UK Student Visa in 2026: Fees, Fund Requirements, and What's Changed

Three things changed for Indian students applying to the UK in 2026: visa fees went up, maintenance fund thresholds rose, and the Graduate Route post-study work period is being trimmed from 2027. None of these make the UK a worse destination — but they do mean the numbers many families are working with are already outdated. Here's what's accurate as of April 2026. For a full breakdown of the application process, documents, and CAS requirements, see our UK Student Visa guide for Indian students.

UK Student Visa Fees in 2026

From 8 April 2026, the student visa application fee is £558 (roughly ₹60,000 at current rates), up from £524. This applies whether you're applying from India or from within the UK. The fee is the same for dependants.

The bigger cost is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — £776 per year of your visa. For a one-year master's, the visa is typically issued for around 16 months (course + buffer), so you'll pay for two full years: £1,552. For a two-year taught master's or a three-year bachelor's, this adds up quickly. A rough total for visa application costs alone:

• 1-year master's: £558 (visa fee) + £1,552 (IHS for ~2 years) = ~£2,110 (₹2.2–2.3 lakhs)
• 3-year bachelor's: £558 + £2,328 (IHS for 3 years) = ~£2,886 (₹3.0–3.1 lakhs)

If you want faster processing, add £500 for priority (5-day decision) or £1,000 for super-priority (next working day). These are optional but useful if you receive your CAS late. The Graduate Route visa — applied after graduation — now costs £937 (up from £880).

How Much Money You Need to Show

Maintenance fund requirements increased in January 2025 and apply to all 2026 applicants. You must show your first year's tuition fees (as stated in your CAS) plus the following monthly amounts, held for 28 consecutive days before you apply:

• London: £1,483/month × up to 9 months = £13,347
• Outside London: £1,136/month × up to 9 months = £10,224

So for a student at a London university with £20,000 annual tuition, you need approximately £33,347 (₹35+ lakhs) sitting in your account for 28 days. This is where many applications fall apart — not because the money isn't there, but because the balance dips below the threshold even once during those 28 days. The funds can be in a parent's account with a consent letter and proof of relationship.

Typical UK tuition for Indian students: £15,000–£30,000/year depending on university and programme. Russell Group universities tend to be at the higher end; post-92 universities are more affordable but carry different employment outcomes.

The Graduate Route: What's Changing and Why It Matters

The Graduate Route is the UK's post-study work permit — no job offer required, open to bachelor's, master's, and PhD graduates. Currently it gives you two years to work, switch employers, or find sponsored roles after graduation (three years for PhD holders).

The UK government has confirmed this changes from 1 January 2027: bachelor's and taught master's graduates will get 18 months instead of two years. PhD students keep their three-year period. The timing matters for anyone starting in 2026 — a September 2026 starter graduating in 2027 will fall under the new 18-month rule, while a 2025 starter finishing before the cutoff gets the full two years.

To stay in the UK beyond the Graduate Route, you need to switch to a Skilled Worker visa — which now requires a minimum salary of £41,700. Exceptions exist for STEM PhD holders and roles on the Immigration Salary List (minimum £33,400), but the higher thresholds mean some entry-level roles no longer qualify. This is real, and worth knowing before you commit. That said, the Graduate Route still delivers meaningful UK work experience for students whose career goals benefit from it — and understanding exactly how to position yourself for that transition is exactly where good planning makes the difference. Goodwind has helped students from Ahmedabad navigate this in detail for decades, including which programmes and sectors give you the best shot at Skilled Worker sponsorship.

Working While You Study

On a standard UK Student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university vacations. This applies to degree-level courses at universities. Foundation programmes and language courses have restricted or no work rights — confirm your specific course's entitlement before making assumptions about supplementing your income.

Is the UK Still Worth It in 2026?

Yes — for the right profile. The UK's one-year master's format saves a full year compared to Canada or the US, meaning lower total tuition spend and a faster return to the workforce. Entry into world-ranked institutions is very much achievable, and the Graduate Route still gives you time to gain international experience and explore sponsorship opportunities. The key is going in with accurate numbers and a clear post-study plan, not assumptions from a few years ago.

• Choose the UK if: you want a top-ranked degree, can absorb £30,000–£50,000 total cost, and your career goals benefit from one to two years of UK work experience
• Think carefully if: long-term UK settlement is your primary goal — the Skilled Worker salary thresholds make this a harder path than it appears, and it's worth mapping out your specific programme and sector before committing

Get the Numbers Right Before You Apply

Visa fees, fund thresholds, and Graduate Route rules have all shifted in the last 12 months — and more changes are confirmed for 2027. Getting the financial proof right, choosing the right university tier, and understanding your post-study options are decisions that benefit from someone who tracks these changes closely. Goodwind has guided students from Ahmedabad through UK applications for over 60 years. Book a free consultation and we'll give you a clear, current picture of what your profile and target universities actually require.