UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students in 2025

For Indian students planning to study in the UK in 2025, it’s essential to understand the updated UK Student Visa Requirements in detail. The visa application fee has increased to approximately ₹56,500 (equivalent to £524), and students are also required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of about ₹83,500 per year (around £776), which grants access to the UK’s National Health Service during their stay.

To meet the UK study visa requirements, you’ll need to show financial proof of living expenses for at least 9 months. This translates to approximately ₹1.6 lakhs per month if your university is located in London (₹14.4 lakhs total), or around ₹1.25 lakhs per month for locations outside London (₹11.3 lakhs total).

In addition to finances, students must have an unconditional offer letter with a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a UKVI-licensed university, a valid passport, acceptable English language proficiency (such as IELTS), and a TB test clearance from an approved clinic.

Visa processing generally takes three weeks from outside the UK, while applications within the UK may take up to eight weeks. Ensuring that all documents are in order and submitted early helps smooth your application journey.

Types of Student Visas in the UK

Understanding the visa types is a key part of navigating the UK student visa process. The kind of visa you apply for depends mainly on your age, course duration, and the nature of your study. Here are the main options available to Indian students in 2025:

Student Visa (General)

Designed for students aged 16 or above who are planning to pursue full-time academic, vocational, or foundation courses that last more than six months. This is the most common visa for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The application fee for this visa is approximately ₹56,500, which includes limited work rights during term time and an extension period after course completion, subject to the specific course and visa conditions.

Child Student Visa

This visa is meant for students under 18 who wish to study at a UK independent school. The application fee remains around ₹56,500, but work is not permitted under this visa. It also requires written consent from parents or legal guardians, as well as proof of suitable care arrangements in the UK.

Short-Term Study Visa

Ideal for students enrolling in English language or foundation programmes that are between 6 and 11 months long. The fee for this visa is comparatively lower—approximately ₹23,000 (equivalent to £214 as of July 2025). However, it comes with more restrictions: no work rights, no dependents, and no extensions are allowed.

Each visa type falls under a different set of UK study visa requirements, so it’s crucial to apply for the one that aligns with your academic goals and length of stay. Making the correct choice early in the process helps avoid delays and improves your overall application experience.

UK Study Visa Requirements: Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, Indian students must ensure they meet all the necessary UK Student Visa Requirements in 2025. The process is thorough, and eligibility is based on academic, financial, and health-related factors. Meeting these student visa UK requirements ensures your application is processed smoothly and increases your chances of approval. Here’s what you need to qualify:

Unconditional Offer + CAS
You must have an unconditional offer of admission from a UKVI-licensed institution, along with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). This CAS is a reference number issued by the university confirming your enrolment and course details.

English Language Proficiency
Most universities and visa applications require you to demonstrate your language proficiency through accepted tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. A minimum B2 CEFR level or an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 is typically expected.

Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK. For studying in London, you need proof of funds worth ₹1.6 lakhs/month for 9 months (₹14.4 lakhs total). If studying outside London, you’ll need around ₹1.25 lakhs/month (₹11.3 lakhs total). These funds must be held in your or your parent’s bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before application.

Valid Passport
Your passport should be current, undamaged, and have at least one blank page on both sides for visa stamping.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test
If you’ve been living in India or any other country classified as high-risk by the UK, you must provide a TB test certificate from an approved clinic.

For Applicants Under 18
Additional documentation is required, including parental consent, proof of relationship, and living and care arrangements in the UK.

Key Documents for a UK Student Visa

Submitting a clear and complete set of documents is one of the most crucial steps in the UK student visa process. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork is one of the most common reasons for delays and rejections. If you’re an Indian student applying in 2025, here’s a checklist of the essential UK student visa documents you’ll need.

A. Valid Passport
You must submit your original Indian passport with at least one blank page on both sides. While there’s no strict validity period required, it’s best if your passport is valid for the entire duration of your course.

B. CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) Letter
This is a unique reference number issued by your UK university confirming your admission. It includes important details like course duration, fees, and start date.

C. Financial Documents
To meet the financial documents required for a student visa to the UK, you’ll need:

• Bank statements or fixed deposits under your or your parent’s name, showing the required balance held for at least 28 consecutive days
• For London: Approx. ₹14.4 lakhs (₹1.6L/month for 9 months)
• Outside London: Approx. ₹11.3 lakhs (₹1.25L/month for 9 months)
• Sponsorship letter if a government body, scholarship organisation, or company funds you
• Fee payment receipts or deposit confirmations, if any advance has been paid to the university

D. English Language Proof
You must submit a valid scorecard from IELTS, TOEFL, or other UKVI-approved tests. Universities generally expect a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5, depending on the course level.

E. Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
This is mandatory for students applying from India. It must be from a UK Home Office–approved clinic and issued within six months of your application.

F. ATAS Certificate
If you’re applying for a postgraduate course in sensitive subjects like engineering, science, or technology, you’ll need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance before applying for your visa.

G. Additional Documents for Students Under 18
If you’re under 18 years old, the UK study visa requirements also include:

• A signed parental consent letter
• Birth certificate or legal documents proving relationship to the guardian
• Accommodation and care arrangements while in the UK
  A brief travel plan

All your UK student visa documents must be in English. If they’re in another language, submit notarised translations as well. Authenticity is non-negotiable; submitting fraudulent or incomplete documents could result in visa denial and long-term travel restrictions.

UK Student Visa Application Process for Indian Students

Navigating the UK student visa requirements for Indian students may seem daunting at first, but once you understand the step-by-step process, it becomes more manageable. Here’s how to go about it in 2025:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Start by collecting all required paperwork. This includes your:

• Valid Indian passport
• CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed UK university
• Proof of funds covering tuition and living costs (₹14.4 lakhs for London or ₹11.3 lakhs for outside London)
• English language test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
• TB test report (if required)
• ATAS certificate (for select postgraduate courses)
• Additional documents if you’re under 18

Make sure everything is accurate and consistent with UK Student Visa Requirements to avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application on the UKVI Portal

Create an account and complete the visa application on the official UKVI website.
Pay the visa fee: approx. ₹56,500 (equivalent to £524)
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): approx. ₹83,500 per year
Choose optional services like priority (₹53,000) or super-priority processing (₹1.06 lakh), if you’re in a hurry.

Step 3: Book a Biometric Appointment

Book your appointment at a VFS Global visa centre in India. Here, you’ll submit:

• Fingerprints
• A digital photograph
  In rare cases, you may be called for an interview, usually when details require clarification.

Step 4: Submit and Wait

Once biometrics are done, submit your documents at the exact centre. The processing timeline for most Indian applicants is approximately 3 weeks from the date of submission.

Step 5: Post-Approval Steps

After your visa is approved, you’ll receive a temporary electronic vignette on your passport, which allows you to travel to the UK.
Once you arrive:

• Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days
• Register or log in to your UKVI digital status account or app for online verification and immigration records

By carefully following each step and meeting all UK Student Visa Requirements, you’ll make your journey to studying in the UK a smooth one.

UK Student Visa Fees and Other Related Costs

Understanding the complete cost breakdown is a vital part of the UK student visa process. These expenses go beyond just the visa fee and can significantly impact your budget for the first few months.
Here’s a summary of the fees Indian students can expect to pay in 2025:

• Visa Application Fee: Approx. ₹56,500 (equivalent to £524), whether you’re applying from India or switching your visa category from within the UK
• Short-term Study Visa: For English language or short courses (6 to 11 months), the application fee is approximately ₹23,000 (around £214)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Most students are required to pay ₹83,500 per year (approximately £776). In some cases, full-rate applicants may pay up to ₹1.1 lakh/year (about £1,035), depending on the visa’s total duration
  Other common costs include:
• TB Test: Roughly ₹6,000 (USD 70) at a UK Home Office–approved clinic in India
• English Language Tests (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL): Between ₹14,000 and ₹18,000, depending on the test body
• Optional Services:
  • Courier or SMS updates: ₹1,000–₹5,000
  • Priority Visa processing: approx. ₹53,000 (about £500)
  • Super Priority Visa: approx. ₹1.06 lakh (about £1,000)

These costs are in addition to tuition and living expenses, which also fall under UK Student Visa Requirements. Being financially prepared ensures smoother processing and reduces the risk of rejection.

Tips for a Successful UK Student Visa Application

When it comes to the UK student visa process, success depends not just on meeting requirements but also on how well you plan and prepare. These practical tips can help increase your chances of approval:

• Start Early: Begin collecting documents and initiating your application up to 6 months before your course starts
• Maintain Financial Proof: Keep the required funds in your or your parent’s bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying
• Use Verified Sources: Either apply directly on the UKVI portal or work with recognised, transparent agents—avoid anyone guaranteeing PR or fast-track visas
• Check Test Validity: Ensure your IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores meet university and visa criteria and are issued by accepted testing bodies
• TB & ATAS Readiness: If applicable, get tested and apply for an ATAS certificate at least 2–3 months before applying
• Choose the Right Visa Type: Whether it’s a Student Visa, Child Student Visa, or Short-term Study Visa, applying under the correct category is key to approval
• Review Your Application: Double-check every document, especially translations and scanned copies, to ensure accuracy. All data must match your CAS and passport
• Stay Genuine: Submitting fake or inconsistent documents can lead to long-term bans and refusal of future applications
• Track Your Progress: Once submitted, monitor your visa application through the UKVI portal or the VFS Global tracking system

Staying organised, financially prepared, and well-informed about UK Student Visa Requirements will not only increase your approval chances but also set you up for a stress-free start to your UK education journey.

Key Takeaways

• Indian students applying in 2025 must pay an application fee of approximately ₹56,500 (equivalent to £524), along with an Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of around ₹83,500 per year

• The financial proof requirements under the UK study visa requirements have increased:

• For London: ₹1.6 lakhs/month, or about ₹14.4 lakhs for 9 months

• For cities outside London: ₹1.25 lakhs/month, or roughly ₹11.3 lakhs for 9 months

• Essential UK student visa requirements for Indian students include:

  • CAS letter, a valid passport, and bank statements
  • Language proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL)
  • TB test certificate and ATAS clearance if your course requires it

• Visa processing takes approximately 3 weeks for applications made from India, following a biometric appointment at a VFS Global centre

• Avoid unverified agents, and always submit authentic, accurate, and complete documentation to stay on the right side of UKVI rules

Conclusion

The UK student visa requirements for Indian students in 2025 have changed, particularly in terms of fees, financial thresholds, and documentation standards. With an application fee of approximately ₹56,500 and rising living costs, it’s more important than ever to stay organised and well-prepared.

Start your application at least three to six months in advance, ensuring you meet every aspect of the UK study visa requirements. From securing your CAS and preparing financial documents to booking your VFS biometric appointment—every step matters.

By following official guidelines, submitting honest documents, and planning your timeline carefully, you’ll be in a strong position to get your visa approved and begin your UK academic journey with confidence.