When planning to study in the United Kingdom, one of the important financial aspects to consider is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee for a student visa. The IHS fee is a significant amount that applicants need to pay as part of the student visa application process. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that international students have access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay in the country.
What Is the Ihs Fee?
The Immigration Health Surcharge, or IHS fee, was introduced in 2015. Its main purpose is to enable non – UK citizens to use the NHS services on the same basis as UK residents. By paying this fee, international students can access a wide range of medical services provided by the NHS, including doctor consultations, hospital treatments, and emergency care. Without paying the IHS fee, students would have to pay for most NHS services out – of – pocket, which can be extremely expensive.
How Is the Ihs Fee Calculated for Student Visas?
Standard rate
As of [current date], the standard IHS fee for most student visa applicants is £470 per year. This means that if you are applying for a student visa for a one – year course, you will need to pay £470. For a two – year course, the fee will be £470 multiplied by 2, which equals £940.
For example, if Emily is starting a one – year master’s degree program in the UK, she will be required to pay £470 as her IHS fee when she applies for her student visa.
Exceptions for certain courses
Some courses are considered to be of a shorter duration. If your course is less than six months long, you do not have to pay the IHS fee at all. This is because the UK government believes that for such short – term study, students are less likely to require extensive NHS services.
For courses that are between six months and one year long, the IHS fee is still calculated on a pro – rata basis. Let’s say James is enrolling in an eight – month English language course. To calculate his IHS fee, we first find out the monthly rate. The annual rate is £470, so the monthly rate is £470 divided by 12, which is approximately £39.17. For his eight – month course, he will pay £39.17 multiplied by 8, which equals approximately £313.36.
Students under 18
If you are a student under the age of 18 applying for a student visa, there is a reduced rate. The IHS fee for students under 18 is £300 per year. Similar to the standard rate, if you are applying for a visa for a specific number of years of study, you multiply this annual rate by the number of years. For instance, if 16 – year – old Sophie is starting a three – year secondary school course in the UK, she will pay £300 multiplied by 3, which is £900 as her IHS fee.
Payment of the IHS fee
The IHS fee must be paid online at the same time as you submit your student visa application. You will be directed to a secure payment portal during the visa application process. Accepted payment methods usually include credit or debit cards. It is important to note that the IHS fee is non – refundable in most cases. Even if your visa application is rejected, you will not get the IHS fee back, unless there are very specific circumstances, such as an administrative error on the part of the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Special Cases and Considerations
Changing your course or extension of stay
If you change your course of study during your stay in the UK and the new course requires a different length of visa, you may need to pay an additional IHS fee. For example, if you initially applied for a one – year undergraduate course and paid the corresponding IHS fee, but then you decide to transfer to a three – year undergraduate course, you will need to pay the difference in the IHS fee for the remaining two years of study.
Similarly, if you wish to extend your student visa for an additional year because you need more time to complete your course, you will have to pay the IHS fee for that extra year at the applicable rate.
Family members
If your family members, such as your spouse or children, are accompanying you to the UK on a dependant visa, they also need to pay the IHS fee. The rate for dependants is the same as the main applicant’s rate. So, if you are a student over 18 and your spouse is coming with you, and you are both applying for a two – year visa, you will each pay £470 per year. In total, for the two – year period, you and your spouse will pay £470 x 2 (for you) + £470 x 2 (for your spouse) = £1880 for the IHS fees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IHS fee for a student visa in the UK is an essential part of the visa application process. Understanding how it is calculated based on the length of your course, your age, and other factors is crucial for accurate financial planning. The fee, although an additional cost, provides international students with valuable access to the UK’s world – renowned National Health Service. It is important to carefully consider the implications of the IHS fee when applying for a student visa, as it can significantly impact your overall study – abroad budget. Whether you are a young student under 18 or an older student pursuing a postgraduate degree, being aware of the IHS fee requirements will help make your visa application process smoother and more informed. So, before you start your exciting journey of studying in the UK, make sure you have a clear understanding of the IHS fee and are prepared to pay it as part of your visa application.
Related topics:
