What Is the UK Student Visa?
The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 General) is the primary route for international students aged 16 and above who want to study a full-time course at a UK university or college. It replaced the old Tier 4 system in October 2020 and is now part of the UK's points-based immigration system.
As an Indian student, you will need this visa if your course is longer than 6 months. For courses under 6 months, a Short-term Study Visa may suffice, but most degree programmes require the full Student Visa.
Explore our complete UK destination guide to understand universities, costs, and life in the UK before you apply.
Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students
To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must:
- Have an unconditional offer from a UK university with a valid CAS number
- Meet the English language requirement (IELTS Academic 5.5–6.5 depending on course level)
- Show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs
- Have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your course end date
- Provide a tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved clinic in India
- Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — currently £776/year
The CAS Letter: Your Most Important Document
The Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number issued by your UK university once you accept their offer and meet all conditions. Without a CAS, you cannot apply for a Student Visa.
Your CAS will contain:
- Your course details (name, start date, duration)
- Tuition fee amount and what has been paid
- Your university's UKVI sponsor licence number
- Any conditions you must meet (e.g., English test results)
Universities typically issue CAS letters 3–6 months before your course starts. Apply for your visa within 3 months of receiving your CAS, and no more than 6 months before your course begins.
Financial Requirements: How Much Money Do You Need?
You must show you have enough money to pay for your course and support yourself during your studies. The funds must have been in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you apply.
2025 Financial Requirements:
- London: £1,334/month × up to 9 months = £12,006 living costs + remaining tuition fees
- Outside London: £1,023/month × up to 9 months = £9,207 living costs + remaining tuition fees
- Tuition: Full first-year fee if not already paid, or remaining balance
Bank statements must be from a regulated financial institution and show the funds clearly. Fixed deposits and mutual funds are generally not accepted unless they can be liquidated immediately.
Dependent Visa Rules: Important 2024 Change
This is a critical update for Indian students: since January 2024, most international students on taught postgraduate courses (Masters) can no longer bring dependants to the UK. Dependants are only permitted if you are:
- A government-sponsored student
- Studying a PhD or other doctoral qualification
- Studying at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance
If you are planning to bring your spouse or children, check with your university whether your specific course qualifies. Our visa assistance team can help you understand your options.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Receive your CAS — Accept your university offer and fulfil all conditions to receive your CAS number.
- Gather documents — Passport, CAS letter, financial evidence, English test certificate, TB test, academic transcripts.
- Apply online — Complete the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) online application form at gov.uk.
- Pay fees — £490 visa fee + Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year of study).
- Book biometrics appointment — Visit a VFS Global centre in India to submit fingerprints and photograph.
- Wait for decision — Standard processing is 3 weeks; priority service (£500 extra) gives a decision within 5 working days.
- Collect BRP — Your Biometric Residence Permit will be ready for collection in the UK within 10 days of arrival.
Post-Study Work: The Graduate Route Visa
One of the biggest advantages of studying in the UK is the Graduate Route Visa, which allows you to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK after completing your degree:
- 2 years for Bachelor's and Master's graduates
- 3 years for PhD graduates
There is no salary threshold for the Graduate Route, and you can work in any job, at any skill level. This makes it an excellent stepping stone to the Skilled Worker Visa for Indian students who want to build a career in the UK.
Common Mistakes Indian Students Make
- Applying too early (more than 6 months before course start) — your application will be rejected
- Not maintaining funds for 28 consecutive days before the application date
- Forgetting to book a TB test — this must be done at an approved clinic and takes 2–3 days
- Submitting bank statements with unexplained large deposits (these raise red flags)
- Applying with an IELTS score below the university's requirement stated in the CAS
Need Help With Your UK Visa Application?
Our visa experts have helped hundreds of Indian students successfully obtain their UK Student Visa. We review your documents, check your financials, and guide you through every step.