United Kingdom student visa for Indians – Student visa
You need a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed university before you can apply. You apply online and give biometrics at a visa centre in India.
Intakes: September · January
Key facts
- Visa fee: £558 from outside the UK + Immigration Health Surcharge £776 per year
- Living funds: £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 outside London, for up to 9 months — held for 28 days in a row
- English test: B2 level for degree courses — IELTS for UKVI or your university’s own assessment
- Work while studying: Up to 20 hours a week in term for degree-level study; full-time in official vacations
- After graduation: Graduate visa: 2 years if you apply by 31 Dec 2026, 18 months from 1 Jan 2027 (PhD: 3 years)
- Decision time: Usually about 3 weeks after your biometrics
- When to apply: Up to 6 months before your course starts
- Family: Dependants only for PhD and research postgraduate courses
Important updates
- The Graduate visa falls from 2 years to 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.
- Applicants from India need a TB test certificate from an approved clinic.
Documents
- Passport
- CAS number from your university
- Proof of funds held for 28 days
- TB test certificate
- Documents listed on your CAS (mark sheets, degrees)
- English test result (if required)
- ATAS certificate (certain science and engineering subjects)
How to apply
- Get your CAS – Accept your offer and pay the deposit; the university issues a CAS.
- Funds and TB test – Hold the money for 28 days and take the TB test.
- Apply online – Fill the application and pay the visa fee and health surcharge.
- Biometrics – Visit the visa centre with your documents.
- Decision – Usually about 3 weeks; your visa is then issued as an eVisa.