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UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students (2026 Guide)
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To secure a UK student visa, Indian students need an unconditional offer and CAS from a licensed university, proof of financial support held for 28 consecutive days, evidence of English language proficiency, and a clean immigration history.
Rules and fees change frequently, so this guide reflects the current 2026 figures, including the visa fee increase that took effect in April. Speak to a StudyIn advisor for free and get the latest updates.
Eligibility Requirements for a UK Student Visa
- Acceptance into a recognised educational institution: you must have an unconditional offer and a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK student sponsor. If you’re still comparing universities, our guide to the best UK universities is a good place to start.
- Proof of financial support: you must demonstrate you have held the required funds for tuition fees and living expenses for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. If you’re short of the full amount, our fully funded UK scholarships guide covers funding options worth checking first.
- English language proficiency: demonstrate your proficiency through a Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic, unless you qualify for an institutional waiver.
- Intention to study: you must satisfy the “Genuine Student” requirement, proving that your primary purpose in the UK is education.
- Immigration history: you must disclose all previous visa applications and have a clean immigration history.
UK government requirements around student visas change frequently, most recently with the April 2026 fee increase covered below. Speak directly to a member of the StudyIn visa team for the most up-to-date guidance before you apply.
UK Visa Types
| Visa Type | Who It’s For |
|---|---|
| Student Visa (General) | Applicants aged 16 or over with a place on a Foundation, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or PhD course at a licensed sponsor |
| Child Student Visa | Students aged 4 to 17 attending a licensed independent school in the UK |
| Short-Term Student Visa | Students on English language courses lasting between 6 and 11 months |
| Visitor Visa | Courses lasting less than six months at an accredited institution, including short-term research or exchange programmes |
Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work)
The Graduate visa allows you to stay in the UK to work, or look for work, after graduation. Under the current rule, this is 2 years for undergraduate and master’s graduates, and 3 years for PhD graduates.
From an important 2027 update, non-PhD applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will see this stay-back period reduced to 18 months. As of April 2026, the Graduate visa application fee itself also rose, from £880 to £937 (approx. ₹1.01 lakh).
UK Visa Supporting Documents
Indian students generally need to provide the following:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS): your unique reference number provided by your university.
- Proof of finances: bank statements or loan letters showing you meet the 28-day rule.
- Passport: must be valid for your stay and have at least one blank page.
- Academic qualifications: original transcripts and certificates as listed on your CAS.
- TB test certificate: mandatory for Indian residents, and must be from a UKVI-approved clinic.
In certain circumstances, you may also require:
- ATAS certificate: required for specific sensitive STEM subjects at postgraduate level.
- Parental consent: if you are under 18 years of age.
UK Student Visa Fees 2026
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa application (from India) | £558 (approx. ₹60,300), effective 8 April 2026 |
| Extension or switching (inside the UK) | £558, same rate as applying from outside the UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) | £776 (approx. ₹83,800), paid upfront for your full visa length |
| Graduate Route visa (post-study) | £937 (approx. ₹1.01 lakh), applied for after graduation |
The same application fee applies to each dependant joining you. Priority and super-priority processing are also available for an additional fee, so check GOV.UK for the current rate if you need a faster decision.
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
The CAS is a virtual document generated by your university once you’ve accepted your offer from a licensed Student Sponsor. It’s the single most important part of your application, since it contains your course details, fees, and your university’s Student Sponsor licence number.
A CAS is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, so you cannot apply for your visa more than 6 months before your course start date.
Expert View
“The single biggest reason we see visa delays is financial evidence that doesn’t quite line up with the 28-day rule, so we always tell students to lock in their bank statement dates before booking a VFS appointment.” – Vijayalakshmi V, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How to Apply for Your UK Student Visa: Step by Step
Our OISC-registered visa team at StudyIn guides Indian students through this exact process every intake, so you know what to expect at each stage.
- Receive your CAS after accepting your unconditional offer from your university.
- Gather your supporting documents, including your passport, proof of finances, TB test certificate, and academic transcripts.
- Complete your online application through the GOV.UK Student visa portal.
- Pay your visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Book your biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre in India.
- Attend your appointment to submit your documents and biometrics.
- Track your application status and await your decision.
For context on what studying in the UK actually costs once your visa is approved, see our full cost of studying in the UK guide, and if you haven’t started your university application yet, our UCAS application guide for Indian students covers that step first.
Get Expert Support
StudyIn’s visa consultants are registered with the Home Office OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) and hold extensive knowledge of the latest immigration legislation, rules, and regulations.
Still weighing up whether the UK is the right move? Our guide to the benefits of studying in the UK and our comparison of studying in the UK versus staying in India are good next reads. Otherwise, arrange a free counselling session today to learn more.
FAQs
When and where can Indian students apply for a UK student visa?
You can apply for a UK student visa up to 6 months before your course start date. The application is submitted online via the official GOV.UK portal, and you’ll then book an appointment at a VFS Global centre, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai, to provide your biometrics.
What are the eligibility criteria for a UK student visa?
You must have an unconditional offer and a valid CAS from a licensed student sponsor, meet the English language requirement (typically CEFR B2 level for degree courses), and satisfy the 70-point system by proving your identity, intent, and financial stability.
What are the financial requirements for a UK student visa?
You must show enough money to cover your first year’s tuition fees plus living costs for up to 9 months. The current monthly maintenance requirements are £1,529 for London (£13,761 total, approx. ₹14.9 lakh) and £1,171 outside London (£10,539 total, approx. ₹11.4 lakh). These funds must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days before you apply.
How much does a UK student visa cost in 2026?
For Indian students applying from outside the UK, the visa application fee is £558 (approx. ₹60,300), effective from 8 April 2026. You’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, currently £776 per year, which gives you full access to the NHS.
How long is a student visa valid?
If your degree-level course lasts more than 6 months, your visa is usually granted for the full length of your course, plus an additional 4 months to look for work or prepare to leave. For courses under 6 months, you’re typically granted an extra 7 days.
Can I stay in the UK after my studies?
Yes, through the Graduate Route visa. Under the current rule, graduates can stay for 2 years, or 3 years for PhD graduates. From 1 January 2027, applications from bachelor’s and master’s graduates will see this reduced to 18 months, while PhD graduates remain at 3 years. The Graduate visa fee is currently £937.
Can I work while on a UK student visa?
Most Indian students on degree-level courses can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during university vacations. You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson, or take a permanent full-time job until you switch to a post-study work or skilled worker visa.
Do Indian students need a TB test for a UK student visa?
Yes. As an Indian resident, you’ll need a TB test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic before you apply, and it forms part of your standard supporting documents.
