Applying for the UK Graduate visa is an exciting step towards launching your career, and understanding the full financial commitment is a crucial part of your planning. The total cost is made up of two mandatory, non-refundable payments: the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Both fees must be paid in full at the time you submit your online application.
This guide provides a clear and detailed breakdown of all the costs involved. Our team of specialist immigration advisors offers complete transparency on fees from the very start, ensuring you can budget effectively for this important investment in your future.
The Two Core Costs of a Graduate Visa Application
When you apply for your Graduate visa, you will need to be prepared to pay the following two fees.
1. The Visa Application Fee
This is the standard, fixed fee charged by the UK Home Office to process your application.
- Application Fee: £880
This fee is the same for all Graduate visa applicants, regardless of the length of your visa (2 or 3 years). It must be paid for each person applying, so if you are applying with an eligible dependant partner, they will also need to pay the £880 fee.
2. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The IHS is a mandatory payment that grants you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) for the entire duration of your visa. You are required to pay the full surcharge for your visa’s total length upfront when you apply.
- Annual Cost: The IHS is currently charged at £1,035 per year.
The total amount you pay will depend on the length of the visa you are eligible for.
Total IHS Payment Breakdown:
| Your Qualification | Visa Duration | Total IHS Cost |
| PhD or other Doctorate | 3 years | £3,105 |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree | 2 years | £2,070 |
| (For applications from 1 Jan 2027) | 18 months | £1,552.50 (Calculated as 1.5 x £1,035) |
Calculating Your Total Application Cost: An Example
To understand the full investment, you simply add the two fees together.
- For a Master’s graduate applying for a 2-year visa:
- Application Fee: £880
- IHS Payment: £2,070
- Total Cost: £2,950
- For a PhD graduate applying for a 3-year visa:
- Application Fee: £880
- IHS Payment: £3,105
- Total Cost: £3,985
A Note for Healthcare Professionals: Potential IHS Refunds
The Graduate visa offers complete flexibility to work in any sector. If, after your visa is granted, you secure a job in the UK’s public healthcare sector (for example, for the NHS), you may be able to claim a refund on the IHS you have paid. This is part of the government’s scheme to support healthcare workers.
Alternatively, if you have a job offer from the NHS before your Student visa expires, it may be more cost-effective to apply directly for the Health and Care Worker visa, which is cheaper and exempt from the IHS entirely. Our advisors can help you weigh the pros and cons of each route based on your specific circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Graduate Visa Costs
Q: Are there any other hidden fees?
A: The two fees listed (application fee and IHS) are the only mandatory government charges. Unlike other visa routes, there is no financial maintenance requirement for the Graduate visa, meaning you do not need to show a specific amount of savings in your bank account.
Q: Are the fees refundable if my application is refused?
A: The visa application fee is not refundable if your application is refused. However, you will automatically receive a full refund for the Immigration Health Surcharge payment.
Q: Can I pay in instalments?
A: No. The full payment for both the application fee and the IHS must be made by credit or debit card at the point you submit your online application.
Plan Your Next Step with Financial Clarity
The Graduate visa is a significant but worthwhile investment in your career. Our expert service ensures you understand all the costs from the beginning.
- We provide a clear, upfront breakdown of all fees.
- We manage the online payment process as part of our service.
- We advise on alternative, potentially more cost-effective visa routes if you already have a job offer in a qualifying sector.
Take the next step in your UK journey with full confidence. Contact our specialist Graduate visa team today for a comprehensive consultation.
About the Author:
Farzad Ghods is an international lawyer specialising in UK immigration law. He is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA) in the United Kingdom, and is also a member of the Iran Bar Association. He brings over fourteen years of professional legal experience to his practice.