for 28 consecutive days before applying. Confirm the exact maintenance amounts on GOV.UK.

4. Other costs to budget for

• Biometrics (fingerprints/photo) as part of your application.
• TB test - applicants from Nepal generally must provide a tuberculosis test certificate from an approved clinic.
• Translations / document certification if required.
• Travel and initial setup costs once you arrive.

Worked example (illustrative)

For a typical one-year master’s, your visa-related outlay is roughly: application fee + (IHS yearly rate × visa length) + the cost of the TB test, on top of the maintenance funds you must show (but not pay). Because each component changes, build your own total from the live figures on gov.uk/student-visa.

Watch out for

• Agents charging large “service” fees - the visa application itself is made through GOV.UK.
• Out-of-date figures online - UK fees are reviewed regularly, so always check the publication date.