The United Kingdom is one of the top study destinations for Indian students, thanks to one-year master’s degrees, world-ranked universities and the Graduate Route that lets you work after your course. To study for more than six months you need a UK Student visa. This guide covers the CAS, money you must show, fees, the application steps and work rights.
UK Student Visa at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa name | Student visa (replaced the old Tier 4) |
| Key document | Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed university |
| When to apply | Up to 6 months before your course starts (from outside the UK) |
| Decision time | Usually about 3 weeks; priority services may be available |
| Costs | Visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) per year of visa |
| Work during study | Up to 20 hours a week in term time for degree-level courses |
| After study | Graduate Route – work in the UK without a sponsor |
Eligibility Requirements
- An unconditional offer and a CAS from a university with a Student sponsor licence
- Enough money for course fees and living costs
- English at the required level (CEFR B2 for degree courses) – usually shown through IELTS for UKVI or as assessed by your university
- A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic – required for applicants from India
- An ATAS certificate, if your subject is on the sensitive research list
How Much Money Do You Need?
You must show your remaining first-year tuition fee plus living costs for up to 9 months. The money must be held in your (or your parent’s) account for at least 28 consecutive days, and the statement must be dated within 31 days of your application.
| Study location | Living costs per month (up to 9 months) |
|---|---|
| London | About £1,483 |
| Outside London | About £1,136 |
These figures are set by the Home Office and change from time to time, so confirm them on GOV.UK. Education loans from recognised banks are accepted if the letter meets UK rules. Compare funding rules across countries in our guide to applying for a student visa.
UK Student Visa Fees
- Visa application fee – paid online (check the current amount on GOV.UK)
- Immigration Health Surcharge – charged per year of your visa, gives access to the NHS
- TB test, IELTS for UKVI and optional priority service fees
Estimate your total budget with our visa fee and total cost calculator.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Accept your offer and pay the deposit
Meet all conditions (marks, English) so the offer becomes unconditional. Many universities ask for a tuition deposit before issuing a CAS.
2. Receive your CAS
Check your name, passport number, course dates and fees on the CAS. Mistakes can cause refusal.
3. Arrange funds and the TB test
Keep the required money in your account for 28 days and book the TB test at a Home Office-approved clinic.
4. Apply online
Complete the form on GOV.UK, pay the visa fee and the IHS.
5. Biometrics and documents
Book an appointment at a VFS Global centre in India to give fingerprints and a photo, and upload your documents.
6. Credibility interview (if asked)
Some applicants get a short interview about their course, university and plans. Know your course modules, fees and career goals.
7. Decision and travel
Successful applicants receive a decision and a digital immigration status (eVisa). Check that the details are correct before you travel.
Documents Checklist
- Valid passport
- CAS reference number
- Bank statements or education loan letter
- Academic certificates used to get your offer
- English test result (if required)
- TB test certificate
- ATAS certificate (if applicable)
- Parental consent and birth certificate, if you are under 18 or using parents’ funds
Can You Work and Bring Family?
Degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time during official vacations. Since January 2024, most taught master’s students cannot bring dependants; only postgraduate research students (such as PhD) and some government-sponsored students can.
The Graduate Route
After completing a degree in the UK, you can apply for the Graduate Route and work at any skill level without a sponsor. It currently gives 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates), although the UK government has announced plans to shorten it for future applicants. Many graduates later switch to the Skilled Worker visa – check salary levels with our UK Skilled Worker salary checker.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Funds not held for the full 28 days, or statement too old
- Errors on the CAS or mismatch with documents
- Weak answers in the credibility interview
- Missing TB certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS compulsory for a UK student visa?
Not always. Many universities assess English themselves or accept Class 12 English marks, but some courses and all pre-degree courses need a Secure English Language Test.
How early should I apply?
You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. Apply as soon as you have your CAS and funds ready.
Can I switch to a work visa after studying?
Yes. You can move to the Graduate Route, or to a Skilled Worker visa if you get a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Related Guides
Compare destinations in the easiest countries for student visas and countries with free or low-cost education.
UK immigration rules change often. Always confirm current requirements with UK Visas and Immigration.
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