UK IHS fee for Malaysian students: 2026 amounts and payment process

One-line direct answer

Malaysian students on UK student visas pay an IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) of GBP 776 per year as of January 2024, totalling approximately GBP 2,328 for a 3-year degree, paid during visa application.

What is the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)?

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee charged by the UK Home Office to fund use of the National Health Service (NHS). International students studying in the UK must pay the IHS as part of their visa application fee. The IHS is separate from your student visa application fee and is paid upfront, before the visa is issued.

Purpose: The IHS covers your access to NHS services (GP visits, hospital treatment, emergency care, prescription costs subsidy). Without payment, you cannot access NHS services, and you’ll be liable for the full cost of private healthcare (which can be prohibitive).

In Malaysian Ringgit: GBP 776/year ≈ MYR 4,500/year (using GBP 1 ≈ MYR 5.8 as a benchmark). Over a 3-year degree, total ≈ MYR 13,500.

IHS fee amounts and recent changes

As of January 2024, the IHS rate is GBP 776 per year for most international students. This rate was increased from GBP 715 (the previous rate) on 1 January 2024.

Rate history:

• Prior to Jan 2024: GBP 715/year.
• Jan 2024–present: GBP 776/year.
• Future increases: The fee is typically adjusted annually in January. Confirm the current rate on uk.gov before applying.

Duration and total cost:

Note: If your course is less than 1 year (e.g. a short postgraduate diploma), the IHS fee is pro-rated. For a 6-month course, you pay approximately GBP 388.

When and how to pay the IHS

The IHS is paid as part of your student visa application process, typically after you’ve received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your university.

Application process:

1. Receive your CAS from your university.
2. Create an account on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online application portal (apply.visahumanrights.homeoffice.gov.uk).
3. Begin your student visa application (Student visa – route-specific for students 18+, or Student visa – under 18 if applicable).
4. Provide your personal details, course information, and CAS reference number.
5. Near the end of the application, you’ll be prompted to pay your visa fees and IHS fee.
6. The IHS is charged in GBP. You can pay by credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express).

Payment details:

• Visa application fee: GBP 719 (as of 2025–26 academic year; may change).
• IHS fee: GBP 776/year.
• Total for a 3-year bachelor’s: GBP 719 (visa) + GBP 2,328 (IHS) = GBP 3,047.

In Malaysian currency: Approximately MYR 17,672 for a 3-year degree (using GBP 1 ≈ MYR 5.8).

What the IHS covers and excludes

Covered by IHS:

• GP (General Practitioner) appointments and diagnosis.
• Hospital treatment (A&E, inpatient, outpatient).
• Accident and emergency (A&E) services.
• Maternity care.
• Mental health services via NHS.
• Prescription medications (reduced cost; usually GBP 10.90 per item regardless of actual drug cost).
• Preventive care (cancer screenings, vaccinations, sexual health).

Not covered by IHS:

• Dental treatment (except emergency relief of pain and tooth extraction; routine dental work requires private insurance or out-of-pocket payment).
• Optometry (eye tests and glasses; some university health services offer discounts).
• Prescriptions for certain contraceptives (often available free, but specific types may not be).
• Private healthcare (if you choose a private provider instead of NHS).
• Physiotherapy (unless prescribed by a GP as part of NHS treatment).

In practice: Most student needs (colds, minor infections, injuries, mental health support) are covered. Dentistry and glasses are typically private expenses; budget approximately GBP 20–100 for an eye test and GBP 100–300 for glasses, or obtain student discounts.

Refunds and cancellations

If your student visa is refused, the IHS fee is automatically refunded to you. The refund is credited back to your card within 4–6 weeks.

If your visa is approved but you choose not to come to the UK, the IHS is typically not refunded — it’s considered a non-refundable government fee, similar to the visa application fee. To avoid loss, only pay the IHS once you’ve confirmed your place at the university and are certain you’ll attend.

If you arrive in the UK, begin your course, and later decide to leave, the IHS is not refunded. You’ve paid for a full year; partial refunds are not issued.

Proof of IHS payment and onshore access

Once you’ve paid the IHS during your visa application, you don’t receive a separate IHS receipt or certificate. Your visa application automatically records the payment. When you arrive at the NHS and register with a GP, the NHS system confirms your IHS payment.

To register with a GP (after arrival):

1. Find a local GP practice near your accommodation.
2. Bring your passport and proof of UK address (university accommodation letter, tenancy agreement, or council tax letter).
3. Complete a registration form.
4. The GP surgery checks your immigration status and IHS payment through the NHS system.
5. You’re registered within 1–2 weeks.

If you don’t register with a GP: You can still access A&E (emergency departments) without registration, but GP appointments require prior registration. Emergency services are free; delays in registering might mean waiting times for non-urgent issues.

Malaysian pathway

STPM or A-Level graduates entering UK bachelor’s degrees must budget for the IHS upfront. A typical 3-year bachelor’s costs approximately GBP 2,328 in IHS fees. Include this in your total cost-of-study planning. Many students underestimate this cost and are surprised at application time.

Master’s students often have a 1-year course, so the IHS is GBP 776 only. This is a manageable addition to course fees (typically GBP 15,000–25,000/year for international students). Total cost for a master’s: course fees + GBP 776 IHS + living expenses.

Diploma holders pursuing postgraduate degrees similarly budget GBP 776 for a 1-year master’s. Ensure your financial proof includes this amount.

Students on a tight budget should note that the IHS is mandatory; you cannot waive it or reduce it. If funds are insufficient, you may not be able to proceed with a UK application. Explore scholarships, loans from Malaysian banks, or family support to cover this cost.

Common questions

Can I pay the IHS later, after my visa is approved? No. The IHS must be paid during the visa application process. If you don’t pay the IHS, your visa application cannot proceed. Payment is required before a decision is made.

If I defer my course by a year, do I have to pay another year’s IHS? If you defer your start date but have already paid for a full year of IHS (e.g. you were supposed to start in Sep 2025, paid IHS for Sep 2025–Aug 2026, but defer to Sep 2026), the IHS validity shifts with your course. However, if you defer beyond the validity period, you may need to reapply and pay IHS again. Consult your university on deferral implications before deferring.

Does the IHS cover my family members (spouse, children)? No. Each family member has their own visa application and must pay their own IHS. If your spouse joins you on a UK Dependant visa, they pay their own IHS (same rate as students, GBP 776/year). If you have a child, they also pay separately. Budget accordingly if bringing dependants.

What if the IHS rate increases during my study? You pay the rate at the time of your initial visa application. If rates increase in subsequent years, you are not charged again unless you extend your visa. If you extend your stay (e.g. transition to a postgraduate visa), the new rate applies to the extension period.

Can I get private health insurance instead of paying the IHS? No. The IHS is a mandatory government fee for international students. You cannot opt out in favour of private insurance. All students must pay the IHS.

Is the IHS the same for all student routes (undergraduate, postgraduate, research)? Yes. The IHS rate is GBP 776/year for all international students on a Student visa, regardless of study level or programme type.

Sources

• UK Home Office — gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application (IHS overview and latest rates)
• UK Visas and Immigration — apply.visahumanrights.homeoffice.gov.uk (online application portal)
• NHS — nhs.uk (what NHS services cover and how to register with a GP)
• British Council — britishcouncil.org.my (UK student visa information for Malaysian students)

Visa fees and IHS rates change annually. Confirm the current IHS amount at gov.uk before applying for your UK student visa.