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Planning to study in the UK is exciting, but your offer letter is only the first step. A uk student visa application depends on your course, CAS, funds, documents and timing all matching correctly.
This guide is for Indian students, parents and sponsors preparing for UK university admission. It covers university choice, admission, CAS, costs, financial evidence, documents, biometrics and the application timeline.
Last Updated: August 2026. Fees and immigration rules can change, so check the latest GOV.UK Student visa guidance before applying.
Key Takeaways
- You need an offer from a licensed student sponsor before your university can issue a CAS.
- Your financial evidence must cover unpaid tuition fees and required living costs.
- The Student visa application fee is £558, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge where applicable.
- Your passport, CAS and personal details must match across every document.
- Apply early enough for CAS checks, TB testing, biometrics and possible document requests.
What Is a UK Student Visa and Who Can Apply?
The UK Student Route replaced the old Tier 4 (General) student visa. You can apply if you are aged 16 or above, have an offer from a licensed student sponsor, meet English requirements and can show the required funds.
If you are 16 or 17, you also need written parental consent. Some students aged 16 or 17 who will study at an independent school may qualify for a Child Student visa instead.
Course-length rules affect how long you can stay. Degree-level students can usually study for longer than students on below-degree courses. Check the latest requirements before you apply.
UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students
University admission and immigration approval are separate checks. Your university decides its academic marks, English test score, course prerequisites and tuition deposit rules. UK Visas and Immigration then checks whether you meet the Student Route rules.
Choose a Licensed University and Suitable Course
First, confirm that your chosen university is a licensed student sponsor. Compare the course level, duration, city, tuition fee, entry criteria and career value before accepting an offer.
The right course gives you a stronger start to the UK university admission and CAS process. A course choice should make sense with your past studies and future plans.
Meet English, Academic and Additional Requirements
Your university may accept IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or another approved English route. Follow the evidence your university asks for.
Keep academic certificates and transcripts ready. Some postgraduate research courses need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate, known as ATAS. Indian applicants may also need a TB test from an approved clinic, depending on their circumstances and intended stay.
What Is CAS and Why Does It Matter for Your Visa?
CAS means Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is an electronic record issued by your licensed university after you accept an offer and meet its conditions.
You may need to pay a tuition deposit, submit documents and complete a credibility interview before the university issues it. Your CAS includes a reference number, sponsor details, course dates, course level, tuition fees, payments already made and personal information.
You need a valid CAS before you submit a UK Student visa application. Without the correct CAS reference, the application cannot progress properly.
What to Check Before You Use Your CAS
Check your name, passport number, course title, dates, fees, deposit payment and sponsor details. Report any error to the university before you apply.
A CAS has limited validity. Apply within the permitted period shown by the university. The university can update or withdraw it if your information changes.
The UK CAS Process for Indian Students, Step by Step
- Choose a suitable university and course.
- Submit your admission application.
- Receive a conditional or unconditional offer.
- Meet academic and English conditions.
- Pay any required tuition deposit.
- Upload requested identity and financial documents.
- Complete a credibility interview if the university asks.
- Receive and review your CAS statement.
CAS timelines and deposit amounts differ between universities. Don’t book your visa appointment until your CAS details are correct.
UK Student Visa Cost from India in 2026
Your UK student visa cost from India includes government charges and costs linked to your university and travel plans.
| Cost type | Typical charge or item |
| Student visa application fee | £558 |
| Student Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 per year where applicable |
| One-year example calculation | £558 + £776 = £1,334 |
| Two-year example calculation | £558 + £1,552 = £2,110 |
| Three-year example calculation | £558 + £2,328 = £2,886 |
| University costs | Tuition deposit and remaining tuition fee |
| Medical and test costs | TB test, English test, medical checks if required |
| Other expenses | Flights, accommodation, travel, translations and priority services |
These are calculations, not package prices. The final IHS amount depends on the immigration permission granted. A stay of six months or less may not need IHS. Check GOV.UK’s online application information before payment.
Costs Beyond the Visa Fee
Budget for tuition, accommodation, flights, local travel, document translations and university administration charges. Priority services may be available, but availability and fees can change.
Consultant charges also vary. Confirm the service scope and fees before signing up.
Financial Requirements and Maintenance Funds for a UK Student Visa
You must show unpaid first-year tuition fees plus living costs for up to nine months. The money normally needs to stay in an acceptable account for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
| Where you will study | Monthly maintenance amount | Maximum for 9 months |
| London | £1,529 | £13,761 |
| Outside London | £1,171 | £10,539 |
You may use your own funds, eligible education loans, parent funds or permitted sponsor funding. Bank statements must be clear and verifiable. Avoid unexplained deposits before your application.
Exchange-rate movement can affect whether your Indian rupee balance meets the required amount in pounds.
UK Student Visa Documents Checklist for Indian Students
Not every applicant needs every document. Your online application will confirm your personal UK student visa documents checklist.
| Document | When it is needed | Check before submission |
| Valid passport | All applicants | Passport details match CAS |
| CAS reference | All applicants | Course and fees are correct |
| Financial evidence | Where required | Funds meet the holding rule |
| TB certificate | Where required | Use an approved clinic |
| ATAS certificate | Certain courses | Details match the CAS |
| Academic documents | If requested | Use complete certificates |
| English evidence | Where required | Match university evidence |
| Sponsor consent | Sponsored students | Include written permission |
| Parent documents | Eligible under-18s | Include consent and relationship proof |
| Certified translations | Non-English documents | Submit original and translation |
Read the official Student visa document requirements before uploading files.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from India
- Choose your course and university.
- Apply for admission and receive an offer.
- Meet the offer conditions and complete the CAS process.
- Prepare financial evidence, TB and ATAS documents where needed.
- Complete the online UK Student visa application and enter your CAS number.
- Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Prove your identity and attend biometrics at the relevant visa application centre.
- Upload documents, answer any request and wait for the decision.
| Stage | Allow time for |
| Offer and conditions | University review and deposit |
| CAS issue | Document checks and possible interview |
| Visa application | Funds, TB test and biometrics |
| Travel | Visa decision and arrival date |
Do not travel before the start date allowed on your visa.
UK Student Visa Processing Time and Travel Planning
Applications made outside the UK usually receive a decision within around three weeks. Applications inside the UK usually take around eight weeks. Processing can take longer during busy periods or if extra checks are needed.
You can usually arrive up to one week early for courses lasting six months or less. For longer courses, you may usually arrive up to one month early, subject to your visa dates.
Common UK Student Visa Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without a valid CAS or using incorrect CAS details.
- Showing incomplete funds or bank statements with unexplained deposits.
- Missing TB, ATAS or translation requirements.
- Giving different passport details to your university and visa form.
- Applying late and missing biometrics appointments.
- Relying on old social media posts or outdated immigration advice.
A final review helps you spot avoidable errors. It cannot guarantee a visa decision.
Can Indian Students Bring Dependants on a UK Student Visa?
Dependant rules are restricted. Eligibility mainly applies to students on eligible postgraduate research programmes and certain government-sponsored courses.
Your partner and children need separate applications, fees and financial evidence. Don’t assume every postgraduate course allows dependants. Check GOV.UK rules before making family travel plans.
Graduate Route and Post-Study Options After Your Course
After successfully completing an eligible course, you may apply for a Graduate visa. Applications made on or before 31 December 2026 may allow two years. Applications made on or after 1 January 2027 may allow 18 months.
Doctoral graduates may receive three years. A Graduate visa is not automatic, and Skilled Worker applications have separate eligibility rules.
How SWEC Visa Consultant Can Help With Your UK Student Visa
SWEC can support you with profile assessment, course selection, university applications, document preparation, financial planning and CAS guidance. You can also ask about IELTS, PTE or TOEFL preparation where suitable, plus pre-departure planning where offered.
If you are comparing uk student visa consultants in surat, speak to an adviser about your course plans and supporting documents. Explore UK student visa guidance in Ahmedabad and Surat for admission and application support.
No consultant can guarantee a visa decision. You remain responsible for truthful, complete information.
Explore Other Study Destinations
You may also compare the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai and the France, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Italy. Compare courses, total costs, work rules and post-study options before deciding where to study abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Current UK Student Visa Cost from India?
The Student visa application fee is £558 for applications made from 8 April 2026. You may also need to pay IHS at the applicable student rate, based on visa length. Confirm the full amount on GOV.UK before payment.
What Documents Are Required for a UK Student Visa from India?
You need a valid passport and CAS reference. Financial evidence, TB certificates, ATAS, sponsor consent and translations depend on your circumstances and online checklist.
How Does the CAS Process Work for Indian Students?
You receive an offer, meet the conditions and complete university checks. After any required deposit and document review, the university issues your CAS. Check it carefully before applying.
How Much Money Do You Need to Show for a UK Student Visa?
You need unpaid tuition fees plus the relevant London or outside-London maintenance amount. Hold the funds in an accepted form for the required period before applying.
Can SWEC Visa Consultant Help With Your UK Student Visa Application in Surat?
SWEC may help with admission, CAS, documents and application guidance. The final decision belongs to UK Visas and Immigration, so confirm the exact service and fees during your consultation.
Final Thoughts
A successful uk student visa application starts with careful planning, not last-minute paperwork. Keep your admission, CAS, costs, funds and documents aligned, then check current GOV.UK rules before submitting.
Need help with UK university admission, CAS guidance or visa application support? Contact SWEC Visa Consultant to book a consultation.
