Levy rate
£925 per student per year
Starts
1 August 2028
Allowance per provider
220 students
Who pays
English higher education providers
Quick Answer
From 1 August 2028, English higher education providers will pay a levy of £925 per international student per year, with an allowance of 220 international students per provider. The levy is charged to universities, not directly to students, but it may affect tuition fees and scholarships. It applies in England only and covers new and existing students registered on or after that date.
What is the international student levy?
The UK Government announced the international student levy in its 2025 Immigration White Paper. It is a charge on English higher education providers for each international student they recruit. The rate is £925 per student per year, and it starts on 1 August 2028, for the 2028-29 academic year.
Every provider that pays the levy gets an allowance of 220 international students per year, so the first 220 are not charged. The levy applies in England only, and it covers all new and existing students registered with the provider on or after 1 August 2028, according to UKCISA.
Does the student pay it?
The levy is charged to the university, not to you.
What is not yet clear is whether universities will recover the cost through higher tuition fees, fewer scholarships or tighter recruitment. UKCISA notes that providers will not be able to reinvest this income in the international student experience. If you are planning for 2028 or later, assume that fees and discounts may change, and ask each university what it expects.
Which students are affected
The levy depends on where the university is, not on where you come from.
- Studying in England: the university pays the levy for you if it is above its 220-student allowance.
- Studying in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland: the levy as announced applies to England only.
- Already studying: students registered on or after 1 August 2028 count, including existing students.
If you start in September or January 2027, you will still be studying when the levy begins, but the university, not you, pays it.
Other UK rules Nepali applicants should know
The levy is one part of a wider set of changes. Two others matter for planning:
- Graduate Route: for applications submitted on or after 1 January 2027, the Graduate visa for bachelor's and master's graduates is 18 months instead of two years. PhD graduates keep three years. See our guide to the UK Graduate Route.
- English language: for a degree-level course or above, the Student visa requires English at CEFR level B2, and level B1 for courses below degree level. You can show this with an approved Secure English Language Test, or, for degree-level courses, your university may assess your English itself, according to GOV.UK.
For the wider picture, read our UK international education policy guide.
How to plan if you are applying now
- Ask about fees. Request the university's fee policy beyond your first year, and ask whether tuition is fixed for the length of your course.
- Compare scholarships early. Scholarship budgets may tighten, so apply as soon as awards open. Our scholarship guide for UK study lists the main options.
- Check your English evidence. Confirm whether your university accepts its own assessment or requires an approved test.
Sources
Figures checked against these pages in October 2026. The levy details may change before 2028, so confirm them on GOV.UK before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the UK international student levy?
The levy is £925 per international student per year. It starts on 1 August 2028 and is paid by English higher education providers.
Do I have to pay the UK student levy myself?
No. The levy is charged to the university, not to the student. Whether universities will pass the cost on through fees is not yet confirmed.
Does the levy apply in Scotland or Wales?
As announced, the levy applies in England only.
What English level does the UK Student visa require?
For a degree-level course or above you need CEFR level B2. For courses below degree level you need CEFR level B1.
Talk to Counselor Today
