Study in the UK

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
• can speak, read, write and understand English
• have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

Costs of Studying in the UK as an International Student

The cost of studying in the UK as an international student varies depending on several factors, including:

• University: Tuition fees can differ significantly between universities.  
• Course: Some courses, like medicine or law, may have higher fees.  
• Location: Studying in London or other major cities generally costs more than studying in smaller towns.
• Living expenses: Accommodation, food, and transportation vary widely depending on your lifestyle and location.

Additional Costs:

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): This fee is required for most visas and allows free access to the NHS.  
• Visa application fees: These vary depending on your visa type.

It is important to fully disclose any pre-existing health conditions in your visa application where appropriate.

For a more accurate estimate, you can visit the universities’ websites you’re interested in. They typically provide detailed information about tuition fees and other costs.

How to access the NHS while studying in the UK

To access the National Health Service (NHS) as an international student, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application.

While you can access the NHS for free, it’s important to note that specific services, like prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye examinations still require separate payments.

The Immigration Health Surcharge will entitle students to access the NHS in the UK at no additional cost, the same way as permanent UK residents. This includes a doctor’s surgery (a general practitioner or GP), a healthcare centre, or a hospital. You may need to pay for dental and eye (optical) treatment and medicine prescribed by the GP and collected from a pharmacy. 

Cost for a year

Student visa applicants can calculate how much their healthcare surcharge is using this calculator. Please budget to also pay for any additional time issued on your visa – most students will have a wrap-up period of 4 months.

For Graduate Route visa applicants, this will depend on the length of your visa application if it is successful.

It’s important to note that IHS exemptions can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the current rules before applying for your visa.

More information can be found on the government website

A Guide to Accessing a GP

When you first get to the UK, it’s essential to register with a General Practitioner (GP) as soon as possible. By doing this, you’ll have a doctor responsible for your ongoing healthcare needs and can help with any health concerns. Registering with a GP is free. This will allow your GP to process your registration and give you an NHS number.

Registering with a GP in the UK can take up to 14 days, depending on the practice’s policies.

1. Finding and registering with a GP

• NHS Patient Access: This online service allows you to register with a GP practice near your new home. See below to find out more about registering with a GP in
  • England
  • Wales
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland
• Local Directory: Check your local council’s website for a list of GP practices in your area.

The registration process may vary slightly between GP practices. You can usually contact the practice directly to inquire about their specific requirements. Inform the practice staff about your bleeding disorder. This will help them understand your particular healthcare needs.

2. Initial Appointment

• Schedule an Appointment: Once registered, request an appointment with a GP.
• Discuss Your Condition: During the appointment, provide a detailed history of your bleeding disorder, including previous treatments or medications.
• Documentation: You must have all your medical documentation from previous healthcare providers to show your GP. This must be translated into English.
• Referrals to Haemophilia Centre: Ask your GP to urgently refer you to the haemophilia centre nearest to the university. This is where you will receive free care and be given the necessary treatment for your bleeding disorder.
  

Additional Tips

• Carry Your Medical Records: Bring any relevant medical records from your previous residence.
• Understand the NHS: Familiarise yourself with the NHS system and how it works. This will help you navigate the healthcare system more quickly.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your GP or the Haemophilia Centre any questions.

How to get a referral to a haemophilia centre in the UK

To get an appointment at a haemophilia centre, your GP must send the hospital a referral letter about your medical history and other details.

If you have been prescribed treatment like factor concentrate, bring it to show your GP. This will ensure that your GP has the correct details when referring you to the haemophilia centre. The referral process from your GP to the haemophilia centre can take weeks, so make sure you come to the UK with enough treatment to cover this time.

If you run out of treatment while waiting for your referral, please go to the Emergency Department (ED) of a hospital with a haemophilia centre. This is necessary to ensure that the ED staff can coordinate with the haemophilia centre doctors and provide you with prompt treatment. You must have all your medical documentation from previous healthcare providers to show the doctors. This must be translated into English.

Your bleeding disorder treatment prescribed by your haemophilia centre will be free under the NHS surcharge.

UK treatment centres can be found here.

Please note that the information on this page is provided by GOV.UK and NHS.UK for general information only and is subject to change without notice.