UK Study Visa Guide

Securing the right student visa is a crucial first step in your academic journey. This guide is designed to help NRI students understand the UK Student Visa process, eligibility requirements, documentation, application timelines, and post-arrival responsibilities. Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate, postgraduate, or research program, our step-by-step approach ensures you’re well-prepared for a smooth and successful visa experience.

You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

• have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor
• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
• can speak, read, write and understand English
• have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 – you’ll need evidence of this when you apply

If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead.This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

When to apply

When you can apply depends on whether you’re applying from inside or outside the UK.

• Applying from outside the UK: The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course.You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
• Applying from inside the UK: The earliest you can apply is 3 months before your course starts.

You must apply before your current visa expires. Your new course must begin within 28 days of your current visa expiring.You’ll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on the length of your course and what study you’ve already completed in the UK.

• If you’re 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 5 years.
• If it’s below degree level, you can usually stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

Staying longer in the UK

You may be able to:

• extend your visa if you’re eligible, for example to continue your studies in the UK
• switch to a Student visa from another visa if you’re already in the UK
• switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after successfully completing your course

When you can travel to the UK

You can arrive before your course starts. This can be either:

• up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
• up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
• You must not travel to the UK before the start date given on your visa, no matter when your course starts.

Fees

• £524 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK
• £524 to extend or switch to a Student visa from inside the UK
• You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.

How much you pay depends on how long your visa lasts.

Your partner and children

• You may be able to bring your partner and children (‘dependants’).
• You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.

What you can and cannot do on Student Visa

• You can:
  • Study
  • Work as a student union sabbatical officer
  • You may be able to work – how much depends on what you’re studying and whether you’re working in or out of term-time.
• You cannot:
  • claim public funds (benefits) and pensions
  • work in certain jobs, for example as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
  • be self-employed
  • study at an academy or a local authority-funded school (also known as a maintained school)

If your application is successful, you’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa.

How to apply for Student Visa in UK

• Check Eligibility
  • You must:
    • Be 16 years or older
    • Have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor (university or college)
    • Have enough money to support yourself and pay for the course
    • Speak, read, write and understand English to the required level (CEFR B2 for degree level)
    • Have consent from parents if under 18
• Receive Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
  • Once you’re offered a place at a UK institution:
    • They will issue a CAS number (a unique reference confirming your offer)
    • You must apply for the visa within 6 months of receiving the CAS
• Prepare Financial Documents
  • You need to show you have enough money to:
    • Pay for your course (tuition fees for the first year or the entire course if it’s shorter)
    • Support yourself:
      • £1,334/month for up to 9 months if studying in London
      • £1,023/month if outside London
  • Funds must be in your account for 28 consecutive days before applying.
• Gather Required Documents
  • Here’s what you’ll typically need:
    • Valid Passport
      • Typically not expiring within 6 months
      • Has atlest 2 blank pages
    • CAS number
    • Proof of finances (bank statements, loan letters, scholarship info)
    • Proof of English proficiency
    • Academic qualifications
    • ATAS certificate (if applicable for certain subjects)
    • Parental consent and birth certificate (if under 18)
• Apply Online
  • Apply at: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
    • Apply no earlier than 6 months before your course starts
    • You’ll need to pay:
      • Visa fees: £524
      • Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £776/year (2025 rate)
• Attend a Biometrics Appointment
  • You’ll book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to:
    • Provide fingerprints
    • Have your photo taken
    • Submit documents (if not uploaded online)
• Wait for a Decision
  • Standard processing: 3 weeks
  • You can opt for priority (5 working days) or super priority (next working day) at extra cost
• Receive Visa and Travel
  • If approved, you’ll get a:
    • Vignette sticker (30 or 90-day entry visa in your passport)
    • Once in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days