Secure Your UK Student Visa with Ease!

The UK is home to some of the world's most renowned universities and academic institutions, boasting a rich history of providing excellent educational opportunities. According to the recent data available from the UK Home Office, 413,921 international students were able to get their UK student visas and have begun their educational journey. This was noted in the "Immigration System Statistics" report for the year ending June 2025. 

All Indian students have the opportunity to study in the UK because of the student-friendly government policies, but you must first apply for a UK student visa. Applying for a student visa after completing your school education, or higher, and based on the course that you wish to study in the UK, can determine which type of visa you require.

Types of UK Student Visa for International Students

There are three different types of UK Student Visa for International Students, which are Student visa (General), Child Student Visa, and Short-term Student visa. Here is a simple table to help you understand the differences between each of these types of UK student visa for international students:

UK Student Visa Cost for International Students

The Student Visa application fee is £524 when applying from outside the UK. An additional fee of £524 is required for each dependant included in the application.

• Student Visa: The application fee for the main applicant is £524.
• Child Student Visa: The application fee for a Child Student Visa is £524.
• Short-term Study Visa: The application fee for an 11-month English language course visa is £217.

In addition to the visa application fee, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This allows you to use the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The current annual surcharge for students is £776. This must be paid for each year of your visa's duration.

UK Student Visa Requirements

The enrolling university where you have applied to must have extended an offer to you to enrol in a full-time academic course. Once accepted, you should be able to support yourself financially for the duration of the course. Here are some other UK Student Visa Requirements:

• As one of the primary requirements for a UK student visa, you must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider will be sufficient to prove your English capability.
  • In the SELT, you must prove that you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level that is equivalent to CEFR level B2 as required on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
• You should possess sufficient funds to pay for an academic year (up to 9 months), which will be on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). As per the official UK Home Office website of gov.uk regarding the cost of living in the UK, you will need approximately either £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London or £1,136 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London; the precise amount will depend on your specific situation.
• If you're 16 or 17, you must have your parents' permission, and proof of this will be required when you apply. In the case that you are studying at one of the independent schools in the UK and wish to continue your higher education further in the UK, you might be able to qualify for a Child Student Visa instead.
   

Documents Required for a UK Student Visa

To apply for a visa, you will typically need:

• A valid passport
• Proof that you have enough money to cover your living expenses during the study
• Reference number for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and the paperwork needed to get CAS
• Passport-size colour photos
• A medical report of the screening for tuberculosis for students from certain countries of origin from recognised medical test centres.
• Documentation of your academic transcripts
• Clearance certificate for the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) (if required)

You might also require additional paperwork if you are:

• Not a national of the nation from which you are applying
• Less than 18 years of age
• Possess a family and dependants.

The Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Process

Applying for your UK Student Visa is a precise process. The standard processing time is about three weeks, so start your application well in advance.

Step 1: Get Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) – You cannot apply for a visa without a CAS. This is a unique reference number, not a physical document, provided by your university after you have accepted an unconditional offer.

Step 2: Prepare Your Key Documents – Gather your essential paperwork. You will need:

• Your current passport.
• Your CAS reference number.
• Proof of funds (bank statements) showing you have the required tuition and living costs held for at least 28 consecutive days.
• A Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, which is mandatory for applicants from India.
• English language test results (like IELTS), if required by your CAS.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application – You must apply on the official GOV.UK website.

• You will create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
• Fill in the form accurately, entering your CAS number and personal details.
• You may be prompted to use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your passport and verify your identity digitally, which can allow you to skip the in-person appointment.

Step 4: Pay Visa and Health Surcharge Fees – During the online application, you must pay two fees to proceed:

• The Student Visa application fee (₹64,935 for applicants from India).
• The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in full (i.e., £776 per year) for your entire course duration.

Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment – If you do not use the ID Check app, you must book an appointment at a visa application centre (VFS Global).

• At the centre, they will take your photograph and scan your fingerprints (your "biometrics").
• They will also collect your passport to place the visa vignette inside once it's approved.

After these steps, your application is submitted, and you must wait for the decision.

UK Student Visa Timeline and Processing Time for International Students

A UK student visa normally takes three weeks (15 days) to process from the date the completed application is received. Students can get in touch with the British High Commission or VFS, which is in charge of the visa application centres run by the UK Border Agency in India, to enquire about any delays.

Those who wish to track the status of their visa application can do so by registering for the VFS SMS alert service or by using their online monitoring system.

In the case that there is any complexity in your UK student visa application, your visa application processing time can get longer. This can occur if your application’s supporting documents need further verification, and hence, you will be contacted for the same. You can also be called for an interview for clarity on your personal circumstances (e.g., if you have any criminal history).

UK Student Visa Rejection Rate & Reasons

You should note that although not very common, there have been fluctuations in the rate of UK student visa rejection. Recent trends indicate an increase because of more stringent immigration laws and extensive scrutiny. Although it varies, the rejection rate usually ranges from 3% to 10%. Read on the UK Student Visa Rejection Reasons to know more.

UK Student Visa Extension

UK Student Visa For Students:

In the course of your study in the UK, you can have your partner and children (dependants) apply to come to or stay longer in the UK. For this, two criteria must be met:

In your case:

• You should be a government-sponsored student starting a course that lasts longer than 6 months.
• You must be a full-time student on a PG level course (RQF level 7 or above) that lasts 9 or more months.
• You should pursue a research-based higher degree, a PhD, or other doctorate (RQF level 8).

UK Student Visa for Dependants

In your dependant’s case, they can be one of the following, which are:

• Your husband, wife, or civil partner, along with your marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Your child’s birth certificate
• Your child is under 18 years of age (including if they were born in the UK whilst you studied in the UK).

NOTE – The UK government has significantly reduced the number of dependants being brought into the UK for PG students, so make sure to check with the official websites for the most updated information.

As an international student with a UK student visa, you will be able to pursue your dream course in the UK. Keeping updated with the latest updates on the UK International student visa laws can assist you in gaining an edge to help you achieve a successful student visa application.

Are you ready to take the next step in your educational journey and study in the UK? AECC is here to help. Our expert advisors will guide you through every step of the UK student visa process. Don't miss out on the chance to experience world-class education and vibrant student life in the UK. Contact AECC today and start your journey towards achieving your academic dreams.