Here’s how UK’s new visa fee impacts international students

It’s no news that the UK is heading for a deep recession. The cost of living has increased manifold, impacting the quality of living too. The Rishi Sunak government is in full damage control mode and has announced many moves. For international students, this one about the hike in visa fees is the most significant one, impacting their study in UK journey big time. 

Recently, British PM Rishi Sunak announced that the fees and health surcharge paid to the  UK’s state-funded National Health Service (NHS) by visa applicants from across the world will be increased by 15-20%. The decision has been made to support the public sector’s wage increments. 

Due to the risk of a high inflation rate, Sunak had been under pressure to review the pay scale of the public sector’s workers such as teachers, doctors, and police officers and accordingly a hike of 5-7% had been confirmed to the workers.

In order to support economic growth, the move related to visa applicants will generate over GBP 1 Billion through the Immigration Health Surcharges (IHS). The UK student visa application fee has been consistent for a very long period of time hence, the revised application fee was considered justified by the government.

The immigration health surcharge was introduced in  2015 for migrants to use the National Health Services. Migrants with private health insurance were exempted from paying the charges.  Estimates suggest that,  other than the work visa, all other visa categories are likely to experience a hike of at least 20%. Earlier international students paid an application fee of £363. This revised structure will definitely impact the overall number of international students planning to study in the UK. 

Detailed information on the revised Visa fee structure for various Visa categories is expected to be rolled out in the coming months. The hike in the application fee can add to the overall financial burden of the international students willing to study in the UK.

It’s important for Indian students also to stay informed about the revised fee structure and plan their finances accordingly. Exploring alternative funding options such as scholarships and financial aid could help mitigate the impact of increased visa costs. Despite the potential challenges, the UK continues to offer world-class education and a vibrant academic environment, so careful consideration and better financial planning will be crucial for Indian students navigating these changes.