- Charged
- Per year (and part-year), student rate
- When
- Up front, with the visa application
- Gives
- Broadly NHS-resident access
- Confirm
- GOV.UK IHS calculator
Key takeaways
- The IHS is charged per year (and part-year) of the visa at a discounted student rate.
- It is paid up front, as part of the visa application, on top of the visa fee.
- Paying it gives broadly NHS-resident access for the length of your visa.
- The rate is set by the government and changes — confirm it on GOV.UK and use the IHS calculator.
How the IHS works in 2026
The Immigration Health Surcharge remains a core up-front cost for international students. It is charged for each year of your visa (with part-years rounded under the rules), at a discounted student rate compared with most other visa categories, and paid in full when you apply — separately from, and on top of, the visa fee. Paying it lets you use the NHS on broadly the same basis as a UK resident for the length of your visa, though some services (most prescriptions in England, dental and optical care) still carry charges.
Budget for it — and confirm the rate
Because the IHS is paid up front for the whole visa, it is a significant lump sum to budget for alongside tuition and the visa fee. The per-year rate is set by the government and has increased in the past, so never rely on an old figure — use the official IHS calculator and confirm the current amount on GOV.UK. Study UK Now builds the IHS into your full cost plan so there are no surprises at the application stage.
How Study UK Now helps with this
Get expert, end-to-end help — from university matching to your visa.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge for students in 2026?
Students pay the IHS at a discounted rate for each year (and part-year) of their visa, up front with the application. The per-year amount is set by the government and has changed over time, so use the official IHS calculator and confirm the current figure on GOV.UK rather than relying on a fixed number.
Do international students get NHS access after paying the IHS?
Yes — paying the Immigration Health Surcharge gives you broadly the same NHS access as a UK resident for the length of your visa, including GP and hospital care. Some services still cost extra (most prescriptions in England, dental and optical care). Register with a local GP after you arrive. Confirm details on the NHS website.
Sources — verified June 2026
Visa, fee and policy details change. Always confirm the latest on the official source before you rely on it.