Guide to Getting a UK Student Visa

Depending on the type and duration of your course, there are three main UK student visa options - Short-term Study Visa

• For English language courses or summer courses lasting 6 to 11 months.
• You are not allowed to work part-time.
• Doesn't lead to a long-term stay as you cannot extend your visa.

Standard UK Student Visa

• For full-time degree programs (UG/PG/PhD).
• This visa is Valid for the course duration + extra months.
• Allows part-time work (20 hours/week).
• You are eligible for the Graduate Route stay-back route with this visa.

Child Student Visa

• For students aged 4–17 studying at independent (private) schools.
• This is complicated as it comes with specific sponsorship and guardianship rules.

Each visa type has different work rights, stay-back, and dependents rules. Choosing the correct visa depends on your study plan and long-term goals.

In 2025, the UK introduced specific new student visa policy updates to improve the student experience and ensure prospective students have a better chance of admission.

• Dependent visas are now only allowed for PhD or government-sponsored PG program students.
• The financial requirements have increased - this was done to support the increased living costs in the UK. £1,483/month (London) or £1,136/month (outside London) for 9 months
• The student visa fees have increased to £524 as of April 2025

The eligibility criteria for the UK student visa are particular, and you need to follow them completely to be eligible to apply for it. Any missing documents will result in a visa rejection.

• A valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed UK university
• Proof that you can pay tuition fees and cover living expenses for 9 months
• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts of previous studies
• Tuberculosis test (mandatory for Indian students)
• Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)

Your UK student visa application must show that you are a genuine student with enough financial and academic backing. Ensure your documents clearly show your intent to study and return (or apply for the Graduate Route) as per the rules.

Most Universities in the UK and the visa authorities will accept:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic You are generally required to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5; any band should not be lower than 5.5.

If you are an Indian student who achieved above 70–75% in CBSE/ICSE English in Class 12th, a few UK universities might not ask you to take the English test. These English tests are a requirement for a UK student visa, especially if you're applying directly without a pathway program.

Here are the costs of a student visa for the UK-

• The visa application cost is £524 (about ₹56,000).
• Each applicant must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 yearly.
• The price is £776 for a one-year course and £ 1,552 for a two-year course.

So, depending on the course duration, your total UK student visa cost will be around ₹1.3 to ₹2.2 lakhs.

Don't forget to pay the required visa and IHS fees online before submitting your application. The payments must be made to get approval.

A valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed UK university

• Valid passport
• Bank Statements proving there is enough money available for tuition and living expenses for up to 9 months
• You are expected to submit your bank statements and education loan sanction letter.
• 10th, 12th, Undergraduate, and/or Postgraduate college records should be included.
• Results from English language tests (such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
• TB test results issued by an approved clinic in India
• You must apply for your UK visa online and complete the official form.
• A few students may have to take part in a credibility interview.

Ensure your papers are error-free, time-appropriate, and fit the criteria in your CAS.

Step 1 - The first thing is to accept the university's offer and receive a CAS.

Once you get an offer from a UK university, you must accept it (usually this means paying a deposit). Next, the university will give you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), which proves that you have been admitted.

You need to have your CAS before you can apply for a student visa. This letter shows the length of the course, what to pay, the number and details of the sponsor's license, and proof of payment.

Step 2 - Get Your Financial Documents Ready

You are required to show that you have the finances to cover your tuition as well as your daily expenses. This includes:

The required funds are confirmed to be available 28 consecutive days ago. If you're applying for a loan, then you need the sanction letter from a trusted financial organization for the education loan.

Funds should come from a bank account in your name or in your parents' name (if you'll be using their funds, attach an affidavit and proof of your relationship with them).

Step 3 - Take Required Tests

In the next stage, you need to sit for the IELTS and the TB test.

You have to provide -

• IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Academic scores, unless waived by your university
• Every Indian citizen, except those who already have a GCMS account, is required to submit a TB Test Report valid for the last six months.

Step 4 - Fill out the UKVI Online Visa Application.

• Check the URL - https://www.gov.uk/student-visa to access the student visa information.
• Make an account by clicking on "Register" when you open the app.
• Go for the Student route when applying for a visa.
• Submit all your personal details, information on your courses, travel record, and CAS number.
• Make sure to add a photo that meets the guidelines issued by the UK Visas and Immigration service.
• Please take your time while doing this. Once you submit the form, you cannot modify it afterwards.

Step 5 - Pay Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge

You will be asked to pay -

• Visa fee: £524
• IHS fee: £776 per year (payable for the full course duration)

Step 6 - Book Your VFS Biometrics Appointment

• Book your biometrics appointment via VFS Global
• Select a VAC (Visa Application Centre) near your city (available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, etc.)

Step 7 - Upload your documents and go for your VFS appointment

• Upload your documents via the TLS/VFS online portal, or carry physical copies if you opt for the scanning service at the centre.
• Attend the biometric appointment (face photo + fingerprints)
• Submit your passport and required documents

Step 8 - Wait for a Decision

• It takes 15 days for the Embassy to process your request if all the documents are correct.
• You will receive an email notification when a decision has been made. Your passport with a visa sticker (Vignette) will be returned via courier or made available for collection.

International students from abroad in the UK can work part-time for up to 20 hours every week when classes are running and full-time work during holidays.

However, do not let part-time jobs or internships limit you from attending your classes. Also, internships (paid/unpaid) may be allowed depending on your course structure.

Dependents and Family Visas for UK Students

Under the new 2024 rules, the only students who can bring dependents are those stated below -

• People currently enrolled in PhD or research programs
• Students who receive scholarships from the government

If you are eligible, your dependents have to meet the following conditions -

• Provide evidence of your tie (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
• Establish different funds for your money.
• Both you and your dependent should pay the visa and IHS fees first.
• According to their visa, dependents are allowed to work in the UK.

With a Graduate Route Visa, international students can stay and find work in the UK upon finishing their studies.

• Students who have completed their UG/PG can stay in the country for 2 years.
• PhD students can stay for an additional year, up to 3 years.
• There is no need for sponsorship; you can work for any company or independently.
• The application for a Graduate Route visa should be done before your student visa finishes.

Applying for your UK student visa is an important step, as it might appear complicated, but you will find it much easier once you know all the steps and plan ahead. When preparing your visa for your studies abroad, you should take each requirement very seriously.

Due to its fast master's programs, good universities, opportunities to work for one year after studies, and great jobs, many Indian students choose the UK. Nevertheless, mistakes in any of the financial, CAS, or application papers may result in your case being delayed or turned down. For this reason, students need to be ready both in their studies and with all the paperwork and schedules related to visas.

Whether you're still researching your options or ready to apply, Azent’s personalized support ensures that you don’t just submit a visa application - you submit the right application.