UK Study Visa
Pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom has been a long-awaited dream of many Indian students because of the country’s world-renowned education system and diverse academic programs. To make this dream a reality, obtaining a UK study visa is essential
However, if you don’t know the UK study visa process, this comprehensive guide is for you. It will provide every detail about the document checklist for UK study visa, how to apply for UK study visa, and all related information. But first, let us give you an overview of the UK study visa.
What is study visa for UK?
A UK study visa is a permitting document issued to students from abroad for study at an approved educational institution in the United Kingdom. This most commonly applied visa type is the Tier 4 (General) student visa for those aged 16 and above who want to undertake a full course in the UK.
Why study in the UK?
You might be wondering why studying in the United Kingdom is a great choice. Here are some key reasons to consider it.
World-Class Universities
The United Kingdom has some of the most acclaimed and oldest institutions worldwide. Some of these are as follows:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics (LSE) All of them are ranked at the top of the world and ensure that students get quality education.
Diverse course range
UK universities, with few exceptions, now offer extremely broad courses across a range of disciplines from business and engineering to creative arts and humanities, and many are so flexible that students can specialise or combine topics according to their career aspirations.
Post-Study work visa UK
The graduate route is a post-study work visa in the UK that allows students to stay and work in the UK after graduating for up to two years post-graduation (for PhD holders, up to three years). Holding a graduate route means that graduates will have work experience and may have the opportunity to transition into longer-term employment within the UK.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Many UK universities and organisations offer scholarships and financial aid to international students, which reduces the economic burden of studying abroad. Some of the most popular scholarships are, among others:
- Chevening Scholarships.
- Commonwealth Scholarships.
- These scholarships include tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses.
Types of study visas for UK
The following information explains the types of study visas for UK.
Type of Visa | Eligibility | Who Is It For | Duration | Key Points |
Student visa (Previously Tier 4 General) | - Offer from a reputable UK educational institution. - English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL). - Proof of financial stability. | - Students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, or higher education programs. | Valid for the course duration + a few months (usually four months for degree programs). | - Part-time work allowed (up to 20 hours per week). - Full-time work during vacations. - Can extend or switch to other visas like Graduate Route. |
Child student visa | - Acceptance into an independent school with a licensed sponsor. - Proof of sufficient financial assistance from your parent/guardian. | - Children who wish to attend private schools in the UK and are between the ages of 4 and 17. | Granted for the duration of the course. | - Children aged 16 or over can work part-time (up to 10 hours/week) during term time and full-time during holidays. |
Short-term study visa | - Acceptance into a recognised institution for short courses. - Evidence of financial assistance and the return trip. | - Students attending short courses (up to 6 months) or English language courses (up to 11 months). | Valid for six months or 11 months (depending on the course). | - No work allowed. - cannot change to a different visa or extend the current one. |
Graduate route visa (Post-Study Work Visa) | - Get a respectable degree from a recognised UK university. | - Students who have completed undergraduate or postgraduate studies in the UK. | - 2 years after the undergraduate/master's degree. - 3 years for PhD graduates. | - can start a business or look for full-time employment. - Non-extendable but can switch to skilled worker visas. |
Visitor visa for studying (Standard Visitor Visa) | - Acceptance into a short-term course in the United Kingdom. - Proof of both the funding and the return journey. | - Individuals attending short-term courses or research (up to 6 months). | Valid for up to 6 months. | - Mainly used for tourists, business visitors, or short-term students. - No work allowed. - Cannot extend stay. |
Doctorate extension scheme (DES) | - Nearing completion of a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification in the UK. | - PhD students looking for employment or to start a business after completing their doctoral degree. | 12 months after completion of the doctoral program. | - Extension of Tier 4 (General) visa for PhD students. - can start a business or look for full-time employment. |
Intake for courses in the UK
Majorly, there are two intakes for courses in the UK.
- Intake 1: The primary window for student admissions is September Intake or Autumn Intake. The majority of colleges grant scholarships to worthy applicants during this period when they have the most seats available.
- Intake 2: This is the winter intake, or January. Those who were not able to enrol in September classes can still apply now for a very good chance of being accepted.
UK student visa requirements for Indian Students
The following information explains the student visa UK requirements for Indian students.
Confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
You must receive a valid CAS from a UK educational institution. CAS is literally a reference number indicating that you have been confirmed for the course.
English language proficiency
You must show sound proficiency in the English language, which can be evidenced by an approved English language test, usually like IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent.
Proof of financial stability
You will also need to show that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself during your course of study. It includes:
- Provide at least one year of tuition fees.
- Maintenance costs normally £1,334 per month if your course is in London or £1,023 if your course is elsewhere in the UK.
Age requirements
To apply for a UK study visa, you must be at least 16 years old. However, if you are below 18, you may have additional requirements, such as a consent form signed by your parents.
Educational qualification credentials
You may be required to provide documents proving that you are qualified enough to attend the course that you want to apply to; therefore, you will be required to provide some documents, such as transcripts or certificates, to prove it.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
You will be required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge on application. You will gain access to the UK NHS.
Intent to study
You must demonstrate to the immigration authority that you are a genuine student and have genuine intent to study in the UK. It can be shown through a statement of purpose that outlines your plans for learning and also how these relate to future career plans.
No immigration offences
You should not have serious immigration offences or crimes that may affect your application.
Application fee
You'll be mandated to pay an application fee for a visa, which is payable depending on how long your course takes and where you are applying from.
Biometric information
You'll be required to provide biometric information, which includes a picture and fingerprints, to ensure your application.
Documents required for a UK student visa
Here are the documents required for a UK student visa are:
- Your valid passport.
- Latest Bank statement stating that you have enough funds to support yourself.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Your passport-size color photographs.
- If required, need to screen for a tuberculosis test.
- Your profile assessment document.
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), Clearance Certificate (if required).
- Additional documents are required if you are under the age of 18 or have dependents accompanying you.
Apply for a UK student visa in 5 steps
You must adhere to a detailed procedure in order to receive a UK student visa. The processing period for UK student visas is typically three weeks from the date of application.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
A “confirmation of acceptance for studies” (CAS) is what you supply. You must also demonstrate your financial situation, including your ability to pay living expenses, tuition, and course fees.
Step 2: Get your documents ready
Submitting the required documentation is necessary. Thus, take care when compiling all of the paperwork.
Step 3: Apply for the visa online
Create an account and register on the official UK visa website. After that, fill out your online application and print it off to sign. Schedule a time at the visa centre by using the online appointment calendar.
Step 4: Fee Payment
There are four different methods you may use: online, at the visa application centre, by a demand draft from a foreign or nationalised bank, or at Standard Chartered Bank.
Step 5: Visiting the visa application center
On the day of your appointment, remember to visit the visa application facility. Send in your application right away, along with the necessary paperwork, photos, and fingerprints.
UK student visa fee for indian students
Indian students applying for the UK student visa are required to pay the following fees:
Fee Type | Details | Cost |
Application Fee | - Applying from outside the UK | £490 |
- Applying for extensions or changing visas from within the United Kingdom | £490 | |
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | - Charged annually for access to NHS services | £776 per year |
- Example: For a 3-year course, the total IHS would be | £2,328 | |
Biometric Fee | - Fee for providing biometric information (fingerprints and photograph) | £19.20 |
UK student visa processing time
The average processing time for a UK student visa can take up to three weeks. However, it may vary based on various factors, such as:
- Student’s Nationality
- Workload on the immigration authority
- At what time does the candidate submit their application
Top 10 UK Institutions for International students in 2025
Here’s a table illustrating the top 10 UK Institutions recruiting International students in 2024-2025.
QS World Rankings | University Name |
5 | University of Oxford |
6 | University of Cambridge |
8 | Imperial College London |
10 | UCL |
18 | The University of Edinburgh |
29 | The University of Manchester |
31 | King’s College London |
38 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) |
51 | University of Bristol |
54 | The University of Warwick |
Average course fee in the UK
Before immigrating to the UK, you must understand the average course fee in the UK. Below, we have mentioned the average course fee in the UK.
Study Program | Average Tuition fee in GBP (£) |
Undergraduate Bachelor Degree | £6,000 to £16,000 yearly |
Postgraduate master’s degree | £10,000 to £20,000 yearly |
Doctoral Degree | £13,000 to £29,000 yearly |
You can make the payment for the Tier 4 visa by the following methods of payment:
- Online by using a visa card or MasterCard.
- Demand Draft.
- Paying cash at the CISA application center.
How can Province Immigration help you with your UK student visa?
We offer comprehensive support throughout the UK student visa process, from application to post-landing service at Province Immigration. Here's how we help:
- Documented acceptance proof from a licensed UK institution (CAS)
- Evidence of financial means showing you can support yourself.
- IELTS, TOEFL, etc- English language proficiency test result.
- Preparation for Visa Interview: Equip you with skills and confidence to crack your visa interview.
- Language Coaching: English language proficiency if necessary
- Documentation: Provide templates and guide them in making professional resumes, cover letters, and personal statements.
- Accommodation and temporary housing.
- Setting up the accounts with the bank and all other necessities
- Connecting you to various part-time jobs or local networks.
Profile evaluation
We evaluate your academic and personal profile to determine whether you are qualified to apply for a UK student visa. In our evaluation, we will guide you personally on which category of visa would be the most suitable.
Assistance with documents
Our resource will lead you to gather all the documents required to apply for a UK student visa, including:
Professional assistance
We professionally guide you at every single stage of the process, including ;
Dedicated case officer
You will be allocated a specific case officer who will guide you through each step of the application process, from getting the forms submitted to locating a letter of progress. If you have any questions or concerns, your case officer will be your primary point of contact.
Post-landing services
Once your visa is approved, your work does not end. Our after-landing services are there to help you make the best transition to life in the UK. These are tailored and include: -
Province Immigration offers you a straightforward, one-stop-shop experience for your UK student visa, from the initial evaluation and document preparation stage right down to settling in the UK upon approval of your visa. Let us help you take that next step on the road to your dream academic journey with confidence.
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