United Kingdom Student Visa for Indians
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 3–8 weeks
- Government fee
- about $710
- Start preparing
- about 4 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 8
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 3–8 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
Requires a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English proficiency, and maintenance funds held for 28 consecutive days: £1,529/month in London or £1,171/month elsewhere (9 months max) plus any unpaid first-year tuition. Application fee £558 plus the £776/year Immigration Health Surcharge.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the United Kingdom Student Visa overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | $17,500 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | No |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 3–8 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $710. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- Unconditional offer & CAS from your universityIssued after you accept, usually after a deposit; can be used up to 6 months before the course starts.
- Maintenance funds held for 28 days£1,529 a month for London or £1,171 elsewhere, held 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of applying.
- English language evidenceSet by your CAS; most universities accept IELTS, PTE or medium-of-instruction evidence.
- TB test at a Home Office approved clinicRequired for Indian applicants; the certificate is valid for 6 months.
- Apply online, pay £558 fee + IHSApplication fee £558 plus Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year.
- Biometrics at a VFS visa application centreFingerprints and photo taken at a VFS centre.
- Decision & eVisaStandard processing is about 3 weeks, and your status is a digital eVisa linked to a UKVI account.
- Travel & enrol
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Student Visa takes about 4 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Student Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United Kingdom Student Visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 3–8 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Student Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $710. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the Student Visa?
- No. The Student Visa does not require a job offer from a United Kingdom employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Student Visa?
- This visa does not directly cover accompanying family members.
Other United Kingdom visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
United Kingdom visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.