Study in UK - Apply UK Student Visa

    The United Kingdom is a top study destination for Indian students, offering globally recognized degrees, world-class universities, and excellent post-study work opportunities. If you plan to pursue higher education in the UK, you’ll need to apply for a UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4).

    📝 1. Understand the UK Student Visa

    The UK Student Visa is for students aged 16 and above who want to study full-time at a licensed Student Sponsor (university or college) in the UK.

    ✅ What this visa allows you to do:

    • Study full-time in the UK

    • Work part-time during term and full-time during vacations (with conditions)

    • Bring dependents (for eligible postgraduate courses)

    • Stay in the UK for the duration of your course + additional time after it ends

    📌 2. Step-by-Step Application Process

    Step 1: Choose Your Course & Institution

    • Select a licensed Student Sponsor (listed on the UK Government website).

    • Get an unconditional offer from the university.

    Step 2: Get Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

    • Once you accept the offer and pay the required deposit, your university will issue a CAS number.

    • This unique number is required for your visa application and contains course details, start/end dates, and fees paid.

    Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

    Gather all necessary documents before starting your online visa application:

    • ✅ Valid Passport

    • ✅ CAS Number from the university

    • ✅ Proof of Financial Support (bank statements, loan letters)

    • ✅ English Proficiency (IELTS/UKVI IELTS/PTE, etc.)

    • ✅ Academic Transcripts & Certificates

    • ✅ TB Test Certificate (if staying over 6 months)

    • ✅ ATAS Certificate (if applicable for your course)

    • ✅ Consent letters (if under 18)

    Step 4: Apply Online

    • Go to the official UK Government site: 

    • Fill out the Student Visa application form

    • Upload documents and book a biometric appointment at your nearest VFS centre.

    Step 5: Pay Visa Fee & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
    Fee TypeAmount
    Student Visa Application£490 (approx. ₹51,000)
    Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)£776 per year (approx. ₹81,000/year)

    💡 IHS gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.

    Step 6: Biometrics Appointment & Submission

    • Visit your scheduled VFS Global centre.

    • Provide fingerprints, photograph, and submit physical copies (if required).

    Step 7: Wait for Visa Decision

    • Standard processing time: Around 3 weeks after biometrics.

    • Priority (5 working days) and Super Priority (1 working day) services are available at an extra cost.

    • If approved, you’ll get a Visa Vignette (valid 90 days) and a decision letter.

    Step 8: Travel & Collect Your BRP

    • Travel to the UK during the validity of your vignette.

    • Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the designated post office or your university within 10 days of arrival.

    💰 Financial Requirements

    You must prove you can pay for:

    • 1️⃣ Tuition fees for the first year of your course

    • 2️⃣ Living costs for up to 9 months

    LocationRequired Funds
    London£1,334 per month
    Outside London£1,023 per month

    💡 Funds must be held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying.

    🧾 English Language Requirements

    Most universities accept:

    • IELTS (Academic) – Overall 6.0 to 6.5

    • PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or UKVI IELTS for visa purposes

    • Some may accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) letters for certain programs.

    📅 UK Intakes
    IntakeMonthDetails
    Main IntakeSeptember🍁 Most popular
    January IntakeJanuarySecond major intake
    May IntakeMayLimited courses (mostly business/postgraduate)

    👉 Apply 8–12 months before your preferred intake.

    🏫 Top UK Universities for International Students

    • University of Oxford 🏆

    • University of Cambridge

    • Imperial College London

    • University College London (UCL)

    • London School of Economics (LSE)

    • University of Edinburgh

    • University of Manchester

    • King’s College London

    • University of Warwick

    • University of Bristol

    🧠 Post-Study Work Options (Graduate Route)

    After completing your course, you can apply for the Graduate Route Visa:

    • 🎓 2 years for Bachelor’s/Master’s graduates

    • 🧪 3 years for PhD graduates

    • 💼 Full-time work allowed without sponsorship

    🌟 Why Study in the UK?

    • 🌍 Globally recognized degrees

    • 🏫 Top-ranked universities

    • 🕓 Shorter degree durations (UG: 3 years, PG: 1 year) → cost-effective

    • 💼 Strong post-study work options

    • 🌐 Multicultural, safe, and welcoming environment

    • ✈️ Fast and transparent visa process

    Would you like me to help you with:

    • ✍️ Sample SOP / Personal Statement for UK visa

    • 📄 Financial document format for proof of funds

    • 🏫 Best universities in the UK for your course (e.g., MBA, IT, Engineering)?