Do you feel securing a UK student Visa is a tedious and lengthy procedure? Then this post is for you. In this blog, we attempt to provide all the details related to the UK Student visa, how to apply for a UK student visa, the fees for a UK student visa, types of UK student visas and other requirements to bear in mind.
As per the UK government norms, all international students above 16 years who would like to pursue their higher studies in the UK have to apply for a visa which costs £490 per applicant. If you want a priority or super-priority service, it will cost more. The length of the Visa depends on the duration of your program. UK student visa validity is usually given for the length of the course you choose.
Types of United Kingdom Study Visa:
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The Student Route Visa: Popularly known as the tier 4 UK student visa ( now called the student route visa), this visa category is for students coming to the UK for higher education. It is for students about the age of 16 who want to study for more than 6 months in the UK; then, you need to apply for a student visa through the student route.
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Child student visa: This Visa is for individuals aged between 4 and 7 seeking education in the UK.
- Short-term study visa: If you are planning to take a course for 6 months in the UK, you have to go for a short-term study visa. This is especially useful for courses such as language programs or short-term technical courses.
UK Student Visa Fees:
If you are an international student applying for uk student visa you need to pay £490 As application fee. The cost of UK student visa if you are applying from within the UK, is also the same , i.e £490
As per the UK norms every student should have health insurance for UK student visa which costs you around £776 per year.
UK Student Visa Fees in Indian Rupees:
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Application Fee: £490 (UK student visa for Indians is approximately ₹51,000, depending on exchange rates)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776 per year (approximately ₹81,000), payable for the entire duration of your course
As of April 2025, the UK student visa cost application fee for Indian applicants is £490, which is approximately ₹51,200, depending on current exchange rates.
UK Student Visa Criteria:
To be eligible to get a student visa in the UK, the following should be fulfilled:
- This student must submit an offer letter from any university in a full-time academic course
- He or she should show adequate financial resources to support their survival in the UK
- the student must demonstrate his/ her ability in English language proficiency tests.
- The student should be 16 or 17 years old with parental consent.
- An English level of at least B2 on the CEFR scale is necessary as per UK student visa requirements for English language.
UK Student Visa Application:
Wondering how to apply for UK student visa? Here are some steps you need to follow:
Step 1: The process of applying for a United Kingdom student visa starts with securing an offer letter from any recognized UK university. Once your application is accepted, the university provides you ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies’ (CAS). This is important for you as it forms the basis for your visa application.
Step 2: You must fulfil the eligibility criteria for English language proficiency tests. Hence, Your next step is to get a valid score on Any of the ELP tests, such as IELTS, PTE or TOEFL.
Step 3: Start applying for a UK student Visa in this step. To apply for a UK student visa, you need to visit the official UK government website: www.gov.uk/student-visa. This site provides step-by-step guidance on the application process. You must first receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed student sponsor in the UK. Once you have the CAS, you can apply online by filling out the application form, paying the visa fee, and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). You’ll also need to book an appointment at a visa application centre to submit your biometric information. Make sure to prepare and upload all required documents, such as your passport, proof of financial support, and proof of English language proficiency.
You should apply six months prior to commencing your course when applying from outside the UK, and no more than three months prior when applying from within. Students currently can only apply online for their visas, and occasionally this is referred to as an e-visa.
Documents Required for UK Student Visa:
Before applying for a UK student visa, make sure you have UK student visa documents checklist.
- A completed visa application form
- A valid passport or travel document
- A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your education provider (issued within 6 months)
- Proof of parental consent and relationship (if under 18)
- Proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs:
- £13,347 for 9 months in London
- £10,224 for 9 months outside London
- (Funds must be held for at least 28 days and within a month before applying)
- (Not required if you've been in the UK on a valid visa for 12+ months)
- £13,347 for 9 months in London
- Visa fee payment receipt
- ATAS certificate (if applicable)
- Academic documents (marksheets, certificates)
- English test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- Payslips (if applicable)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test report (if required)
UK Student Visa Processing Time:
The standard time taken for processing Visa applications in the UK is 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date of your biometric appointment at a visa application center. However, there are options for fast track visa processing, as given below:
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Priority Visa Service: Decision in 5 working days (at an extra cost of ~₹22,800).
- Super Priority Visa Service: Decision by the next working day (extra cost of ~₹95,000).
Conclusion:
While UK student visa rejection rate has been fluctuating, careful planning and understanding of Britain student visa, UK student visa financial requirements can help you land in your dream destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How much will UK student visa cost?
A. The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) costs £490 (approx. ₹52,000) for applications made outside the UK.
Q. Is IELTS required for UK student visa?
A. Yes, IELTS or an equivalent English proficiency test is required unless you’re exempt (e.g., from a majority English-speaking country or certain academic qualifications).
Q. Is UK student visa easy to get?
A. It’s generally straightforward if you meet all requirements, including an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsor and proof of funds.
Q. What does UK student visa dependent mean?
A. A dependent is a partner or child who can accompany or join a Student visa holder under certain conditions, especially for postgraduate programs.
Q. Does UK student visa have interview?
A. Interviews may be required as part of the credibility assessment, but not all applicants are interviewed.
Q. How long does UK student visa take?
A. Visa processing typically takes 3 weeks after your biometrics appointment.
Q. How much is proof of funds for UK student visa?
A. You must show you have £1,334 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London, or £1,023 per month if outside London.
Q. Which exam is required for UK student visa?
A. IELTS for UKVI is commonly accepted; other Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) like PTE Academic UKVI or TOEFL iBT are also accepted.
Q. What is the process for UK student visa?
A. Apply online with your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), pay the visa fee and IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge), attend a biometric appointment, and wait for a decision.
Q. Which countries can I visit with UK student visa?
A. The UK student visa allows travel within the UK and Ireland (under the Common Travel Area), but not the Schengen zone or other countries without separate visas.
Q. Are dependents allowed in UK on student visa?
A. Yes, but only if you’re a full-time postgraduate student on a course lasting 9 months or more, or a government-sponsored student.
Q. How do I know my UK student visa is approved?
A. You’ll receive an official decision email or letter and a visa vignette or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit).
Q. Is UK student visa Tier 4?
A. Yes, it was previously known as Tier 4 but is now officially called the Student visa.
Q. When to apply for UK student visa?
A. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts if applying from outside the UK.
