The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) is the route for Indian students wishing to study at a licensed UK institution for a course lasting more than 6 months. With our 98% success rate on UK student visa applications, here's exactly how to prepare yours.
Who Needs a UK Student Visa
All Indian nationals over 16 planning to study a full-time course of more than 6 months at a UK university or college need a UK Student Visa. The visa is issued for the duration of your course plus a grace period (up to 4 months for courses over 12 months).
Required Documents Checklist
- ✅ CAS Number from your UK university (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- ✅ Valid passport — at minimum 6 months beyond your intended stay
- ✅ Financial proof — see the financial requirements section below
- ✅ IELTS Academic or equivalent English test scores (typically 6.0–6.5)
- ✅ Academic transcripts and graduation certificates
- ✅ TB test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic in India
- ✅ Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment receipt
- ✅ Completed DS-160 equivalent — online application on the UKVI portal
- ✅ Biometric appointment confirmation at a VFS Global centre
Financial Requirements in Detail
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:
- First year's tuition fees in full
- Living costs: £1,334/month for 9 months in London (£12,006 total) or £1,023/month outside London (£9,207 total)
Funds must have been in your account (or your parents' account) for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before you apply. Bank statements must show the full amount without falling below the required level during those 28 days.
The IHS fee is currently £776 per year of your course duration. A 1-year master's costs £776; a 3-year bachelor's costs £2,328. This is paid online when you apply and gives access to the NHS during your studies.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Receive your CAS from university — this is generated after you accept an unconditional offer and pay any required deposit
- Pay IHS online at the Immigration Health Surcharge portal
- Complete DS-160 equivalent application on the UKVI website — be precise and accurate
- Book biometrics appointment at VFS Global (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh)
- Book TB test at an approved UKVI clinic
- Attend biometrics and submit documents
- Wait for decision — typically 15 working days (3 weeks)
- Receive passport with visa stamp (vignette) — check dates carefully
After Graduation: The Graduate Route Visa
The Graduate Route is one of the UK's most popular post-study visa options. After graduating from a UK university, you can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to:
- Stay in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates)
- Work in any job at any salary
- No job offer required — the visa is unsponsored
- Apply for the visa up to 6 months before completing your course
After the Graduate Route, most students transition to the Skilled Worker Visa with employer sponsorship, which can eventually lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years.
Need help with your UK student visa application? Our visa team has a 98% success rate.
