Student Visa for UK: Eligibility, Type, Process, Fees

Did You Know? 

• International students can now only switch to a Graduate visa after completing their degree, unlike before, when it was possible without finishing the course.
• Students applying from 02 January 2025 will need £1,438 (INR 1.6L) per month for living in London and £1,136 (INR 1.2L) elsewhere in the UK.

If you plan to study in the UK, you must apply for a student visa for UK, which costs £524 (INR 57,000) plus an annual healthcare surcharge of £776 (INR 85,000). Processing takes around 3 weeks if you're applying from India. The visa allows you to work part-time, stay for the full course duration, and live anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

This guide helps you understand who is eligible, which visa type suits you, what documents you need, how to apply, and how much the process will cost. 

Whether you’re applying for a full-time degree or a short-term language course, this step-by-step breakdown ensures your student visa for UK application is accurate and complete.

Student Visa for UK: Overview & Types

If you plan to study in the UK, you must understand the types of visas and their specific purposes. For example, if you're applying from outside the UK, the student visa for UK typically takes around 3 weeks to process. 

Also, the standard application fee is £524 (INR 57K), which is a significant cost you must factor in before applying. These facts help you plan your timeline and budget accurately.

You’ll find the main details below, covering types, processing time, work rights, and more to give you a clear start.

Aspect	Details
Processing Time	Applying from outside the UK: Typically, a decision is made within 3 weeks. Applying from inside the UK: Decisions usually take up to 8 weeks.
Types of Student Visas	Student Visa: For individuals aged 16 or over intending to pursue further or higher education courses in the UK. Child Student Visa: For students aged 4 to 17 who wish to study at an independent school in the UK. Short-term Study Visa: For individuals enrolling in English language courses lasting between 6 to 11 months.
Work Rights	During Term Time: Students enrolled in full-time degree-level courses may work up to 20 hours per week. During Vacation Periods: Full-time work is permitted. Work Placements: Allowed if they are an integral and assessed part of the course, not exceeding 50% of the total course length. Restrictions: Students cannot work in certain jobs, such as professional sportsperson or sports coach, and cannot be self-employed.
Application Fee	£524 (INR 57K)

Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.

Also Read: Cost of Living in the UK (2025): A Comprehensive Guide for Students, Professionals & Families
Now that you know the types and terms involved with the student visa for UK, it’s time to check if you meet the eligibility standards.

Student Visa for UK: Eligibility Criteria for International Students

Before you apply for a student visa for UK, you must meet all eligibility conditions set by the UK Home Office. For instance, you must show proof of financial capacity, i.e., £1,438 (INR 1.6L) per month if studying in London, and £1,136 (INR 1.2L) if outside London. 

You also need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, which will be documented in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). 

The following table outlines all key eligibility requirements you must fulfill before starting your student visa application.​

Criterion	Requirement
Age	Applicants must be 16 years or older.
Course Offer	Must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor, confirming acceptance without any further requirements after meeting academic, language, and other criteria.
Financial Requirements	Course Fees: Sufficient funds to pay for the first year of study, as specified in the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Living Expenses: £1,438 (INR 1.6L) per month (for up to 9 months) if studying in London; £1,136 (INR 1.2L) per month (for up to 9 months) if studying outside London.
English Proficiency	Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Proven by passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider. Common Score Requirements: IELTS: Typically, a score of 6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5 for undergraduate courses. PTE: Typically, a score of 50-57 for undergraduate courses. TOEFL iBT: Typically, a score of 78-80 for undergraduate courses.
Parental Consent (if under 18)	Applicants aged 16 or 17 must provide evidence of parental or legal guardian consent in writing.

Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.

Recommended Read: UK vs Canada – Which is Better for Indian Students?

Once you’re sure you meet these eligibility requirements, the next step is to gather the documents that support your application.

Document Requirements for Student Visa for UK

You must submit the right documents, or your application will be delayed or even refused. For instance, your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is non-negotiable, it links directly to your visa type and course. These documents act as evidence for both eligibility and intent, so accuracy is critical.

The list below outlines the essential documents you need to prepare for your student visa for UK.

Document	Description
Current Passport or Valid Travel Document	Must have at least one blank page for your visa.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)	A reference number issued by your licensed student sponsor confirming your unconditional offer.
Proof of Financial Support	Evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living costs. This may include bank statements or a letter from your financial sponsor.
English Language Proficiency Evidence	Proof of meeting the required English language standards, typically through a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Parental Consent (if under 18)	Written consent from both parents or legal guardians confirming support for your visa application, living and care arrangements in the UK, and travel to the UK.
Proof of Relationship to Parent or Guardian	Documents such as a birth certificate showing the names of your parents or legal guardians, required if you're under 18.

Also Read: Why Choose UK for Studying Abroad? Benefits & Reasons

Now that you’ve reviewed the required documents, the next step is to check the total cost of applying for a UK student visa.

How Much Does a Student Visa Cost for the UK?

Before you apply, you need to budget for more than just tuition and living expenses. The student visa application fee is £524 (around INR 57K), and you must also pay a healthcare surcharge of £776 (about INR 85K) every year. 

Missing or miscalculating these fees can cause rejection or delays. Knowing the exact cost upfront helps you avoid surprises during the application stage.

Refer to the table below to check the full breakdown of visa-related expenses for the UK.

Fee Type	Amount (£)	Approximate Amount (INR)
Student Visa Application Fee	£524	INR 57K
Healthcare Surcharge (per year)	£776	INR 85K
Short-term Study Visa (6 to 11 months)	£214	INR 23K
Short-term Study Visa Healthcare Surcharge	£776	INR 85K

Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.

If you're in a hurry or applying close to your intake date, you can pay extra for faster processing services. Let’s explore your options in such a case in the next section. 

Premium Services for Quick Visa Processing

If your course start date is close or you want to avoid long waits, premium services can speed things up. For example, the Priority Visa Service costs £500 (INR 55K) and gives you a decision in five working days. 

If you need it even faster, the Super Priority Visa costs £1,000 (INR 1.1L) and offers a decision by the next working day. These options are especially useful during peak periods when standard processing takes longer.

Check the options below to decide which premium service fits your needs best.

Service	Fee (£)	Approximate Fee (INR)	Details
Priority Visa Service	£500	INR 55,000	Expedites the processing of your visa application, aiming for a decision within 5 working days.
Super Priority Visa Service	£1,000	INR 110,000	Offers a decision by the end of the next working day after providing biometric information.
On-Demand Mobile Visa (ODMV)	N/A	INR 9,900 for 1 applicant.  INR 7,500 for 2  applicants or above.	Allows applicants to provide visa documents & biometric information at a location of their choice, facilitating the application process.

Note: All income values are in GBP (£), with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.

Once you understand the cost and speed options for your student visa for UK, it’s time to learn the exact steps to apply.

How to Get UK Student Visa: Process

You must follow each step carefully to avoid errors or delays in your UK student visa application. For Indian students, the process starts online and includes submitting biometrics at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC).

You must apply no earlier than 6 months before your course start date and receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before starting the application. Also, payment of the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is mandatory before your appointment is confirmed.

Follow the step-by-step process below to ensure your student visa for UK application is accurate and complete.

• Step 1: Obtain Your CAS from a Licensed Sponsor: Your university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) once you accept the offer and meet all conditions, like proof of previous qualification and ELP scores. 
• Step 2: Complete the Online Visa Application:  Visit the official UK Government site and fill out the online application form using your CAS number. 
• Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge: The current visa fee is £524 (INR 57K), and the health surcharge is £776 (INR 85K) per year. You must pay both online using a valid card before scheduling your appointment.
• Step 4: Prepare Proof of English Language Proficiency: Submit your Secure English Language Test (SELT) score from an approved provider such as IELTS UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI. The minimum score requirement depends on your course level and institution. 
• Step 5: Schedule an Appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (VAC):  After payment, book your biometrics appointment through VFS Global (official partner for UK visas in India). This includes submitting your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
• Step 6: Attend the Biometric Appointment and Submit Documents: Visit your chosen VAC to submit biometrics and upload or hand in required documents, such as passport, proof of funds, CAS, and ELP test scores.
• Step 7: Track Your Application: Use the VFS Global portal to track your application status. You’ll receive an email when a decision is made.
• Step 8: Receive Your Visa and Collect Your Passport:  If approved, you'll receive a visa vignette (sticker) in your passport valid for 30 days. After reaching the UK, collect your full BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) within 10 days.

Once you know the process, your next step is to find where to submit your biometrics and documents.

Where to Submit Documents for a UK Student Visa?

All the biometric data and documents are submitted at UK Visa Application Centres (VAC). In India they’re managed by VFS Global, the official partner for UK Visas and Immigration. 

These centers are located in major cities across the country, making it convenient for you to find one nearby. It's essential to schedule an appointment at your chosen VAC after completing your online visa application and fee payment.​

Below is a list of UK Visa Application Centres in India, along with their addresses and contact information:​

City	Address
New Delhi	Mezzanine Floor, Baba Kadak Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001.
Mumbai	South: 1st Floor, Urmi Axis Building, Behind Famous Studio, Opp E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi West, Mumbai 400011. North: First Floor, Trade Centre, ‘G’ Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400 051.
Chennai	Ramee Mall, 2nd Floor, No. 365, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600018, Tamil Nadu.
Kolkata	UK Visa Application Centre, Fourth Floor, RENE Tower, Plot No- AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, Kolkata 700107.
Bengaluru	UK Visa Application Centre, VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd., Gopalan Innovation Mall, 22, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076.
Ahmedabad	First Floor, Shree Balaji Agora Mall, Between Tapovan & Bhat Circle, 200 Ft, Sardar Patel Ring Road, Motera, Ahmedabad – 382424.
Hyderabad	Unit 1, Lower Concourse, Punjagutta Metro Station, 8-2-340/1, Punjagutta Rd, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 India.
Pune	93 Avenue Mall, 4th Floor, Kalubai Chowk, Near Fatima Nagar Junction, Wanowarie, Pune - 411 022.
Cochin	UK Visa Application Centre, First Floor, Coastal Chambers, MG Road, Ravipuram, Cochin, Kerala – 682015.
Chandigarh	Unit no. B-611-612, 6th Floor, Elante Office Block, Entry from Gate No. 2, Plot no. 178-178A, Industrial & Business Park, Phase - I, Chandigarh (UT) 160002.
Coimbatore	Caledon Square, Pricol Properties, Door No 348, 1st Floor, Avinashi Road, HUDCO Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore - 641004.
Goa	Gera Imperium Star, 5th Floor, Office No. 508, 509, 510, 511, Near Central Library, Patto Plaza, Panjim, Goa 403001.
Gurugram	Centrum Plaza, Office No-312, 3rd Floor, Golf Course Rd, near IILM Institute, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana 122002.
Jaipur	World Trade Park, 7th Floor, Jawhar Lal Nehru Marg, D Block, Malviya Nagar, Jaipur- 302017, Rajasthan, India.
Jalandhar	Aman Plaza, 3rd Floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chowk, Jalandhar, Punjab India - 144001.
Amritsar	Radisson Blu Hotel, Ajnala Road (Airport Road), Amritsar, 143001, Punjab, India.
Calicut	UK Premium Application Centre, PT Usha Rd, Vellayil, Kozhikode, Kerala 673032.

After submitting your application, it's natural to be concerned about the outcome. Understanding common reasons for UK student visa rejections and how to avoid them can significantly increase your chances of approval.

UK Student Visa Rejection: Common Reasons & Tips

Visa rejections can disrupt your academic plans and lead to financial loss. Many Indian students face rejections due to incomplete paperwork or weak financial evidence. The UK Home Office applies strict checks on every student visa for a UK application. 

Even a minor inconsistency in your documents or a low English proficiency score can lead to refusal. Knowing the top reasons in advance can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Here are the most frequent reasons why UK student visas are refused, along with tips to fix or avoid them.

• Insufficient Financial Evidence
  • If you don’t show proof of funds for tuition and living expenses, your visa will be denied.
  • Tip: Submit updated bank statements or financial sponsor letters covering the exact amount required. For example, £1,438/month (INR 1.6L)  if you're studying in London.
• Unclear Intentions or Weak Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • If your study plan appears vague or disconnected from your academic or career path, the visa officer may question your intention.
  • Tip: Write a strong SOP that clearly explains why this UK course suits your background and future goals. Add specifics like course modules or faculty names.
• Low English Language Proficiency Scores
  • Submitting ELP scores below the required level leads to rejection.
  • Tip: Take an approved SELT like IELTS UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI and ensure your score matches the requirement listed in your CAS.
• Incorrect or Incomplete Documentation
  • Missing documents like the CAS, TB test report, or passport pages are among the most common causes of refusal.
  • Tip: Cross-check your document checklist from the official UKVI website and upload every page carefully during the online application.
• Doubts About Return to Home Country
  • If your profile suggests you may overstay, the officer may reject the application.
  • Tip: Show strong ties to India—like family responsibilities or a confirmed job opportunity post-study—in your cover letter or SOP.
• Incorrect Visa Application Form or Wrong Details
  • Entering wrong details such as your name, passport number, or CAS number leads to mismatches.
  • Tip: Review your application twice before submission and match every field with your official documents.
• Late Visa Application
  • Applying too close to your course start date increases the risk of delays and rejection.
  • Tip: Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your course starts. The UK allows visa applications up to 6 months in advance.

If you’re unsure about any step or requirement, expert support can make all the difference. Let’s explore in the next section how upGrad can help you in the student visa application process for the UK. 

How upGrad Abroad Can Help You with UK Student Visa Applications?

If you're planning to study in the UK, upGrad Abroad provides dedicated guidance for your student visa application. With personalized counseling and expert mentorship, you’ll receive support to avoid errors and ensure your application is complete and timely.

upGrad Abroad helps you with 1:1 visa mentorship, university application assistance, and profile evaluation. You’ll get expert advice on timelines, document requirements, and course matching to ensure your application meets all UK student visa standards.

Looking to simplify your UK student visa process? Book a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad Abroad and take your next step with confidence.

Also Read: Top Universities in UK for Masters – Ranking, Fees & More