Am I exempt from Council Tax as a student?

Full-time students in the UK are exempt from paying council tax. Apply for an exemption certificate from your university to provide to the local council.

Can I study part-time on a Student visa?

Student visas require full-time study. Part-time study is not permitted unless you have specific exceptional circumstances approved by the Home Office.

What happens if my visa application is refused?

You may have the right to administrative review or can reapply addressing the refusal reasons. Consult your university's international student advisor.

UK IHS Guide for Students

The process at a glance

01
Step 1
Calculate your total IHS in advance
Multiply £776 by the years of your visa, rounded up. A 3-year course with 4 months "wrap-up" = 4 × £776 = £3,104. Half-years count as a full year; never round down.
02
Step 2
Pay during the online visa application
IHS is paid in the same flow as the visa fee, before biometrics. The system generates an IHS reference number — screenshot it; you will need it if you query NHS access later.
03
Step 3
Register with a GP within the first month
IHS gives access, not auto-registration. Walk into a local GP surgery with your passport, visa/BRP, and proof of address (university letter works). Registration is free.
04
Step 4
Keep your IHS reference for any disputes
NHS staff occasionally challenge international students at non-GP services. Show the IHS reference + visa; you should never be charged. Report wrongful invoices to the NHS Trust’s overseas patient team.

Overview

International students in the UK must follow specific rules regarding their visa conditions. This guide walks through uk-health-surcharge-ihs-guide step by step, from understanding your entitlements to maintaining compliance after approval.

Key Information

The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) requires students to maintain active enrollment, attend all required sessions, and keep their contact information updated. Working hours are limited based on program level and must not interfere with academic progress.

Working During Your Studies

Part-time employment is a popular way for international students in the UK to gain experience and supplement their income. Students on degree-level programs can work up to 20 hours per week during term. On-campus positions, local businesses, and the gig economy offer various opportunities.

Important Deadlines and Timelines

Key immigration deadlines include visa application submissions, biometric appointment scheduling, and BRP collection. Post-study work applications should be prepared in advance with supporting documents ready before your Student visa expires. Apply promptly to maintain continuous lawful status.

Additional Resources and Support

Key support resources for UK international students include the university's international student services, UKCISA for independent advice, and the Student Union's advice center. These services can help with visa questions, employment rights, accommodation issues, and personal matters affecting your studies.

The IHS is the price of NHS membership — paid in one lump sum on day zero. Spread mentally over your visa, it is about £2/day for unlimited GP and hospital care. Few healthcare systems on earth are cheaper.

How the IHS is calculated and paid for Student and Graduate routes

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is paid upfront when you apply for a UK visa. For Student visa applications, the standard rate is £776 per year of permission granted (as of the latest fee revision). This means a one-year master’s course typically charges the full year fee; a three-year bachelor’s course charges the fee multiplied by the number of years. For the Graduate Route visa (two years, three for PhD), you pay the IHS for each full year of the visa period. The IHS covers your access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as a UK permanent resident — free GP visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care. The IHS does not cover prescription charges (currently £9.90 per item in England; free in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), dental treatment, or optical services, which are separately charged. If your visa application is refused, the IHS is refunded automatically. If you switch visa categories mid-stay, any overlapping IHS payment is also refunded.

Using the NHS: registering with a GP, getting an NHS number, and accessing care

Once your visa is approved and you have paid the IHS, you are entitled to NHS services. Register with a General Practitioner (GP) surgery near your home address as soon as you arrive — you cannot use A&E for routine care. To register, complete the GMS1 form (available at the practice website or in person) and provide your passport, BRP, and proof of address. You will receive an NHS number within 2-4 weeks. The NHS number is different from your IHS reference number and your National Insurance number. For non-emergency medical care, phone or visit your GP surgery to book an appointment. For out-of-hours care, call 111. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 999. If you move to a different UK city, register with a new GP near the new address. If you visit another European country, bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for emergency coverage — your IHS does not cover healthcare outside the UK except in certain reciprocal agreement countries.

IHS refunds, overpayments, and what happens if you leave the UK early

If your visa application is refused, the IHS is automatically refunded. If your visa is granted but you leave the UK permanently before the visa expires (e.g., you complete a one-year master’s and depart without using the full visa period), you may apply for a partial IHS refund for the unused portion — but the refund is not automatic. You must submit a refund request through the online IHS refund portal after your departure, and the refund is calculated from the date you exit the UK to the visa expiry date. There is no refund if you are removed or deported. If your visa is curtailed (shortened) by the Home Office, the IHS for the curtailed period is not refundable. If you overpaid the IHS — for example, because you paid the full rate but qualified for a reduced rate — contact the Home Office within 28 days of the original payment to request a correction. After 28 days, you must request a refund through the online portal instead.

Flashcards

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What you learned

End-of-guide quiz

3 questions

01
A student arrives for a 2-year Master’s with their spouse (no children). What is the total IHS bill?
02
You arrive in the UK in October. You feel unwell in November. What do you do?
03
Your visa is refused after you paid the IHS. What happens to the money?

0 / 3 answered

Official sources

Verify rules, fees, and forms on first-party government sites. This guide is educational and not a substitute for your DSO, solicitor, or licensed adviser.

Procedural deep-dives

For statutes, forms, deadlines, and evidence standards, use these legal owners on MyCaseworks.

UK immigration guides
Student visa, Graduate route, and tenancy procedural library.
Graduate route visa
Post-study work rules and evidence standards.
Renters’ Rights for international students
Deposit, eviction, and tenancy changes that affect students.