How do Indian students apply for a UK Student visa?
To study a degree in the UK, you need a Student visa. You need an offer and a CAS from a university that is a licensed student sponsor, English at CEFR B2 level, and enough money for your first year's fees and living costs. The visa fee is £558 from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Written by Ananta Deepti · Last verified 29 Sep 2026 · Sources below
Which visa do I need to study a degree in the UK?
The Student visa. It replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa and is for courses with a licensed student sponsor, which includes UK universities. (GOV.UK: Student visa)
What do I need before I apply?
- An unconditional offer and a CAS. Once you accept your offer and meet its conditions, your university sends you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number. You need it for the application.
- English at the right level. For degree-level study, you need English equivalent to CEFR B2. You can prove it with a Secure English Language Test (SELT), or your university can assess your English itself. (GOV.UK: Knowledge of English)
- Money for fees and living costs. See the next section.
- A TB test certificate. Indian applicants coming to the UK for 6 months or more need one from a Home Office-approved clinic. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of the x-ray. (GOV.UK: TB tests for visa applicants)
- A valid passport. Depending on your course and circumstances, you may also need an ATAS certificate or a letter from your sponsor. (GOV.UK: Documents you'll need)
How much bank balance do I need for a UK Student visa?
You need to show two things:
- Course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months), minus any deposit you have already paid.
- Living costs of £1,529 a month for courses in London, or £1,171 a month for courses outside London, for up to 9 months.
| Living costs for 9 months | Amount | In INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Course in London | £13,761 | ₹17.63 lakh |
| Course outside London | £10,539 | ₹13.50 lakh |
The money must be held for at least 28 days in a row. The end of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply. (GOV.UK: Money you need) India is not on the list of countries whose nationals can skip showing funds.
In our counselling, the 28-day rule is where families most often get caught out. A large deposit made a week before applying does not count until it has been there for 28 days.
How much does the UK Student visa cost?
| Cost | Amount | In INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee (from outside the UK) | £558 | ₹71,500 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (students) | £776 a year | ₹99,400 a year |
| IHS for a typical 1-year master's | £1,164 | ₹1.49 lakh |
The £558 fee has applied since 8 April 2026 and is unchanged in the Home Office fees table for 8 October 2026. (GOV.UK: Home Office immigration and nationality fees)
The health surcharge is charged for the whole length of your visa, not just your course. For a course of 12 months or more, the visa usually runs until 4 months after the course ends. (Immigration Rules: Appendix Student, ST 25.3) For a part-year of 6 months or less, you pay half the yearly amount. (GOV.UK: Immigration Health Surcharge) That is why a 1-year master's usually costs one and a half years of surcharge. The payment page shows your exact amount before you pay.
INR figures use the FBIL reference rate of ₹128.12 per £1 on 22 September 2026 (FBIL reference rates). The rupee amount you pay will depend on the rate on the day.
When should I apply, and how long does it take?
- The earliest you can apply from India is 6 months before your course starts.
- You will usually get a decision within 3 weeks. You may be able to pay for a faster decision. You'll be told if you can when you apply.
- For a course longer than 6 months, you can arrive up to 1 month before it starts.
- If you are approved, you get an eVisa, an online record of your immigration status.
(GOV.UK: Student visa; GOV.UK: Apply)
Can I work while studying in the UK?
Yes, with limits. On a degree-level course at a university, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time outside term time. Below degree level, the limit is 10 hours a week in term time. You cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. (Immigration Rules: Appendix Student, ST 26; GOV.UK: What you can and cannot do)
Part-time work helps with living costs, but it does not replace the funds you must show for the visa.
Can I bring my spouse or children?
For most Indian master's students, no. For postgraduate courses starting on or after 1 January 2024, dependants are allowed only on a PhD or other research-based degree. Government-sponsored students on courses longer than 6 months are an exception. (GOV.UK: Family members)
What this means for you
- Plan the money first. Decide which account will hold the funds and move them at least 28 days before you plan to apply, then apply within 31 days of the end of that period.
- Book your TB test early. The certificate lasts 6 months, so time it with your application.
- If English is your weak area, sit the test well before your CAS arrives. See our test preparation options.
- Think about what happens after your degree too. Our guide to the UK Graduate Route explains the 2-year and 18-month rules.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do Indian students need to study in the UK?
The Student visa, for courses at a licensed student sponsor such as a UK university.
How much bank balance is needed for a UK Student visa?
Your first year's course fees plus £1,171 a month (outside London) or £1,529 a month (London) for up to 9 months, held for 28 days in a row.
Is IELTS compulsory for a UK Student visa?
Not always. For degree-level study, you need English at CEFR B2. You can prove it with an approved test, or your university may assess it itself.
How long does a UK Student visa take from India?
Usually up to 3 weeks after you apply. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts.
Can I work on a UK Student visa?
On a degree-level course, up to 20 hours a week in term time and full time outside term time.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Student visa, including the money, English, documents, apply, work and family pages
- Immigration Rules: Appendix Student
- Home Office immigration and nationality fees (tables for 8 April 2026 and 8 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Immigration Health Surcharge
- GOV.UK: TB tests for visa applicants
- FBIL reference rates (GBP/INR, 22 Sep 2026)
Last verified: 29 Sep 2026
Updated 29 Sep 2026: rewritten; visa fee updated from £348 and health surcharge from £470 a year.
Planning to study in the UK and want your documents and funds checked before you apply? Talk to a Conduira counsellor. Request your free profile evaluation. You can also compare the UK with other study abroad destinations for Indian students.
