United Kingdom Student Visa Guide
Student visa
For courses at a licensed UK student sponsor. You need a CAS, funds held for 28 days, a TB test from India, and English at CEFR B2 (your university can assess it). Successful applicants get an eVisa, not a BRP card.
Last checked against the official source on 2026-09-29.
- Application fee
- £558
- Processing
- Usually 3 weeks from outside the UK
- Validity
- Degree courses: course length plus up to 4 months (up to 5 years in total at degree level)
- Work rights
- Up to 20 hours a week in term time at degree level; full-time in official vacations. Graduate visa afterwards: 2 years if you apply by 31 Dec 2026, 18 months from 1 Jan 2027 (3 years after a PhD).
United Kingdom student visa costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | £558 | About ₹72,000; applying from outside the UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year of the visa | About ₹1 lakh a year; paid upfront |
| Living funds to show (London) | £1,529 a month, up to 9 months | Up to £13,761, about ₹17.7 lakh |
| Living funds to show (elsewhere) | £1,171 a month, up to 9 months | Up to £10,539, about ₹13.6 lakh |
| Tuition (first year) | Typically £16,000–40,000 | About ₹21–52 lakh; medicine higher |
| TB test | Varies by clinic | Approved clinics only |
| Graduate visa (after your degree) | £937 | Plus the health surcharge for the visa length |
Document checklist
- ✓CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Financial proof held for 28 consecutive daysUnpaid first-year fees + £1,529/mo (London) or £1,171/mo (elsewhere) for up to 9 months. The 28-day period must end within 31 days of applying.
- ✓Tuberculosis (TB) test certificateRequired for applicants from India staying more than 6 months; from a Home Office-approved clinic.
- ✓English language evidenceCEFR B2 for degree-level study. Your university can assess this itself, often from Class 12 English marks or IELTS; it is recorded on your CAS.
- ○ATAS certificate (optional)Only for certain postgraduate science and technology subjects; your CAS will say if you need one.
- ○Parental consent (if under 18) (optional)
- ✓Qualifications listed on your CAS
Step-by-step process
- 1
Receive your CAS
Your university issues a CAS once you have accepted an unconditional offer and met its conditions (often including a deposit).
- 2
Prepare funds and TB test
Hold the required money for 28 consecutive days, and get a TB certificate from an approved clinic in India.
- 3
Apply online
Apply on GOV.UK up to 6 months before your course starts. Pay the £558 fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (£776 per year).
- 4
Prove your identity
Give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre (VFS in India), or use the UK ID Check app if you are told you can.
- 5
Get a decision
Usually within 3 weeks from outside the UK; priority services may be available.
- 6
Set up your eVisa and travel
Successful applicants get an eVisa (an online record of immigration status) instead of a BRP. You can arrive up to 1 month before a course longer than 6 months, but not before your visa start date.
Interview tips
- A credibility interview may happen: be ready to explain your course choice, university, fees, and post-study plans.
- Speak naturally about your interest in the course; do not recite a script.
- Be clear about who is funding you and where the money came from.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Letting the balance dip below the required amount during the 28-day period.
- Using a bank statement where the 28-day period ends more than 31 days before you apply.
- Getting a TB certificate from a clinic not approved by the Home Office.
- Expecting a BRP card: status is now an eVisa, so set up your UKVI account.
- Assuming the Graduate visa is 2 years: it is 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027.
- Inconsistent answers between your CAS, application and credibility interview.
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance is needed for a UK student visa?
Your unpaid first-year fees plus £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere, for up to 9 months, held for 28 consecutive days ending within 31 days of applying.
What is the UK student visa fee for Indian students?
£558 from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year.
How long does a UK student visa take from India?
Usually around 3 weeks from outside the UK; priority services may be available.
Do I still get a BRP card?
No. Successful applicants now get an eVisa, an online record of their immigration status.
How long is the UK Graduate visa?
2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months if you apply on or after 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get 3 years.
Can I work on a UK student visa?
Degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time during official vacations.
Do Indian students need a TB test for a UK visa?
Yes, if staying more than 6 months. It must come from a Home Office-approved clinic.
When can I travel to the UK on a student visa?
Up to 1 month before your course starts if it lasts more than 6 months, and never before your visa start date.
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Other student visa guides
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.