Everything Indian Students Need to Know About UK Student Visa

Applying for a UK student visa is a crucial part of studying in the UK for Indian students. UK visas require certain eligibility criteria to be fulfilled before an application can be submitted. Students need to understand the UK visa regulations, including which documents are necessary and any potential restrictions when it comes to studies.

With the right advice from experienced UK visa professionals, students from India will have clear expectations of the UK study experience while keeping informed regarding any changes in UK regulations.

Eligibility for a UK Student Visa

If you want to study abroad, you can submit an application for a UK student visa six months before starting your program. It usually takes three working weeks for the embassy to decide whether or not they will grant your application.

United Kingdom Students Visa Eligibility Criteria

1. You need to get a confirmation of acceptance from a university or college. You must provide them with a CAS reference number and any supporting documentation they may require.
2. Have passed the English language proficiency test.
3. Proof to show that you have the financial means to fund yourself and pay for your program or course.

Three Types of Study Visa

• Student Visa

This visa has replaced Tier 4 (General) Student Visa. Staying in the UK will depend on the length of your course but is usually given for five years. You may want to extend your stay if you wish to continue your studies by taking up master’s and doctorate courses.

Student Visa fee: 

• £363 or 36,555 INR from outside the UK
• £490 or 49,350 INR to extend or switch to a student visa from within the UK

 

• Child Student Visa

This is exclusively for ages 4 until 17 who want to study at an independent school in UK. The length of staty will depend also on the course length but it can be up to six years plus four months for under 16. Three years plus four months for ages 16 to 17.

Child Student Visa Fee

• £363 or 36,555 INR from outside the UK
• £490 or 49,350 INR to extend or switch to a child student visa from within the UK

 

• Short-term Study Visa

This is for English language courses for about 6 months and up to 11 months. Stay for the length of your course plus an extra 30 days as long as your stay is not longer than 11 months.

Short Term Study Visa Fee

• £200 or 20,140 INR

Documents Required for UK Student Visa

The following documents are required to be submitted with an application for Indian students applying for a student visa in the UK:

1.  You must have a valid passport or other acceptable form of travel documents.
2. Proof of having enough money to cover your living costs during the duration of your academic stay.
3. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and documents used to obtain CAS.
4. Passport pictures
5. Mandatory Tuberculosis screening for South Asian countries
6. Assessment documentation
7. Clearance certificate from Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

Applying for Online UK Visa

​​The online application process is the most convenient way to apply for a UK visa through British Government’s official website. You can complete your application from anywhere at any time, and it will be processed accordingly. The only thing you need to do is fill out an online form with all of your personal information and upload supporting documents.

UK Student Visa Mode of Payment

1. Online payments thru Master Card or Visa Card.
2. Demand Draft to be submitted at the visa application center.
3. Cash payment through Standard Chartered Bank.

Applying outside the UK

1. You must apply online for a UK student visa.
2. You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.
3. You’ll have to collect your biometric residence permit within 10 days of when you said you’d arrive in the UK (even if you actually arrive at a later date).
4. You may be able to get your visa faster or other services depending on what country you’re in – check with your visa application centre.

Tips for Getting your UK Student Visa

• Get your application in early, as the sooner you get it done the better chance of getting it approved.
• Make sure that all UK student visa requirements are met. All documents should be original and not copies or scans, do not use any photocopies to fill out forms.
• Ensure that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK, you may need to provide evidence of financial stability. Make sure that you can prove that you will be able to afford living expenses while studying in UK.
• Have a good idea about what you want to study at university.
• Be prepared to pay fees upfront.
• Make sure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months left on it before applying for the visa.
• Meet all the requirements for the course you wish to apply for.
• Understand the conditions of entry into the UK.
• Make sure that you keep up-to-date with the latest information regarding immigration laws.

If you’re thinking of studying abroad in the UK, you should definitely apply for a UK student visa. Not only will you have access to free education, but you’ll also be able to network for job prospects after you graduate. Plus, you’ll meet new people from around the world, which is always fun!