The UK remains among the top three study destinations for Indian students, with over 150,000 Indians enrolled in UK universities. The UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) — now officially called the "Student Route" — is your entry point. Here is everything you need to know for 2026.
Key Changes to UK Student Visa in 2026
- Graduate Route (post-study work) still available: 2 years for Bachelor/Master, 3 years for PhD
- Dependants: Only PhD students and government-sponsored students may bring dependants
- IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) increased to £1,035/year in 2024 — still applies
- English language: Secure English Language Tests (SELT) providers only — IELTS UKVI or Trinity SELT
- Financial requirement: £1,334/month for London, £1,023/month outside London (for 9 months)
Step 1: Receive Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
The CAS is a unique reference number generated by your UK university. You CANNOT apply for a UK student visa without it. Universities typically issue the CAS 3–6 months before your course starts. It contains your personal details, course details, and tuition fee information — all of which must match your application exactly.
Step 2: Financial Requirements
| Item | Amount Required |
|---|---|
| Living costs (London) — 9 months | £1,334 × 9 = £12,006 |
| Living costs (outside London) — 9 months | £1,023 × 9 = £9,207 |
| Tuition fees (if not pre-paid) | Full first-year tuition amount |
| Total funds for London student (£20K tuition) | £32,006 (~₹34L) |
| Funds holding period | 28 consecutive days before applying |
⚠️ Critical: Your funds must be held continuously for 28 days before you apply. The UKVI checks the lowest balance during those 28 days — not just the balance on the day you apply.
Step 3: Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond course end date)
- CAS reference number from your university
- Financial evidence: bank statements showing 28-day fund holding
- IELTS UKVI Academic score (typically 6.0–6.5; check university requirements)
- ATAS certificate (for certain science/tech subjects — check if required)
- Tuberculosis test certificate (mandatory for Indian applicants)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Parental/sponsor consent letter (if under 18)
Step 4: Pay the IHS Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) gives you access to the NHS during your studies. In 2024 it was raised to £1,035 per year. For a 2-year Master's program, that's £2,070 (~₹2.2L) paid upfront before your visa is issued. This is non-refundable even if your visa is refused.
Step 5: Book and Attend Biometrics
All Indian applicants must visit a UKVI visa application centre (VFS Global in India) for biometrics — fingerprints and photo. Centres are in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Pune, Kochi, and Jalandhar. Allow 3–4 weeks for appointment availability in peak season.
Processing Time and Costs (2026)
| Service | Processing Time | Fee (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard service | 3 weeks | £490 visa fee + £1,035/yr IHS |
| Priority service | 5 working days | £490 + £500 priority + IHS |
| Super Priority | Next working day | £490 + £1,000 super priority + IHS |
IELTS UKVI vs Regular IELTS
Important: For a UK student visa, you must take IELTS for UKVI (also called IELTS Academic for UKVI), not the regular IELTS Academic. The test content is the same, but it must be taken at a UKVI-approved centre. Check the UKVI website for approved test centres in India — major cities all have them.
Graduate Route: Work After Graduation
One of the UK's biggest draws is the Graduate Route visa, which lets you work in the UK for 2 years after a Bachelor's or Master's degree, or 3 years after a PhD. This can be extended to a Skilled Worker visa if you find a sponsored employer. Many Indian students use this pathway to gain UK work experience before returning home or applying for permanent residency.
Top Rejection Reasons for Indian UK Visa Applicants
- Funds not maintained for full 28 days (balance dipped at any point)
- CAS details do not match application (different name spelling, DOB, etc.)
- IELTS score not meeting university's requirement (CAS may specify minimum)
- No TB test certificate (mandatory for all Indian nationals)
- Weak study rationale — officer not convinced you will return to India
- Applying too late — less than 6 weeks before course start
🎯 Top Tip: Apply as soon as your CAS is issued — typically 3–6 months before start date. Do not wait until the last 6 weeks. Early applications allow time for reapplication if refused.