UK Student Visa - Fees & Costs

No Hidden Fees - Know Exactly What You Are Paying Before You Start

We explain every cost at the outset - UKVI government fees and our service fee - so you can plan with confidence.

Understanding the Costs

When budgeting for your UK Student Visa application, it is important to understand that there are two separate categories of cost: the official government fees set by UKVI, and the service fee charged by Vortex Ease for our guidance and support. These are entirely separate - Vortex Ease does not collect any UKVI fees on your behalf, and our service fee only covers the support we provide. Below is a transparent breakdown of both.

Government Fees (UKVI)

Note: All government fees are set by UKVI and are subject to change. Please refer to the official UKVI website for current figures. Vortex Ease does not collect these fees.

  • Student Visa Application Fee: The UKVI Student Visa application fee is set by the UK government. As of the current policy, international students applying from outside the UK pay a specified government application fee. This fee is payable directly to UKVI when completing your online application form. The exact current fee is published on the official gov.uk website - please verify the latest figure before applying, as fees are subject to change.
  • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory charge paid alongside your visa application. It grants you access to NHS services during your time in the UK. The IHS is calculated based on the total length of your visa - for students, it covers the full course duration plus any additional visa period granted. The current IHS rate for students per year of the visa is published on the gov.uk IHS calculator. These rates are subject to change and you should verify the current figure at the time of your application.
  • Biometric Appointment (UKVCAS): After submitting your application online, you will need to attend a biometric appointment at a UKVCAS centre. Standard appointments are typically available at no additional charge. Enhanced (premium) appointment slots - which allow greater flexibility in location and timing - carry an additional fee set by UKVCAS. Vortex Ease will advise you on which appointment type is most appropriate for your timeline.

Vortex Ease Service Fee

The Vortex Ease service fee covers the full scope of our guidance and support throughout your UK Student Visa application. We do not charge for each individual service separately - our fee covers everything listed below. For a personalised quote based on your situation, please contact us directly. We are transparent about our fees from our very first call.

  • Initial eligibility assessment - reviewing your profile against current UKVI requirements
  • Personalised document checklist and thorough document review before submission
  • UKVI online application form guidance - we review your completed form before final submission
  • Biometrics appointment guidance - advice on booking, timing, and what to bring
  • Post-decision guidance - including BRP collection advice and next steps upon approval

Every application is different, and our exact service fee depends on the nature and complexity of your case. Contact us for a clear, upfront quote with no hidden charges.

Get a Personalised Quote

Other Costs to Budget For

Beyond the UKVI fees and the Vortex Ease service fee, there are several other costs you may need to budget for. None of these involve Vortex Ease - they are third-party costs you manage directly.

  • English language test fees - IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or equivalent (fees vary by provider and location)
  • Document translation and certified translation costs if any of your documents are not in English
  • Travel costs to your nearest UKVCAS biometric appointment centre

Want a Clear, Upfront Cost Breakdown?

Contact us directly and we will give you a personalised quote that covers everything - no surprises.

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Important: All government and UKVI fees quoted are for general guidance only and are subject to change without notice. Always verify current fees on the official UKVI website. Vortex Ease service fees are separate and do not include government fees. We do not guarantee visa approvals.