Indian applicants · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Student visa for Indian citizens
Study visa for international students enrolled with a licensed Student sponsor at eligible UK institutions.
- Processing time
- Typically within 3 weeks from outside the UK.
- Government fees
- Application fee (around £524 from outside UK), Immigration Health Surcharge £776/year for students, plus tuition deposit.
- Typical duration
- Varies with course — up to length of course plus a short wrap-around.
- Sponsor required
- Yes
- Leads to settlement
- No
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
Consular processing: New Delhi / Mumbai (VFS)
Tourist entry vs. this route
Indian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Student visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
The Student route is the UK's core study visa. Applicants need an unconditional offer (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor, English-language proficiency, and financial evidence for tuition and maintenance. Students may typically work part-time during term and full-time during vacations, subject to rules.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed Student sponsor.
- ✓Sufficient funds for tuition and maintenance — thresholds updated in January 2024.
- ✓English-language proficiency at the level required by the sponsor and the rules.
Common blockers
- !Sponsor ceases to hold a Student sponsor licence (rare but material).
- !Insufficient financial evidence — maintenance must be in the applicant's name or a qualifying parent/guardian.
Typical evidence
- ·CAS reference number.
- ·Bank statements evidencing required funds held for 28 consecutive days.
- ·English-language test, degree, or nationality exemption.
- ·Parental consent and evidence of relationship for applicants under 18.
Application pathway
Accept offer and receive CAS
The institution issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies once the offer is unconditional and deposit paid.
Prepare finances and English evidence
Hold qualifying funds for 28 consecutive days; sit an approved English test if required.
Apply online and attend biometrics
Pay application fee and IHS and submit biometrics.
Arrive and begin studies
Register at your institution, collect BRP/eVisa, and begin the course.
Plan post-study route
Most graduates switch to the Graduate route for 2–3 years of post-study work.
Other United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland routes covered for Indian applicants
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Health and Care Worker visa
Discounted Skilled Worker route for eligible NHS, adult social care, and allied health roles.
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
High Potential Individual visa
Unsponsored work visa for graduates of a time-limited list of top global universities.
Innovator Founder visa
Endorsement-based visa for founders launching an innovative, viable and scalable business in the UK.
Scale-up visa
Sponsored route for workers joining qualifying fast-growing UK scale-up businesses, with faster settlement timelines.
Family visa (partner/spouse)
Visa for partners of British citizens, settled persons, or certain other qualifying sponsors.
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Indian citizens eligible for the Student visa?+
Eligibility for the Student visa is set by UK Home Office and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Indian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Indian applicants typically file the Student visa?+
New Delhi / Mumbai (VFS). Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by UK Home Office — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Indian applicants need a tourist visa for United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well?+
Indian nationals require a visa for any entry into United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Student visa is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Can Student visa holders work in the UK?+
Students on degree-level courses at Higher Education providers can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations, with some restrictions. Below-degree courses often carry tighter limits.
Can I bring dependants on a Student visa?+
Dependant rights for Student visa holders were narrowed from January 2024. Only postgraduate research students (PhD and certain others) and government-sponsored students can typically bring dependants. Always check GOV.UK for the current rules.