Topics Covered
UK Student VisaUK VisaStudent RouteGraduate RouteCASIndian Students
Quick Answer: How Do I Get a UK Student Visa?
To get a UK Student Visa (Student Route), you need: a CAS number from a licensed UK university, IELTS 6.0+ (or equivalent), proof of funds (28 consecutive days of bank statements), and a TB test certificate. Apply online, pay the £363 visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge, attend a biometrics appointment at a VFS centre in India, and receive your visa decision in 3 weeks.
UK Student Visa (Student Route) — Overview
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) allows international students to study full-time at UK universities. It is valid for the duration of your course plus additional time (typically 4 months for courses over 12 months).
Key facts:
- Processing time: 3 weeks (apply up to 6 months before course start)
- Visa fee: £363
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776/year (full NHS access)
- Part-time work: 20 hours/week during term, full-time during vacations
- Post-study: Graduate Route — 2 years work rights (3 years for PhD)
UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| University offer | CAS number from a UKVI-licensed institution |
| English proficiency | IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0 (varies by course) |
| Financial proof | 28 consecutive days of bank statements |
| Funds needed | Course fees (Year 1) + £1,334/month (outside London) or £1,023/month (London) for 9 months |
| TB test | Required for Indian applicants — book at authorised clinic |
| Passport | Valid for the entire duration of your course |
Documents Required for UK Student Visa
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — issued by your UK university after unconditional offer
- Bank statements showing 28 consecutive days of sufficient funds
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- IELTS/TOEFL/PTE score report
- TB test certificate (from an UKVI-approved clinic in India)
- ATAS clearance (for certain sensitive subjects — CS, engineering, sciences)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity recommended)
UK Student Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Receive your unconditional offer and pay the deposit to your UK university
- University issues your CAS number (usually 4–8 weeks before course start)
- Apply online on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website — fill in the form carefully
- Pay the £363 visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year)
- Book and attend biometrics appointment at a VFS Global UK Visa Centre in India
- Upload supporting documents via the UKVCAS portal
- Receive visa decision — typically 3 weeks from biometrics
Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa
You must show you can cover:
- First year tuition fees (or remaining balance if partial payment made)
- Living costs: £1,334/month × 9 months = £12,006 (outside London) OR £1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 (inside London)
These funds must be in your account (or a combination of yours + your sponsor's) for 28 consecutive days ending no earlier than 31 days before your application.
Graduate Route — Post-Study Work Rights
After completing your UK degree, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa:
- Undergraduate and Masters graduates: 2 years of open work rights
- PhD graduates: 3 years of open work rights
- Work for any employer in any sector — no restrictions
- Can switch to Skilled Worker visa if you get a sponsored job offer
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make on UK Visa
- Showing insufficient funds — The 28-day bank statement rule is strict; large deposits just before the statement period raise red flags
- Applying too early — You can only apply from 6 months before your course start date; earlier applications are rejected
- Forgetting the TB test — Indian applicants MUST have a TB test from an UKVI-approved clinic; missing this is an instant rejection
- CAS expiry — CAS numbers expire in 6 months; apply for the visa promptly after receiving it
- Wrong IHS calculation — Calculate IHS based on visa duration (whole years), not course length, to avoid incorrect payment errors
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the UK Student Visa take to process?
The standard processing time is 3 weeks after your biometrics appointment. You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date but no earlier. Priority processing (£500 extra) gives a decision in 5 working days.
What funds do I need to show for a UK Student Visa?
You need to show first-year tuition fees PLUS living costs of £1,334/month × 9 months (£12,006) outside London or £1,023/month × 9 months (£9,207) inside London. These funds must be held for 28 consecutive days.
Is IELTS mandatory for UK Student Visa?
Yes, most UK universities require IELTS Academic 6.0–7.0. Alternatives include PTE Academic (51–70), TOEFL iBT (72–100), or Duolingo (110+). Some universities accept MOI certificate for students from English-medium institutions.
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes — 20 hours/week during term time, and full-time during vacations and official holidays. You can also do internships and placements as part of your course.
What is the Graduate Route after UK studies?
The Graduate Route gives 2 years of open work rights (3 years for PhD graduates) after completing your UK degree. You can work for any employer in any role and switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you secure a sponsored job offer.
Do I need a TB test for UK Student Visa from India?
Yes — all Indian applicants must submit a TB test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic in India. The test costs around ₹2,000–4,000 and results are available in 1–3 days. Results are valid for 6 months.
