Home /Visa Guides /United Kingdom Student Visa

Visa Guide 2026

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Student Visa Guide 2026

The UK Student Route (formerly Tier 4) is managed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). It requires a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your UK university, proof of financial support for 28 consecutive days, and payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — which gives you full NHS access during your studies.

Processing Time

3 weeks (standard) / 5 working days (priority) / next day (super priority)

Visa Fee

£490 + IHS £1,035/year (~£2,070 for 2-year Master's) (~₹2.9L for standard + IHS)

Work Rights

20 hrs/week during term; full-time during vacations

Post-Study Work

Graduate Route: 2 years (Bachelor/Master) or 3 years (PhD)

✅ Key Highlights — UK Student Route (formerly Tier 4)

CAS issued by university — essential before you can apply
IHS: £1,035/year gives you full NHS healthcare access
28-day funds holding rule — strictly enforced by UKVI
Graduate Route visa: work anywhere in UK for 2 years after graduation
TB test mandatory for all Indian applicants
IELTS must be IELTS for UKVI (Academic for UKVI) — not regular IELTS

Step-by-Step Application Process

Receive your CAS from university

Your UK university issues a unique CAS reference number after you accept your offer and complete pre-enrolment. CAS is typically issued 3–6 months before course start. You cannot apply without it.

Prepare financial evidence

Hold funds for 28 consecutive days before applying. London students: £1,334/month × 9 months + tuition. Outside London: £1,023/month × 9 months + tuition. The 28-day holding period is strictly verified.

Take TB test

All Indian nationals must get a tuberculosis (TB) test from an UKVI-approved clinic in India. Results must be provided with your visa application. Clinics available in major Indian cities — cost: ₹1,800–3,000.

Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

Pay £1,035 per year of your visa upfront at IHS.homeoffice.gov.uk before applying. For a 2-year Master's: £2,070. This is non-refundable even if refused.

Apply online via UKVI portal

Complete your online application at apply-to-visit-or-stay-in-the-uk.homeoffice.gov.uk. Upload all documents. Pay £490 visa fee. Select standard, priority, or super priority.

Biometrics at VFS Global

Book and attend biometrics at a VFS Global UKVI centre in India. Available in 10+ cities. Allow 2–4 weeks for appointment availability in peak season (May–August).

Receive visa decision

Standard: 3 weeks. Priority: 5 working days. Vignette sticker placed in passport or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) collection card issued.

Collect BRP in UK

Within 10 days of arriving in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from the post office specified in your visa. This is your main ID document in the UK.

📋 Documents Checklist

Valid passport

All previous passports also required

CAS reference number

Issued by your UK university; check all details match exactly

28-day bank statements

Lowest balance during 28-day period must meet requirement; no gaps

IHS payment receipt

Printed confirmation from IHS portal; paid before application

TB test certificate

From UKVI-approved clinic; valid for 6 months; mandatory for Indians

IELTS for UKVI score

Must be IELTS Academic for UKVI (not regular IELTS); check university CAS minimum

Academic transcripts

Degree certificates, marksheets — may be requested by UKVI

Passport photo

Meets UKVI photo requirements: 45mm × 35mm, plain cream/light grey background

ATAS certificate

Required for certain sensitive subjects (security check); check if your course needs it

📅 Application Timeline

Apply to universityOctober–January

Apply via UCAS (undergrad) or direct university portal (postgrad)

Receive offer + CASFebruary–June

Accept offer, complete pre-enrolment, request CAS from university

Prepare finances28 days before application

Ensure funds in account for 28 consecutive days meeting requirement

Take TB testAnytime after CAS received

Book TB test at UKVI approved clinic; results valid 6 months

Apply for visaJune–July (for September start)

Pay IHS, apply online, book and attend biometrics

Receive visa3 weeks after biometrics

Vignette in passport; collect BRP on arrival in UK

⚠️ Common Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

❌ Funds dipped below requirement during 28-day period

✅ How to avoid: Do NOT spend from the account during the 28 days; maintain a buffer above minimum

❌ CAS details don't match application

✅ How to avoid: Every detail (name, DOB, course title, fee) must match CAS exactly — no discrepancies

❌ No TB test certificate

✅ How to avoid: Book TB test as soon as you have your CAS; it's mandatory and cannot be waived

❌ IELTS not from UKVI-approved test (regular IELTS used)

✅ How to avoid: Ensure you booked IELTS Academic for UKVI — ask test centre explicitly for the UKVI version

❌ Applied too close to course start date

✅ How to avoid: Apply at least 6 weeks before course start; ideally 3 months before for standard processing

❌ Previous UK visa refusal not disclosed

✅ How to avoid: Always declare all previous visa refusals to any country — non-disclosure is grounds for permanent refusal

🎯 Expert Tips from Jaivik Overseas Counsellors

1.Apply as early as possible once you have CAS — 3 months before start date is ideal
2.IHS is non-refundable — double-check your course dates before paying
3.Priority service (£500 extra) is worth it in June–July when standard processing can be slow
4.Graduate Route (2-year post-study work) is applied for after graduation, NOT on your initial visa
5.Open a UK bank account online before arriving — Monzo, Starling (international signup) works with BRP