UK Student Visa 2025: Types, Costs, Requirements & How to Apply?

International students prefer to pursue their graduate studies in UK, a globally influential centre of finance and culture. It is a student-friendly country since it provides affordable education, scholarships and financial support, and work opportunities while studying. According to a statement issued by Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India, 25 percent of UK student visas are approved for Indian students out of 2.8 lakhs applications. Compared to 2021, the approval of student visa applications for Indian students has increased by 73 percent.

The UK student visa has three types: Student route visa, Child student visa, and short-term study visa. The visa you need depends on the age and type of programme you prefer to study in UK. The cost for applying to the UK student visa is £363 (INR 32527.70). In this blog, you will know complete information about all the major types of visas, requirements, fees, and how to apply for a UK student visa.

Table of Contents:

• Types of UK Student Visa
• Eligibility Requirements to apply for UK Student Visa
• UK student Visa Cost & Fees
• Documents Required for UK Student Visa
• When to Apply for a UK Student Visa ?
• UK Student Visa: How to Apply?
• Where to Apply for a UK Student Visa ?
• UK Student Visa Point Based System
• UK Student visa processing time
• How Long can you stay with a UK Student Visa ?
• Scholarships to Study in the UK
• FAQ

Types of UK Student Visa

The UK student visa has three main types, which are a Student route visa, a Child student visa, and a short-term study visa. International students who intend to study for more than 6 months in the UK must know about these 3 study visa types. 

1. Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa): Students can apply for this visa category in two cases: If you're planning to study at university/college for over 6 months (or) If you are planning to take an English language course for over 11 months. 

2. Child Student visa (also Tier 4): If your age is under 18, and you're choosing to apply for the student visa above mentioned cases, then this visa category is suitable for you. 

3. Short-term study visa: This visa category is suitable for students who want to study English language courses that are less than 12 months.

( Note: The cost for the student route visa is higher than a short-term study visa, so make sure to choose which visa category is suitable for you)

Eligibility Requirements to Apply for UK Student Visa

Make sure you meet the following criteria to apply for a UK study visa. 

• A student must have received a formal offer of a full-time academic course from a reputable and licensed student sponsor such as a university, college, or educational institution accredited by the UK government.
• A student must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to pay for their course and support themselves for the course duration. 
• A student must have a high level of proficiency in English, able to speak, read, and write well.
• A student, aged 16 or 17, needs written consent from parents or legal guardians.

UK Student Visa Cost

As per the 2023 update in UK Government Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 (General) Student Visa), it costs £490 (Rs. 49,516/- approximately) for a Student Visa from outside the UK and to extend or switch to a Student Visa from inside the UK. You also need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application. The amount you’ll pay for healthcare surcharges depends on how long your visa lasts.

The methods of payment are given below:

• Online payment using either Mastercard or Visa card
• Can pay at the visa application centres and standard chartered bank using the demand draft
• Can pay at the visa application centres and standard chartered bank by Cash

Documents Required for UK Student Visa

Compared to a tourist visa, applying for a student visa in the UK requires more documents. Aspirants need to submit a list of mandatory documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. 

Before applying, make sure you are having the following documents:

• A current passport or any other valid travel documentation
• A Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) obtained from your course provider/educational institution

You might be asked to present the following:

• A valid proof that you have sufficient money to support yourself and to pay for your course - this will change depending on the circumstances.
• A valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course and nationality demand it
• If you’re under 18, proof of parental or other legal guardian written consent is required. This includes consent for your visa application, your living and care arrangements in the UK, and your travel to the UK.
• If you’re under 18, you need to provide a birth certificate that shows the parent’s name
• If you’re under 18, proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian is required
• Your tuberculosis test results
• Written consent from the financial sponsor if they’re supposed to provide sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

Note: Make sure you have a blank page in your passport if you need to give your biometric details (photograph and fingerprints) at the Visa Application Centre. You’ll be informed if you are required to do this when you apply for a UK student visa.

Download UK student visa checklist pdf and make sure you have the list of documents before applying for a visa.

When to Apply for a UK Student Visa ?

The decision on when to apply for a UK student visa depends on whether you are applying inside or outside the UK.

Applying from outside the UK

You can apply for a visa 6 months before you start your course. You will get the decision regarding your visa within 3 weeks.

Applying from inside the UK

You can apply for a student visa 3 months before your course programme starts. Apply for it before your current visa expires. You must begin your new course within 28 days of your current visa expiring. You’ll get a decision on your visa within 8 weeks. It’s actually to extend your visa.

UK Student Visa: How to Apply?

 You must apply for a UK student visa through Online. Below, you will find the detailed step by step process to apply for a UK study visa. 

Step 1: First, you need to figure out whether you are eligible for applying for a student visa. If you read this far, you come to know about your eligibility. Basically, you need Confirmation of admission for studies (CAS) and prove you have sufficient money to pay for your course fees and living expenses in the UK.

Step 2: Prepare the required documents

Step 3: Apply through online.

• First, register and create an account on the official UK Visa website. 
• Print out and sign on the application form after you completed it. 
• Use the online appointment calendar to make an appointment at the visa application center.
• After you finish your online application, you will get an email with your application number.

Step 4: Pay your application fee. There are four options to pay your visa application cost.

• Pay fees at Standard Chartered Bank
• Through Demand draught from domestic or international bank
• Payment at Visa Application Centre
• Pay through online

Step 5: You must go to the scheduled date to the visa application facility. You need to schedule and get an appointment at the visa application centre to submit your application, facial photos, and fingerprints.

Where to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

You need to apply for a visa through an online portal and submit biometrics at the visa application centre. Below, we are providing addresses of some of the visa application centres situated in India. 

New Delhi

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Mezzanine Floor, Baba Kadak Singh Marg, Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India

Bengaluru

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
UK Visa Application Centre, VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd. Gopalan Innovation Mall, 22, Bannerghatta Main Rd, Sarakki Industrial Layout, 3rd Phase, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076

Chennai

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Fagun Towers, Second Floor, No 74, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai 600008

Hyderabad

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
Unit 1, Lower Concourse , Punjagutta Metro Station, 8-2-340/1, Punjagutta Rd, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082 India

Coimbatore

Caledon Square, Pricol Properties, Door No 348, 1st Floor, Avinashi Road, HUDCO Colony, Peelamedu, Coimbatore - 641004

Check nearby visa application centres and submit your biometric details

UK Student Visa Point Based System

Student route visa is a point-based immigration system and it is important for international students to meet all the requirements and to achieve an overall pass of 70 points.  

Factors	Points
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies	50 points
Financial Requirement	10 points
English language proficiency	10 points

Also Read: Cost of studying in UK

UK Student visa processing time

UK student visa processing time will vary based on where you are applying, whether inside or outside from the UK. 

The visa processing time for students who apply outside the Uk:

Category	Visa processing time
Students	3 weeks
Child students	3 weeks
Study English in the UK	3 weeks

The visa processing time for student who apply inside the UK:

Category	Visa processing time
Students	8 weeks
Child student	8 weeks

How Long can you stay with a UK Student Visa?

How long one can stay in the UK with a student visa depends on the length of the course and what course you have already finished in the UK. If your age is 18 or over, and your course is at degree level, then you can stay for up to 5 years in the UK. If the chosen course is at below degree level, then you can stay for up to 2 years in the UK. 

Also Read: Jobs in UK for Indians

Scholarships to Study in the UK

The UK' has one of the finest education systems in the world. UK universities ranking higher in the world university rankings. Some international students need financial support to pursue their higher education. In that case, you can use the scholarships available in the UK. Some of the UK scholarships are listed below,

• Chevening Scholarships
• Felix Scholarships
• A.S Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
• Rhodes Scholarships

To know more about each of the scholarships, read UK scholarships for indian students

FAQ

1. What are the UK student visa new rules ?

Answer: If you apply on or after 2 January 2025, you'll need £1,483 per month to support yourself on a course in London and £1,136 per month outside London.

2. How much bank balance is required to apply for a UK student visa?

Answer: As an Indian student, you must have a minimum of 12 to 15 lakhs to apply for a UK student visa. The required amount of money is based on where you are going to study. For instance, Courses in London cost £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months) while in outside of London, courses cost £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months).

3. Can I bring my family or dependents using the UK student visa?

Answer: You can bring your partner and children (‘dependents’) with a student visa. But, you need to fall under the following categories:

• An international student who enrolled on a full-time postgraduate level course (RQF level 7 or above) which lasts 9 months or more. 
• A student sponsored by the government on a course that lasts more than 6 months.
• A student participating in the Doctorate Extension Scheme.

4. How can I work after completing my studies in the UK?

Answer: International students who have completed an undergraduate degree or more in the UK can apply for a Post-study work (PSW) visa. With a Post-study work visa, you can stay or work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for Doctoral graduates).

5. How many years visa does UK give for students?

Answer: If the student is 18 or over, and has taken up courses at a degree level, then they can stay in the UK for up to 5 years. If the chosen course is below degree level, then students can stay in the UK for up to 2 years.

6. Is IELTS required for a UK Student visa?

Answer: Yes, in most cases, applicants for a UK Student visa are required to provide evidence of their English language proficiency

7. How many years can I stay in the UK after Masters?

Answer: With a Graduate visa, you have the permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing your course in the UK.