UK study visa fees rise and ETA application guide — **Introduction**

The Home Office has recently announced an increase in immigration and nationality fees, which will take effect from **9 April 2025** onwards. These changes will affect international students and visitors coming to the UK for long-term and short-term studies and those seeking to stay in the UK after graduation. In addition, the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme, which currently applies to visitors from countries that previously had visa-free access to the UK, will extend to European travellers starting from **2 April 2025**. Understanding these updates is essential for international students and visitors to avoid delays and higher costs and ensure a smooth entry into the UK. This blog outlines the new study visa fees and the ETA application process.

New UK visa costs for students effective from 9 April 2025

Student visa (for students aged 16+ studying a course longer than 11 months, excluding independent schools): the fee will rise from £490 to £524.

Child Student visa (for students aged 4–17 studying a course at an independent school for over 11 months): The fee will rise from £490 to £524.

Short-term study visa (for studying the English language for more than 6 months but not more than 11 months): The fee will rise from £200 to £214.

Visitor visa (for studying a course for up to 6 months): The fee will rise from £115 to £127.

ETA (for short-term study for up to 6 months): The fee will rise from £10 to £16.

Graduate visa (for staying in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a bachelor’s and postgraduate degree (3 years for PhD graduates)): The fee will rise from £822 to £880.

*Note: The visa fees for Student and Child Student remain the same, regardless of whether you apply from inside or outside the UK.

Table 1. UK study-related visa fees increase from 9 April 2025

Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) application guide

If you come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study, you will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. An ETA is not a visa but a digital permission to travel.

You can apply using the UK ETA app on iPhone and Android. You will get a decision in minutes (as most applicants received) or within 3 working days, and you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

To apply, you need your passport, an email address and an online payment method (the fee is £10 or £16 if you apply on or after 9 April 2025). You also need to provide your contact information, passport details, biographic and biometric details (facial photograph and fingerprints), and answer a few questions on suitability and criminality. However, you do not need to give details of your travel plans.

Once you have successfully applied, your ETA is digitally linked to your passport. Your ETA will be valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can travel to the UK as often as you like during the validity period.

Sources: GOV.UK (2025b); GOV.UK (2025c).

Passport holders of the following locations (who previously had visa-free access to the UK) need an ETA to travel to the UK

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Australia

The Bahamas

Bahrain

Barbados

Belize

Botswana

Brazil

Brunei

Canada

Chile

Costa Rica

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Israel

Japan

Kiribati

Kuwait

Macao Special Administrative Region

Malaysia

Maldives

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Mexico

Federated States of Micronesia

Nauru

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Oman

Palau

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Peru

Qatar

Samoa

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles

Singapore

Solomon Islands

South Korea

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Tonga

Tuvalu

United Arab Emirates

United States

Uruguay

Source: GOV.UK (2025d).

Passport holders of the following European countries will need an ETA to travel to the UK starting from 2 April 2025

Andorra

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Monaco

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

San Marino

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Vatican City

Sources: GOV.UK (2025d); GOV.UK (2025e).

Conclusion

The upcoming increase in UK study visa fees brings significant changes for international students and visitors (now including European travellers) from previously visa-exempt countries planning to come to the UK for long-term and short-term studies. These changes highlight the importance of early planning and staying informed about immigration policies.

We are British Council Certified Counsellors with a proven track record of assisting many international students in obtaining their visas. Our dedicated team guides you through the complexities of the requirements and documentation, carefully preparing your visa application to increase your chances of success. Our UK Student Visa Application ensures a smooth, efficient, and stress-free process, allowing you to focus on other important matters.