Student Visa Cost in London 2026
How much a Student visa costs in London in 2026. Government fees, attorney fees and total estimated cost.
Applying for a Student visa in 2026? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — UKVI filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory UKVI fees for the Student
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a Student application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee (applying outside the UK) | £558 | — | Official ↗ |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 | Reduced student rate of £776 per year of study. | Official ↗ |
Source: UKVI Visa Fees Table. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
£700 – £2,700 in London. Typical cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
Premium processing
Priority service: £500
Medical exam
£0 – £400 — TB test required only for applicants from listed countries.
Translation services
£50 – £200 — Certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the Student
- 1
Get a CAS
Receive an unconditional offer and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor.
- 2
Arrange required evidence
Financial proof, English proficiency, TB test if applicable, and ATAS clearance for restricted STEM subjects.
- 3
Apply online
Up to 6 months before course start if outside the UK; pay the visa fee (£558) and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- 4
Verify identity and await decision
Via the ID Check app or a visa application centre biometrics appointment.
Typical processing time: Typically about 3 weeks from outside the UK, around 8 weeks from inside the UK. CAS issuance itself usually takes 5–20 working days.
Documents you'll need
- CAS reference number
- Valid passport
- Proof of finances covering tuition and living costs
- English language test results (or exemption)
- ATAS certificate, if required
- Tuberculosis test certificate, for applicants from listed countries
Common mistakes to avoid
- CAS errors — expired, mismatched course/institution details, or reused after a prior refusal
- Financial evidence not held for the full required period, or from an ineligible source
- Missing or incorrect ATAS certificate for restricted courses
- Weak "genuine student" credibility at interview or in documentation
Sources: gov.uk — Student visa
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | £1,334 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | £2,034 – £4,034 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | £3,569 – £6,604 |
How to save money on your Student
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut £700–£2,700.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the UKVI website so you never overpay a third party.
Student cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a Student visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a Student visa in 2026 ranges from about £2,034 to £6,604, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the Student application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. UKVI publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a Student visa?
Attorney fees typically add £2,000–£5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a Student visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a Student visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the UKVI website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with UKVI before paying.
How often do UKVI fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a Student visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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