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Student Visa Fees in 2026–27: 12 Countries Compared
November 10, 2026
3 min read
Kuro Team
Visa costs have changed a lot over the past year: the UK, Australia and the USA all raised their fees in 2026. This table compares the main student visa or residence permit cost and typical processing time for each destination we cover. Figures were last checked on 10 November 2026.
Fees and processing times
| Country | Visa / permit | Main fees | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Student visa | £558 + Immigration Health Surcharge £776 per year | About 3 weeks |
| USA | F-1 visa | $185 visa fee + $350 SEVIS fee (+ $250 visa integrity fee where collected) | 2–4 weeks after interview |
| Canada | Study permit | CAD $150 + CAD $85 biometrics | 8–12 weeks |
| Australia | Student visa (subclass 500) | AUD $2,500 (from 1 July 2026) | 4–6 weeks |
| Germany | National student visa | €75 | 6–12 weeks |
| Austria | Student residence permit | €218 | Up to 3 months |
| Hungary | Student visa + residence permit | €110 via a consulate | 3–4 weeks |
| Latvia | Temporary residence permit | About €160–€180 + €45 residence card | 30 days (express available) |
| Lithuania | Temporary residence permit (MIGRIS) | About €80–€160 + VFS service fee | Up to 2 months |
| Malta | Type D visa + Identità residence permit | About €50 permit; visa fee varies by embassy | 4–8 weeks |
| Cyprus | Entry permit + temporary residence permit | €70 | Several weeks |
| Poland | National visa (Type D) | See the Poland page | About 15 working days |
The fee is not the whole cost
- Proof of funds: often the biggest hurdle. Germany requires a blocked account of €992 per month for 2026, and Austria about €722.58 per month if you are under 24.
- Health cover: the UK charges its surcharge upfront for the whole course; most EU countries ask for private insurance.
- Service and courier fees: visa centres such as VFS Global add their own charges.
- Translations and legalisation: documents may need certified translations or an apostille.
Tips to avoid delays
- Book your appointment as soon as you have your admission letter; slots fill weeks ahead in peak season.
- Check the document list on the official embassy or immigration website for your country of residence.
- Never travel on a tourist visa planning to switch to student status. Cyprus, for example, does not allow it.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Always confirm before paying
Governments change fees with little notice. Each destination page shows the date its visa information was last verified and links to the official source. If anything looks out of date, contact us and we will check it for you.