UK Student Visa Guide - Types, Requirements, Process, Fees
Recently, 'The Young Professional Scheme (YPS) has been incepted by the Indian and UK governments which would assist those eligible in obtaining a UK Work Visa for a maximum of two years. People aged between 18 to 30 years can apply for the same.
Students, who wish to study in the UK for more than 6 months, need to know about the following 3 UK Student Visas or UK visa types:
-
Short-term Study Visa: Short-term UK Study Visa is for those who want to study an English language course for up to 11 months
-
Student Visa: This visa category is for students coming to the UK for higher education. It was formerly termed as a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, popularly called a Tier 4 Student Visa
-
Child Student Visa: This visa is for children who are between 4 and 17 years old and wish to study at an independent school in the UK. It was formerly termed a Tier 4 (Child) Student Visa
Check: Student Guide to the United Kingdom (UK)
UK Student Visa Eligibility Criteria
The requirements for getting a UK student visa are given below.
-
A student must have received an offer of a full-time academic course from a licensed student sponsor.
-
A student must have sufficient financial resources to support himself/ herself during the duration of the course.
-
A student must be able to speak, read, write and understand English in an academic environment.
-
If a student is aged 16 or 17, he/ she needs consent from his/ her parents.
English Language Requirement for UK Student Visa 2025
It is necessary to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language when submitting your UK student visa application. You may establish your English language proficiency through the following means:
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
- Successfully completing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from a recognised provider.
- Holding a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher, or Advanced Higher in English, obtained through education at a UK institution while you were under the age of 18.
- Possessing a degree-level academic qualification that was delivered in English. If your studies were conducted outside the UK, you will need to seek verification from Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to confirm that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or PhD.
The level of English proficiency required for getting admission to degree-level courses at UK universities is CEFR level B2.
UK Student Visa Cost 2025
UK Student Visa Fees: (Formerly Tier 4 (General) Student Visa) is £490 (INR 52,779.62, as per the exchange rate on December 30, 2024) if the students are applying from outside the UK. In addition, you have to pay a healthcare surcharge of £776 per year, which depends on the duration of your stay. It is to be noted that the amount of health surcharge now varies as per the location of your stay, duration of course and the university you choose to study in the UK. For more details, check https://www.immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk/checker/Type.
The methods of UK student visa fee payment are stated below.
-
Online using either a MasterCard or Visa card.
-
Through demand draft at the visa application centre and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.
-
Through Cash at the visa application centre and selected branches of Standard Chartered Bank.
Students must note that if they wish to extend or switch to a UK Student Visa from within the UK, they will have to pay a fee of £490 (INR 52,779.62, as per the exchange rate on December 30, 2024). Please ensure to check the UK study visa fees before making an application.
Check: April and May Intakes in the UK for Indian Students
Documents Required for UK Student Visa
Applying for a student visa requires you to carry a lot more documents in comparison to a tourist visa. As a part of fulfilling the UK Student Visa requirements, applicants need the mandatory documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. There are some other requirements as well which one should remember and meet. Make sure you refer to the UK Student Visa checklist before going to the consulate for the visa interview.
You should have the following documents before applying for a UK student visa:
-
A completed student visa application form
-
If you're below 18 years of age, you need to get proof of your parent's or guardian's consent and proof of your relation with the parent/guardian
- A valid passport or other valid travel document
-
A letter of acceptance on the course: Your approved education provider will give you an acceptance letter (CAS or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) and a visa letter that are official and unconditional offers of a place on a course of study. The visa letter must be issued no more than six months before you apply. Students need to apply for their UK study visa within 6 months of receiving their CAS.
-
Having a visa letter does not guarantee the application will be successful. The applicant must meet all the requirements of the category and any other requirements of the immigration rules.
-
Proof of funds - The money you need to show covers your course fees for your first year of study and living costs for up to a maximum of 9 months (1 academic year). The amount you will need depends on whether you are applying as a child or adult and whether you will be studying in or out of London. You must show that you have held the money for at least 28 days. The end of that 28-day period must not be more than one month before the date of your application.
-
Starting from Jan 2025, you must show the following amount of money to meet basic living costs (minimum maintenance funds - not inclusive of tuition fees), for a period of up to nine months i.e. £13,347 for nine months (£1,483 per month) if you are living in London and £10,224 for nine months (£1,136 per month) if you are living outside London.
-
However, if a student has been in the UK, with a valid visa, for at least 12 months, he/ she does not have to show proof of funds for visa application
-
-
The visa fee payment confirmation receipt
-
ATAS certificate if your nationality and course need it
-
Payslips
-
Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
- TB report
Types of Courses valid under UK Student Visa
One can study the following types of courses while on a UK student visa:
-
A full-time course would help to obtain a qualification which is below degree level and organised daytime study of a minimum of 15 hours a week
-
A full-time course which would help to obtain a qualification which is degree level or above
-
A full-time course which would help to obtain a qualification which is degree level or above which shares the same platform as that of a UK higher education programme
-
A part-time programme which would help to obtain a qualification which is above degree level
-
A known foundation course for PG doctors or dentists
-
An English language programme at B2 level or above in the Common European Framework of Reference Languages
Also Check:
UK Student Visa Application Process 2025
There are several steps to apply for a UK Student Visa. UK Study Visa applications are processed within three weeks of the completed application being lodged. Following are the steps to apply for UK student visa:
Step 1 - Get a confirmed place/offer from the school, university or college where you intend to study. It is called a ‘confirmation of acceptance for studies’ (CAS).
Step 2 - Take the required English test such as PTE, IELTS or TOEFL, whichever suits your requirement.
Step 3 - Gather proof that you have enough money (also known as ‘maintenance or funds’) to cover your course fees and living costs in the UK.
Step 4 - Get your academic and supporting documents ready such as previous exam mark sheets, passport with complete travel history (for at least a period of last 2 years), sponsor letter, etc.
Step 5 - Fill out the online application form of the UK student visa on the government website. You will need to register and create an account on the official UK Visa website. When you have completed your online application form, you will need to print and sign your completed form. You must use the online appointment calendar to book an appointment at the visa application centre. When you have completed your online application, you will receive an email message containing your application number.
Step 4 - Pay your application fee. There are 4 ways to pay your visa application fee.
-
Payment at Standard Chartered Bank - You can pay your fee at some branches of Standard Chartered Bank. The bank will issue a demand draft in favour of the 'British High Commission'.
-
Demand draft from a nationalized or foreign bank - You can pay your fee by getting a demand draft issued by a nationalized or foreign bank. Bank charges for this service will vary. The demand draft must be in favour of the 'British High Commission’.
-
Payment at the visa application centre - You can pay the visa application fee at the visa application centre when you submit your visa application.
-
Pay online - You can pay your visa application fee online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card.
Step 5 – Book the biometric appointment to provide your finger prints and photographs at the visa office. Visit the visa application centre on the appointed date. The status of visa approval can be checked later on the government website.
Note: If needed, students are allowed to withdraw their applications. For this, they need to contact UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration). If their application processing has not started, their fee will be refunded.
Also Read:
Check out the application process for UK Student Visas in the video below:
You can also check out a video on Visa counselling sessions on the UK and Ireland study visa by in-house Shiksha counsellors. This video covers various topics like types of a student visa, step-by-step process to get a visa, document checklist, and source of funding, and commonly asked questions, from students.
UK Point-based Visa System
Students should be informed that the UK Visa is a point-based visa system and it is essential for applicants to meet all the requirements of the Immigration Rules and have 40 points in total.
Factor |
Points |
---|---|
Students are required to have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from a fully licensed student sponsor, and their course must be full-time (minimum 15 hours of classroom study every week) |
30 points |
Students should have enough money to cover course fees and monthly living costs (also known as maintenance or funds) |
10 points |
UK Student Visa Part-time Work
If you are enrolled in a bachelor's degree program or higher at a UK college that is listed on both the official ‘UKBA Sponsor list’ and the list of ‘recognized bodies’, you are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week for (UK Student Visa) and work full-time during vacations or summer holidays. In this regard, students must note that if their course is below the UK degree level (e.g. foundation or pre-sessional English), they can work for 10 hours per week. Moreover, students who hold a Short-term Study Visa cannot work.
Check: Scholarships to Study in UK
UK Student Visa: Dependents
Latest Update: In a major change announced by the UK government, international students pursuing a non-research Master’s degree course in the country will no longer be permitted to bring along their families or dependents to the country. Read more about the new change in detail here: UK Student Visa Rule Modified: International students banned from bringing family over
The wife or children get a Dependent Visa for the same duration as the primary applicant. This is applicable to the Master's degree application only right now. Your course must be at least 9 months in duration and must be at RQF level 7 or above. Undergraduates cannot take dependents with them to the UK.
If you have a student visa, your dependents apply as 'dependent on a Points Based System migrant'. Each dependent completes a separate application form and pays a separate fee.
Along with your own maintenance funds, you need to show an additional £845 (within London) and £680 (outside London) for each dependent for each month that you are applying for up to a maximum of 9 months' maintenance funds. You can use a scholarship to cover the maintenance funds for your dependents if you already have got a scholarship. The scholarship letter must state that funds are also intended for your dependents.
UK Student Visa: Additional Information
If you want to work there after completing your studies, then you need to apply for a Graduate Visa, and afterwards a Tier 2 visa that is meant for Highly Skilled Workers. So along with your student visa, you don’t get a work permit. You need to apply for a work visa separately.
Your spouse may work in the UK if the grant of leave is for more than 12 months. If your visa was granted for a period of fewer than 12 months or you are participating in a course of study below degree level, your spouse will not be allowed to work in the UK.
Check: Part time Work Options in UK for International Students
Premium Visa Services
While a normal UK Study Visa could take at least 3 weeks to process, students can opt for the Priority Visa Service or the Super Priority Visa Service to shorten the visa processing time for an added fee. Under the Priority Visa Application, UK Visas and Immigration aims to make a decision on your Priority Visa application and contact you to let you know that your passport is ready to be collected within 5 working days from when you submit your biometric information. Under the Super Priority Visa Application, the same work is completed within 24 Hrs. Candidates should note that the cost of this service is in addition to the visa application fee and is non-refundable if the visa application is refused, or in exceptional cases if it takes longer to process.
-
UK Priority Visa has an additional cost of £500
-
UK Super Priority Visa has an additional cost of £1000
UK Student Visa: Where to apply
The UK Student Visa process of getting a Tier 4 visa is completely online. Below is the link where you can fill the form – Online visa application form
For Biometrics interview you need to visit the VFS Global’s Visa Application Centre in Delhi:
VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Mezzanine Floor, Baba Kadak Singh Marg,
Shivaji Stadium Metro Station,
Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India
Check the list of all visa application centers
UK Embassy and Consulates Addresses
-
British High Commission New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
Phone: 011-24192100
-
British Deputy High Commission Mumbai
Naman Chambers,
C/32 G Block Bandra Kurla Complex,
Mumbai
Bandra (East) 400 051
-
British Deputy High Commission Chennai
20 Anderson Road
Chennai 600 006
-
British Deputy High Commission Kolkata
1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata 700071
-
British Deputy High Commission Bengaluru
5th Floor, North Tower
Safina Towers
#3 Ali Asker Road
Bengaluru 560052
How can I check the status of my UK student visa application?
The Embassy will evaluate your application before conveying the result to you. Depending on your nationality, it may take 2-3 weeks for your UK student visa processing time. Make sure that everything on your application is completed and not pending in order to avoid rejection. Certain cases may take a longer duration. With the help of your receipt, you will be able to track your application number. A reference number that would have been issued to you on your appointment day will have to be used for the same. Those who will choose SMS services will be intimated via SMS and email.
Check: Living costs for International Students in UK
Scholarships for Studying in the UK
UK’s education system is considered one of the best in the world. However, most international students need financial assistance to pursue their higher education from there. In order to fulfil the aspirations of international students, different types of scholarships are available to study in the UK. Below you will find the list of some of the top fellowships for studying in the UK.
The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships- University of Cambridge |
UK Student Visa: When to Apply for Visa Extension
Applicants planning to apply for a UK student visa are recommended to do so atleast three months before their course commencement and within 6 months of getting a CAS. Make sure you’ve applied before the expiry of your present visa. Also, your new course should be starting within 28 days of your present visa’s expiry. Till the time a decision is conveyed to you, you may stay in the UK.
Also Read: student visas for study abroad and student visa for prominent international study destinations:
Q: When should I apply for a UK student visa?
One must apply for a UK student visa at least 6 months before their course-starting date. Students may expect to get a decision on their UK student visa application within 3 weeks.
Q: What are the requirements for a UK student visa?
Following are the basic requirements for UK Student Visa:
- Candidates must have an unconditional offer from a recognised educational institute for pursuing a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor.
- Appropriate funds to support yourself and for the course.
Q: Do I need a Tier 4 student visa to come and study in the UK?
If you are a national from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you do need a visa to pursue your higher education in the UK. Students from all other nationalities need to have a valid UK student visa to study in the UK.
Q: If a student is going just for one semester, in that case also he/she needs a visa?
Yes, even if you are going for a short-term say less than six months, then you can apply for a Short Term Study Visa.
Q: At the latest when one can apply for a study visa?
One can apply for 6 months before the start of their course. Also, candidates usually get a decision on their visa within 3 weeks. Applying ahead of the application deadline ensures that you may re-apply or look for measures in case you do not receive favourable results on your visa application.
Q: How early one can come to the UK before the programme starts? And for how long one can stay here?
Students need to note the following points:
- If your course lasts 6 months or less then you can come to the UK up to one week before the beginning of your course.
- If your course lasts, more than 6 months then can come to the UK for up to one month before your course starts.
Q: What is a CAS document?
Your educational institute will send you a reference number called a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) once they admitted you for the course. Candidates need to enter this number on their visa application.
Q: What are the conditions to extend my UK Student Visa?
In order to extend your UK Student Visa, you need to fulfill the following conditions:
- You must be in the UK on Student Visa
- Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) must have an unconditional offer
- You must fulfill academic progress requirement
- In case if your stay in the UK has been of less than 12 months, then you need to provide financial proofs as well
Q: What is the fee for UK Student Visa extension? In how much time can I expect a decision?
In order to apply for UK Student Visa extension, you are required to pay a fees of £490. You also need to pay a healthcare surcharge. If you wish to receive a decision in the normal course of time, you can expect to wait for 8 weeks.
Q: What proof of English language proficiency do I need to provide for UK Student visa application?
In order to prove your English language proficiency, you need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider or have a GCSE A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, etc. Amongst Secure English Language Test (SELT), you can opt for one of the following:
- LanguageCert
- Pearson Test of English (PTE UKVI)
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd
- IELTS SELT Consortium
Q: What are the documents required for UK Student Visa?
The following documents are required for UK Student Visa application:
- A valid passport
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Proof of finances
- Parent/ guardian consent if you are less than 18 years of age
- Tuberculosis test results
Q: What are the financial requirements for UK Student Visa application?
The following points will give you an idea of the financial requirements for UK Student Visa application:
- £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) in case if you are pursuing a course in London
- £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) in case if you are pursuing a course outside London
However, these amounts are going to change in 2025. Students applying on or after 02 January 2025 will need £1,483 a month to support their living expenses in London and £1,136 a month to live elsewhere in UK.
Q: Is UK student visa easy to get?
Yes, the UK student visa is generally easy to get. It takes around 15-20 days to get a decision on your UK student visa. The accepttance rate of a student visa in the UK is much higher (above 90%), that is why it is considered to be easy to get.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
Q: How good is the University of Chester (UK)?
University of Chester is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs.Below are some reasons why University of Chester is good:
Academics: The University of Chester offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs to international students. The University of Chester University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Chester University.
Location of the university - The University of is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives University of Chester students an additional mark to study at University of Chester.
Ranking: Many global ranking sources like THE (Times Higher Education), etc., have ranked University of Chester among the top universities in the world since 2021. These bodies consistently rank it among the top universities in UK.
Fees: : The cost of attending University of Chester for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at University of Chester are typically higher than for Uk citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending University of Chester.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
Ranking Body | Ranking |
---|---|
The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
UK Student Visa Guide FAQs
Priya Garg is a seasoned content writer and editor. With her rich experience in content writing, teaching and research & analysis, Priya believes in providing only the correct information which is also up-to-date. H... Read Full Bio
Joyasmita is equipped with extensive experience of over 7+ industry years out of which five have been in International Education. She has helped place, several students, to live their dream of Studying Abroad. Her k... Read Full Bio
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in USA1036 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
Comments
(98)
Y
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Yasmin Motala
Y
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Yasmin Motala
A
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Ashley Dodgson
A
a year ago
Report Abuse
...more
H
a year ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Hemalatha Pothuraju
M
2 years ago
Report Abuse
Reply to Manmohan Singh
A
2 years ago
Report Abuse
Hello. We request you to refer to the following links for your query: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/uk/mim-colleges-dc , https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/uk/mba-colleges-dc , and https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/uk/universities