Dreaming of studying in the UK? Every year, over 1.5 lakh Indian students head to the United Kingdom to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes. The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities — Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, LSE, and many more. But before you pack your bags, you need to sort out your UK Student Visa.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything an Indian student needs to know about the UK Student Visa in 2026 — from eligibility and fees to the CAS number, documents checklist, financial requirements, step-by-step application, and tips to get your visa approved on the first attempt.
What is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa (formerly called Tier 4 Student Visa) is issued under the Student Route of the UK immigration system. It allows international students — including Indians — to live and study in the United Kingdom at a licensed educational institution for the duration of their course. The visa is issued by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), a division of the UK Home Office. You must have a confirmed place (CAS number) from a UKVI-licensed university or college to apply.
Do Indians Need a Student Visa for the UK?
Yes, Indian passport holders must apply for a UK Student Visa before travelling to the UK to study. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option for Indian students. You must apply from India before your course begins. The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course start date.
Types of UK Student Visa for Indians
- ✅ Student Visa (Student Route) — For degree-level courses (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD) at UKVI-licensed universities. Main visa type for Indian students aged 16+
- ✅ Child Student Visa — For children aged 4–17 attending independent schools in the UK
- ✅ Short-term Study Visa — For courses up to 6 months (or 11 months for English language courses). Not for degree programmes
UK Student Visa Fees for Indians 2026
| Fee Type | Amount (GBP) | Approx. INR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Fee | £524 | ~₹63,500 | Paid online at time of application |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776/year | ~₹94,000/year | Paid upfront for full course duration |
| Biometric Appointment (VFS) | ~£60–80 | ~₹7,000–10,000 | Depends on service type chosen |
| TB Test (mandatory for Indians) | — | ~₹3,500–5,000 | From UKVI-approved clinic in India |
Example total cost: For a 2-year MSc programme, you’d pay approximately £524 (visa fee) + £1,552 (IHS for 2 years) = £2,076 (~₹2.5 lakh) in government fees alone, not counting VFS and other charges.
Documents Required for UK Student Visa (Indians) ✅
- ✅ Valid Indian Passport — must be valid for the entire duration of your course + 6 months
- ✅ CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) — a unique 14-digit reference number from your UK university
- ✅ Proof of Funds — bank statements showing sufficient funds held for 28 consecutive days
- ✅ English Language Test Certificate — IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or equivalent
- ✅ TB Test Certificate — from a UKVI-approved clinic in India (mandatory for all Indian residents)
- ✅ Academic Transcripts & Certificates — class 10, class 12, and bachelor’s degree certificates (if applying for PG)
- ✅ Passport-size Photographs — 45mm x 35mm, white background
- ✅ ATAS Certificate — only required for certain sensitive subjects (physics, engineering, chemistry)
- ✅ Parental Consent Letter — if you are under 18 years old
Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa
UKVI requires you to show sufficient funds to cover your first year’s tuition fees AND living costs. The minimum funds you must show in your bank account (held for 28 consecutive days before your application date):
| Location of Study | Living Cost (9 months) | Plus First-Year Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| London | £13,761 | + full tuition fee (minus any deposit paid) |
| Outside London | £10,539 | + full tuition fee (minus any deposit paid) |
Example: If your first-year tuition is £20,000 and you’re studying in Manchester, you need: £10,539 + £20,000 = £30,539 (approximately ₹37 lakh) in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. The funds must be in a bank account in your name or your parent’s/guardian’s name. Fixed deposits and property valuations are not accepted.
What is a CAS Number and How Do I Get It?
The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique 14-character alphanumeric reference number that your UK university generates for you. It’s your university’s formal confirmation to UKVI that you have a place on a genuine course. You cannot apply for a UK Student Visa without a CAS number.
- Apply to UK universities and receive an unconditional offer
- Accept the offer and pay any required deposit
- Submit outstanding documents (final marksheets, English test scores)
- University generates your CAS — usually 6–8 weeks before your course start date
- You receive your CAS number via email
- Enter this CAS number in your visa application
How to Apply for UK Student Visa: Step by Step
- Receive your CAS number from your UK university
- Book your TB test — all Indian residents must get tested at a UKVI-approved clinic. Book early as slots fill up quickly
- Prepare your documents — gather everything on the checklist above
- Calculate your required funds — ensure the correct amount has been in your bank for 28 consecutive days
- Create a UKVI account at apply.ukimmigration.homeoffice.gov.uk
- Fill in the online application form — enter CAS details, personal information, and travel history
- Pay the visa fee and IHS — £524 visa fee + IHS (£776 per year of study)
- Book your biometrics appointment at a VFS Global centre in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad)
- Attend biometrics appointment — bring your passport and all documents; give fingerprints and photograph
- Track your application — UKVI processes your application after biometrics submission
- Receive your decision — usually within 3 weeks; you collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) once in the UK
UK Student Visa Processing Time for Indians
The standard processing time for a UK Student Visa from India is approximately 3 weeks (15–21 working days) after you attend your biometrics appointment. During peak periods (June–September for September intake), processing can take slightly longer. A priority service is available for ~£250 extra, reducing processing time to around 5 working days. Apply up to 6 months before your course start date — most advisors recommend applying 3–4 months before.
Common Reasons for UK Student Visa Rejection for Indians
- ❌ Insufficient funds — not maintaining the required amount for 28 consecutive days
- ❌ Funds not in the right format — using property valuations or non-bank documents
- ❌ Inconsistencies in the application — dates, addresses, or travel history that don’t match documents
- ❌ Missing TB test certificate — mandatory for all Indian residents; don’t skip it
- ❌ Low English language scores — IELTS score below your university’s minimum requirement
- ❌ CAS issues — applying with an expired or incorrect CAS number
- ❌ Applying too late — leaving insufficient time for processing before course start
- ❌ Previous visa violations — overstaying on a previous UK or Schengen visa
Tips to Get Your UK Student Visa Approved
- 💡 Book your TB test as soon as you receive your CAS — slots fill up 2–3 weeks in advance
- 💡 Maintain your funds in the bank for at least 35 days (7 days extra buffer beyond the 28-day requirement)
- 💡 Get bank statements officially stamped by your branch for stronger documentation
- 💡 Ensure your IELTS or English test scores meet the university’s requirement
- 💡 Double-check every detail before submitting — you cannot edit after payment
- 💡 Book a priority biometrics appointment if you’re on a tight timeline
- 💡 Consult a UKVI-registered immigration advisor for complex circumstances (previous rejection, study gaps)
Need Help With Your UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa process involves multiple steps — CAS, TB test, funds calculation, biometrics, and more. Our team at VisaForTrip has helped hundreds of Indian students navigate this process smoothly.
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Also read: UK Visa for Indians 2026: Complete Guide | How Long Does a UK Visa Take for Indians?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a UK student visa cost for Indians in 2026?
The UK Student Visa costs £524 (approximately ₹63,500) for the visa application fee. Additionally, Indian students must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £776 per year of study. For a 2-year course, total government fees are approximately £2,076 (around ₹2.5 lakh).
2. What is the processing time for UK student visa from India?
The standard processing time is approximately 3 weeks (15–21 working days) after biometrics submission. During peak admission periods (June–September), it may take slightly longer. A priority service is available for approximately £250 extra, reducing time to around 5 working days.
3. What is a CAS number and where do I get it?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies — a unique 14-character reference number issued by your UK university confirming your place on the course. You cannot apply for a Student Visa without it. Universities typically issue CAS numbers 6–8 weeks before the course start date.
4. How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa from India?
You need to show £10,539 (outside London) or £13,761 (London) for 9 months of living costs, PLUS your first-year tuition fees minus any deposit already paid. The funds must be in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before your application date.
5. Is TB test mandatory for Indians applying for UK student visa?
Yes, a TB (tuberculosis) test is mandatory for all Indian residents applying for a UK Student Visa. The test must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic in India. The certificate is valid for 6 months. Book your appointment well in advance as slots fill up quickly.
6. Can I work in the UK on a student visa?
Yes, most UK Student Visa holders can work part-time — up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacations (for degree-level study at a higher education institution). Check your CAS for any specific work restrictions.
7. Can I extend my UK student visa or switch to a work visa after graduation?
Yes. You can apply to extend your Student Visa from within the UK if needed. After graduation, you may be eligible for the UK Graduate Route visa, allowing you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates) without a job offer.