UK Student Visa — Complete Application Guide for Indian Students 2025
UK Student Route visa requirements, documents, CAS, financial requirements, and application timeline for Indian students.
Get Free Visa Guidance →UK Student Route Visa — Overview
The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) allows Indian students to study at a licensed sponsor university in the UK. It replaced the old Tier 4 visa in 2021 as part of the UK's new post-Brexit immigration system. Processing is fast — typically 3 weeks — and you can apply from India up to 6 months before your course starts.
Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Application
Receive Your CAS Number
Your UK university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number — a unique 14-character reference number. You cannot apply without this. Request it after accepting your offer and paying the deposit.
Prepare Documents
Gather passport, CAS number, IELTS/SELT scores, proof of funds (28 days of bank statements), UKVI-approved English test, and parental consent if under 18.
Apply Online
Apply on the UKVI website. Select "Student visa (Student Route)". Pay the £490 visa fee + £470/year Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for NHS access. The IHS gives you full NHS coverage during your stay.
Book Biometrics Appointment
Book a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) centre in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, etc.). Provide fingerprints and photograph.
Submit Documents
Upload all supporting documents via the UKVCAS online portal or hand them in at the service point. Documents can be uploaded before or at your biometrics appointment.
Receive Decision
Standard processing: 3 weeks. Priority processing: 5 working days (£250 extra). Super Priority: Next working day (£1,000 extra). Check Home Office online immigration status checker.
Financial Requirements — Proving Your Funds
You must show funds held in your bank account for a continuous 28-day period ending within 31 days of your visa application date.
| Expense Category | Amount Required |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (first year) | Full first-year tuition (as stated in CAS) |
| Living costs — London | £1,334/month × 9 months = £12,006 |
| Living costs — Outside London | £1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £470/year (paid at application) |
Graduate Route Visa — After Your Degree
2-Year Graduate Route
After completing your UK degree, apply for the Graduate Route visa — 2 years of unrestricted work in the UK (any employer, any salary). No sponsorship required.
Skilled Worker Route
After finding a job with a licensed UK sponsor paying above the salary threshold (£38,700 or £30,960 for shortage occupations), switch to Skilled Worker visa for long-term residence.
ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain)
After 5 years on qualifying visas (Skilled Worker, etc.), you can apply for ILR — UK permanent residency. Then eligible for British citizenship after 12 more months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does UK student visa take for Indian students?
Standard UK student visa processing takes about 3 weeks for Indian applicants. Priority processing (5 working days, £250) and Super Priority (next working day, £1,000) are available for faster decisions.
What is CAS and why do I need it for UK student visa?
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is a unique 14-character number issued by your UK university. It is mandatory for your Student Route visa application and contains your course, fee, and enrollment details.
How much money do I need to show for UK student visa?
You need to show full first-year tuition + £12,006 (London) or £9,207 (outside London) in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying. Funds must be stable — not deposited just before application.
Can Indian students work in the UK on a student visa?
Yes — Indian students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays on a UK Student visa. After graduation, the 2-year Graduate Route visa allows unrestricted work.
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