How Much Do You Actually Need to Start Studying in the UK?…

Short answer: To start your UK study-abroad journey for the January 2027 intake, plan for a university deposit (from £5,000), the UK Student visa application fee (£558), the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year of permission), a TB test (around ₦120,000), a TLS visa centre fee (from £79) and your flight. Dhub Education's professional fee is free for the January intake.

You always ask us this question: "How much do I actually need to start my study-abroad journey?" So here's a simple breakdown of the main upfront costs, in one place.

The breakdown

💷 University deposit: from £5,000. This secures your place and is usually deducted from your total tuition.
🎓 Dhub Education professional fee: FREE for the January intake.
🏦 Proof of funds support: from ₦3 million*.
🛂 UK Student visa application: £558.
🏥 Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year*.
🩺 TB test: around ₦120,000.
📍 TLS visa centre fee: from £79*.
✈️ Flight ticket: depends on airline, destination and travel date.

*Figures marked with an asterisk vary with your circumstances. Speak to an adviser for the exact amount in your case.

Important: your IHS isn't always simply £776

The Immigration Health Surcharge is charged for the full length of immigration permission you are granted, not just the months you spend in class. Your visa usually runs a little longer than your course, and part-years can be charged at a different rate from a full year. So a one-year Master's rarely costs exactly £776 in IHS. Your final amount is calculated when you apply, based on the dates on your application.

Every student's situation is different

These are starting figures, not a final bill. Your total depends on your university and course, whether you're studying in or outside London, how long your visa will be, and whether you're travelling with dependants. The costs that catch students out are usually the ones nobody put on the list: timing a deposit before your funds are ready, or underestimating how long your visa (and your IHS) will run.

Want the FULL cost of studying in the UK for January 2027?

This list covers the upfront costs to start. On our TikTok Live, we'll break down the full cost of studying in the UK for the January 2027 intake, and answer your questions live.

🗓️ When: Thursday, 1 October 2026
📍 Where: @mydhubeducation on TikTok

Follow the page now so you get notified when we go live.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the UK Student visa application fee?

The UK Student visa application fee is £558 when applying from outside the UK.

Is the Immigration Health Surcharge always £776?

No. £776 is the yearly student rate. Your total IHS is calculated on the full length of immigration permission you are granted, which is usually longer than your course, so the final amount is often more than £776.

Does Dhub Education charge a professional fee for January 2027?

No. The Dhub Education professional fee is free for the January intake.

Do I need a TB test for a UK Student visa from Nigeria?

Yes. Applicants from Nigeria need a TB test certificate from an approved clinic. It costs around ₦120,000.

Want your own cost breakdown?

Every student's numbers are different. Talk to a Dhub Education adviser and we'll work out what your January 2027 journey will actually cost:

Fees are correct at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm current amounts with Dhub Education or the official UK government source before you pay.

How Much Do You Actually Need to Start Studying in the UK? (January 2027 Intake)