IHS UK Visa Fees for Nigerian Students: A Detailed Guide
When planning to study in the UK, Nigerian students must be prepared for several costs as part of the student visa application process. One of the most significant fees is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which provides access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay. In addition to the standard visa fees, the IHS is a crucial cost to consider while budgeting for your UK student visa application.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the IHS UK visa fees and what Nigerian students need to know about these charges.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that students and other visa applicants must pay when applying for a UK visa. This surcharge entitles you to access the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which provides essential healthcare services during your stay in the UK.
For international students, including those from Nigeria, paying the IHS is a requirement when applying for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. The IHS ensures you can receive healthcare treatment in the UK as if you were a resident, including doctor visits, hospital treatments, and emergency services.
How Much is the IHS UK Visa Fees for Nigerian?
As of 2025, the IHS fee for Nigerian students applying for a UK student visa is as follows:
IHS Fee for Students:
- The IHS for students is £776 per year of your course duration.
- If you’re planning to study a course longer than one year, the IHS will be calculated based on the full length of your course. For example:
- A 1-year Master’s program would cost £776.
- A 3-year Bachelor’s program would cost £2,328 (3 x £776).
Dependents:
- If you’re bringing dependents (such as a spouse or children) along with you to the UK, they’ll also need to pay the IHS fee. The fee is calculated based on the length of the dependent’s stay.
When Do You Pay the IHS Fee?
The IHS fee is paid online as part of the visa application process. When you submit your UK student visa application, you will be required to complete the IHS payment along with your visa application fees.
Payment Process:
- Complete your Visa Application: After completing your student visa application form, you’ll be asked to pay the IHS fee.
- Payment Website: You’ll be directed to an official UK government website where you’ll pay the surcharge.
- Payment Confirmation: Once the payment is complete, you’ll receive a confirmation email. This confirmation is essential to include in your visa application.
Why is the IHS Fee Important?
The IHS fee plays a significant role in providing international students with access to the NHS, which can be crucial during your stay in the UK. It covers a wide range of healthcare services, including:
- Doctor’s appointments
- Hospital treatments (including surgeries)
- Emergency services (such as ambulance services)
- Maternity care (for pregnant students)
- Mental health services
- Vaccinations and prescriptions (depending on the specific NHS service)
While the IHS provides access to NHS services, it’s important to note that some services (like dental care or prescriptions) may still require additional fees or payments.
What Happens if You Don’t Pay the IHS?
If you fail to pay the IHS fee, your visa application will be considered incomplete, and you may not be granted a student visa. The UK government considers the payment of the IHS a critical part of the visa application process. It’s essential that you make the payment on time to avoid any delays or complications in your visa application.
Other UK Visa Fees for Nigerian Students
Aside from the IHS fee, Nigerian students must also pay the following fees as part of the UK student visa application process:
1. UK Student Visa Application Fee:
- The standard fee for a UK Student Visa application is £490 for applicants outside the UK.
2. Priority Visa Service:
- If you need your visa to be processed quickly, you can pay for the Priority Visa Service, which costs an additional £250. This service ensures your application is processed in 5 working days.
3. Super Priority Visa Service:
- For faster processing, the Super Priority Service costs £956 and guarantees a decision by the next working day.
Conclusion
Understanding the IHS UK visa fees and the associated charges is an essential part of your UK student visa application. Ensure that you budget for these fees to avoid any surprises during the application process. The IHS grants access to essential healthcare services in the UK, making it a critical expense for Nigerian students planning to study abroad.
If you need help with your UK student visa application, feel free to contact Admission.Team for personalized assistance.