What Is the UK Student Visa?

The UK Student visa (previously called the Tier 4 Student visa) allows Indian students to study at a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) for the full duration of their course. It replaced all prior student visa categories in October 2021. If you have an unconditional offer from a UKVI-licensed university, you are eligible to apply.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Confirmed unconditional offer from a UKVI-licensed Sponsor (all major UK universities are licensed)
  • English language proficiency: IELTS Academic 6.0+ (minimum 5.5 in each component) for most universities; some require 6.5 overall
  • Financial proof: You must show you can cover tuition fees + £1,334/month living costs (London) or £1,023/month (outside London) for up to 9 months
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test: India is on the list of countries requiring a TB test. Get tested at an approved UKBA clinic
  • ATAS clearance: Required only for certain sensitive subjects (nuclear physics, advanced materials, etc.)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Receive Your CAS Number

Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique 14-character reference number issued by your university. You cannot apply for the visa without it. Universities typically issue CAS numbers 3–6 months before your course start date. Your CAS will contain your course details, tuition fees, and start date — this information is pre-populated in your visa application.

Step 2: Pay the IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) gives you access to the NHS during your stay. The current rate for students is £776 per year (increased from £470 in 2024). For a 1-year master's program this means £776; for a 3-year bachelor's degree it is £2,328. Pay this at the time of your online application — you will need the IHS payment reference number to complete your application.

Step 3: Fill the Online Application (UK Visas and Immigration)

Go to gov.uk/student-visa and complete the online form. You will need:

  • Your CAS number
  • Passport details
  • IHS payment reference
  • Financial evidence details
  • Travel history from the past 10 years
  • Criminal record declarations
The visa application fee is £363 for courses of 6 months or more (applied for outside the UK).

Step 4: Book Your Biometric Appointment (VFS Global)

After submitting the online form, book a biometric appointment at your nearest VFS Global centre in India. Major cities with VFS centres: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi. At the appointment you will submit your fingerprints, photo, and original documents.

Step 5: Submit Documents at VFS

Bring to your VFS appointment:

  • Original valid passport (plus all previous passports)
  • Printed online application form with barcode
  • IHS payment confirmation
  • Bank statements (last 28 days) showing required funds
  • Financial sponsor letter (if parents are funding)
  • TB test certificate from an approved clinic
  • IELTS/TOEFL certificate
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • Passport-sized photographs (as per UKVI specifications)

Financial Evidence: How Much Must You Show?

The funds must be held in your or your parents' bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before the date on your financial statement (not before you apply — before the statement date). The required amount is:

  • London-based universities: Remaining tuition fees (first year unpaid amount) + (£1,334 × 9 months = £12,006)
  • Outside London: Remaining tuition fees + (£1,023 × 9 months = £9,207)

Example: If your tuition is £18,000/year and you are going to a London university with no tuition paid yet, you need £18,000 + £12,006 = £30,006 in the bank.

Processing Times

Standard processing from India takes 3 weeks. You can pay for priority processing (results in 5 business days). Apply no earlier than 6 months before your course start date and no later than 3 months before. Most students apply 8–12 weeks before departure.

Common Rejection Reasons — and How to Avoid Them

  1. Insufficient funds or funds held for fewer than 28 days: Ensure money is in the account for a full 28 days before your statement date.
  2. Incorrect financial documents: Bank statements must show your full name, account number, and bank letterhead. Mobile app screenshots are not accepted by all universities — get official bank statements.
  3. Gaps in travel history: Disclose all countries visited in the past 10 years honestly. Gaps trigger manual review.
  4. Missing TB test: India is on the mandatory TB test list. Book an appointment at a UKBA-approved clinic at least 3 weeks before your VFS appointment.
  5. Inconsistent information: Your CAS details must exactly match your documents — name, date of birth, course name, and fees.

After Your Visa Is Approved

Your UK Student visa will be stamped in your passport (for stays under 6 months) or issued as a vignette sticker valid for 30 days — you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Your BRP is your actual proof of permission to stay.

Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route)

After completing your degree at a UKVI-licensed institution, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa: 2 years for bachelor's/master's graduates and 3 years for PhD graduates. This allows you to work (or look for work) in the UK at any skill level — it is your pathway to a Skilled Worker visa and potential settlement.

Start Your UK Application with StudyFar

StudyFar's visa tracker gives you a step-by-step UK student visa checklist, document upload vault, and deadline reminders — all free. Over 1,200 Indian students used StudyFar to get their UK visas in 2025. Start your free application or explore UK universities and programs.