When I was choosing between the UK and the USA for my studies, money was the first thing I calculated. Not just tuition, but visa fees, proof of funds, health costs, and how much I needed before even boarding a flight. Seeing the actual numbers side by side made everything clearer. If you’re planning for 2026, this cost breakdown will help you avoid surprises.
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Costs, Application Process, and Practical Tips for International Student
UK Student Visa 2026 – Costs in USD
1. UK Student Visa Application Fee
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£490 ≈ $620 USD
This is a one-time payment when submitting your visa application online.
2. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
This is where many students are shocked.
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£776 per year ≈ $980 USD per year
Examples:
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1-year Master’s program: about $980
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3-year Bachelor’s degree: about $2,940
This fee gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service during your studies.
3. Financial Proof (Maintenance Funds)
You must show living expenses for up to 9 months.
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Studying in London:
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£1,334 per month × 9 = £12,006 ≈ $15,200
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Studying outside London:
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£1,023 per month × 9 = £9,207 ≈ $11,650
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Plus:
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Outstanding tuition fees for the first year (varies by university, often $12,000–$30,000+)
4. Total UK Visa-Related Cost (Excluding Tuition)
Approximate upfront cost:
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$1,600 – $4,000 (visa + health surcharge)
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$11,650 – $15,200 proof of living funds
USA Student Visa 2026 – Costs in USD
1. F-1 Visa Application Fee
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$185 USD
Paid when submitting the DS-160 form.
2. SEVIS Fee
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$350 USD (mandatory for F-1 students)
This fee supports the US student monitoring system.
3. Financial Proof Requirements
The USA requires proof that you can cover at least one full academic year, including:
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Tuition: $15,000 – $50,000+ (depending on school)
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Living expenses: $10,000 – $18,000
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Health insurance: $1,500 – $3,000 per year
You may need to show $30,000 – $70,000+ USD in total funds.
There is no fixed government amount like the UK — US visa officers judge based on school estimates.
4. Total USA Visa-Related Cost (Excluding Tuition)
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Visa + SEVIS fees: $535 USD
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Required proof of funds: $30,000 – $70,000+ USD
Cost Comparison Summary (USD)
| Item | UK Student Visa | USA Student Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee | ~$620 | $185 |
| Health-related fee | ~$980 per year | Included via private insurance |
| SEVIS fee | Not required | $350 |
| Proof of living funds | $11,650–$15,200 | $10,000–$18,000 |
| Tuition proof | 1st year only | 1st year (often higher) |
| Interview | Usually no | Mandatory |
Application Process Cost Impact
UK Student Visa
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Higher upfront government fees
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Lower financial proof compared to USA
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Mostly document-based, less subjective
USA Student Visa
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Lower visa fee
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Much higher financial proof
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Interview outcome can override documents
Work Rights and Financial Reality
UK
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20 hours per week during term
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Full-time during holidays
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Graduate Route:
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2 years post-study work
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3 years for PhD
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This makes it easier to recover costs after graduation.
USA
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On-campus work only at first
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Off-campus work requires authorization
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OPT:
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12 months
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36 months for STEM fields
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Earning potential can be higher, but access is more restricted early on.
Which One Is More Affordable Overall?
From real budgeting experience:
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The UK is cheaper to prove funds for, but more expensive in government fees.
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The USA is cheaper to apply for, but harder to financially qualify for.
If your funds are limited but stable, the UK often feels more achievable. If you have strong financial backing and long-term career goals in tech or research, the USA can be worth the cost.
In the end, seeing the real dollar figures helped me make a confident decision instead of guessing. Both visas are achievable in 2026, but they demand different types of preparation. When you understand the costs early, you stop fearing the process and start planning properly.
