UK Student Visa Guide for Indian Students in 2025
- The UK Tier 4 (now Student Route) visa allows international students to pursue full-time studies at a recognized institution. It also permits part-time work (up to 20 hours/week during term) and full-time work during holidays.
- Key requirements include a CAS letter from a licensed UK institution, proof of sufficient funds (tuition + living costs for up to 9 months), English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), and a passport.
- The process involves accepting your offer, receiving the CAS, preparing documents, applying online, paying the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge, attending a biometrics appointment, and awaiting the decision. If refused, you can reapply or request an administrative review.
- What is the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa?
- What Can You Do with a Tier 4 UK Student Visa?
- What are the Requirements to Obtain a UK Student Visa for Indian Students?
- What are the UK Student Visa Document Requirements?
- How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?
- Important Tips to Keep in Mind while Applying for a UK Student Visa
- What to Do if Your UK Student Visa is Rejected?
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
The UK offers world-class education, and its universities are globally recognised for their excellence. For international students, the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is the most common visa route for studying full-time in the UK. This visa allows you to study at a recognised institution, provided you meet all the eligibility criteria and follow the necessary steps.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the eligibility requirements, application process, benefits, and rights associated with the UK student visa to help you navigate your way through the visa application process.
What is the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa?
The Tier 4 (General) Student Visa is a long-term visa that allows international students to study in the UK. It is for students who have been accepted into a recognised academic institution and who wish to pursue a full-time course of study. The visa is issued for the duration of your course, and in some cases, you may be allowed to work part-time during your studies. However, the amount of work you can do depends on the type of course you are studying.
What Can You Do with a Tier 4 UK Student Visa?
With a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa in the UK, an Indian student can
- Study a full-time course at a recognised institution.
- Work part-time during the term (up to 20 hours per week for degree-level students).
- Work full-time during holidays.
- Bring dependents with you (if certain requirements are met, such as studying at a postgraduate level).
What are the Requirements to Obtain a UK Student Visa for Indian Students?
To be eligible for the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, you must meet several key requirements. Below are the major criteria you must satisfy to apply
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
Before you can apply for the Tier 4 visa, you must have an offer to study a full-time course at a recognized UK educational institution that holds a Tier 4 sponsor license.
The institution will issue you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), a unique reference number that proves you have been accepted onto an eligible course.
This CAS number is essential when applying for the visa, and it will detail the course you are enrolled in and the dates of study.
Financial Proof
You will need to prove that you have enough financial support to cover your tuition fees, living costs, and any other expenses during your stay in the UK. You must show
- Tuition Fees: You should have enough funds to cover your tuition fees for your first year of study or the full course if it is shorter than one year.
- Living Expenses: The UK Home Office requires that you have a certain amount of money to support yourself while living in the UK. The amount varies depending on whether you will be living inside or outside of London.
- If studying in London, the required living expenses are £1,334 per month for up to 9 months.
- If studying outside London, the required living expenses are £1,023 per month for up to 9 months.
If you’re applying from outside the UK, you need to show that you have held this amount of money in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before your application.
English Language Proficiency
To study in the UK, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. You can prove your language ability by passing an English language test approved by the UK government, such as the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
Your university may have its own specific English requirements, but in general, the minimum score required is around 6.0-7.0 in IELTS, depending on your course.
If you have already completed an academic qualification in English, you may not need to take a test. However, the institution may require proof of this, and the Home Office may still request evidence of your English proficiency.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. If you are under 18, you will also need to provide evidence of parental consent and arrangements for guardianship while you study in the UK.
What are the UK Student Visa Document Requirements?
The following are the documents that you need to submit while applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa for the UK from India.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Valid Passport
- Proof of Financial Support
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Tuberculosis (TB) Test Results
- Visa Application Form
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Payment
- Passport-sized Photographs
- Academic Certificates and Transcripts
- Parental Consent (if under 18)
- Police Certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa?
The application process for a UK Tier 4 student visa is discussed below.
Step-1: Accept Your Offer and Get Your CAS Number
- Once you have received an offer to study in the UK, you will need to accept it formally.
- After that, your institution will provide you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- This CAS number is crucial for your visa application, so keep it safe.
Step-2: Prepare Your Documents
You will need several documents to support your visa application. These may include:
- Your CAS number.
- Proof of your financial ability (bank statements, financial sponsor letters).
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Passport or travel document.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
- Any other documents specified by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).
Step-3: Complete the Online Application
- You will need to apply for your Tier 4 visa online through the official UK government website.
- You will be asked to fill in personal details, educational background, and details of your CAS.
- You will also be required to pay the application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- The UK student visa fee is around £490 or INR 55,000, and the IHS varies depending on the length of your course (approximately £1,035 or INR 1.18 Lakh per year of study).
- The IHS is required to grant you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).
Step-4: Biometrics Appointment
- After submitting your application, you will need to attend a biometrics appointment at a UK Visa and Application Centre.
- This appointment involves having your fingerprints and photograph taken for identification purposes.
- You will also need to bring your supporting documents to this appointment.
Step-5: Wait for the Decision
- After your biometrics appointment, your visa application will be processed by the UK government.
- The processing time for a Tier 4 student visa is typically around 8 weeks, though this can vary depending on the country from which you are applying.
- Be sure to apply well in advance of your course start date.
- Once your visa is approved, you will receive a visa vignette (a temporary visa sticker) in your passport, allowing you to travel to the UK.
- You will need to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) upon arrival.
Step-6: Arriving in the UK
- Once you arrive in the UK, you will need to collect your BRP from a designated post office within 10 days of your arrival.
- Your BRP is a critical document, as it contains information about your immigration status and the length of your stay.
Important Tips to Keep in Mind while Applying for a UK Student Visa
- Start your visa application soon after receiving your CAS. This ensures enough time for processing and any unexpected delays.
- Confirm that you have sufficient funds for tuition and living costs. The amount must be held in your account for 28 consecutive days.
- Ensure your financial documents come from a UKVI-recognized bank. Using an unapproved bank may lead to visa refusal.
- Submit all necessary documents, including passport, CAS, financial proof, and academic transcripts. Keep everything updated and accurate.
- Cross-check that your name, passport number, and course details on the CAS are correct. Inconsistencies can delay or invalidate your application.
- You may be called for an interview about your study plans. Be clear and confident when discussing your goals and reasons for studying in the UK.
- Reach out to the international student office for visa guidance. They can review your documents and help avoid common mistakes.
What to Do if Your UK Student Visa is Rejected?
- Understand the exact reason your visa was refused. Every detail in the letter will guide your next steps.
- Check whether the issue was with finances, documents, CAS details, or a credibility interview.
- Inform your university’s international office. They may assist with reissuing CAS or guiding you on what to do next.
- If you believe there was a mistake, you can request an administrative review within 28 days (if outside the UK).
- Address the reasons for refusal in your new application. Submit updated, complete, and properly formatted documents.
- You may be eligible for a refund of visa fees or the Immigration Health Surcharge, depending on the situation.
- Ensure financial proofs are solid, documents are clearly scanned, and information is accurate across all forms.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Applying for a UK student visa, especially under the Tier 4 (now Student Route) category, is a detailed and careful process that requires proper documentation, financial proof, and genuine intent to study. From securing your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to submitting bank statements and passing the English language requirement, every step must be handled with precision.
Even small errors or overlooked details can lead to delays or rejections. However, if your visa is refused, it is not the end. Understanding the reason for the rejection, correcting the mistakes, and reapplying or requesting an administrative review can help you move forward confidently.
FAQs
How long does it take to process a UK student visa?
The typical processing time is about 3 weeks from your biometric appointment, but it may take longer during peak periods.
What is the financial requirement for a UK student visa?
You need to show funds for your first-year tuition fees plus living expenses of £1,334 per month if studying in London, or £1,023 per month outside London, for up to 9 months.
Can I work while studying in the UK on a Tier 4 visa?
Yes, most Tier 4/Student Route visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
Can I extend my student visa in the UK?
Yes, if you are progressing to a new course or extending your current one, you can apply for an extension from within the UK as long as your course qualifies.
What should I do if my UK student visa is refused?
You should review the refusal letter carefully, fix the issues, and either reapply or request an administrative review if the refusal was due to a mistake.
Check out Other Blogs
