UK Student Visa

UK Student Visa Process in India: Visa Fees, Application Process Step-by-Step, Processing Time, and More

Introduction

The United Kingdom is renowned for its prestigious universities, which include Imperial College London, King’s College London, Coventry University, and Durham University, among others. However, if you aspire to study in the UK, it is important to note that you will need a valid UK student visa. As of March 2022, a staggering 108,000 UK student visas were issued, highlighting the intense competition for obtaining one. The duration of your UK student visa will depend on the program length specified in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Now, let’s delve into the specifics of the UK student visa application process in India. How long does it take to process a UK student visa from India? What are the steps involved? These are crucial questions that we will address in this article. Additionally, we will explore the cost of obtaining a UK student visa, and the time period it remains valid, and provide comprehensive information to assist you in navigating the application process.

UK student visa types

Which type of visa you need to apply for depends on the course length and the study level you are pursuing. If you are still determining which type of visa you need, you can check the UK government website or contact the British Embassy or consulate in your home country. Here are the types of student visas:

Type of UK student visa

Description

Length of stay

Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa)

For students who want to study at a higher education level in the UK, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as foundation courses and other vocational courses.

Up to 5 years, depending on the length of your course

Child student visa

For children under the age of 18 who want to study in the UK at a recognized school or college.

Up to 5 years, depending on the length of your child’s course

Short-term student route visa

For students who want to study a short course in the UK, such as an English language course or a vocational course that is less than 6 months long.

Up to 11 months, depending on the length of your course

UK Student visa Intro min

UK student visa eligibility

To be eligible for a UK student visa, you must meet the following UK student visa requirements:

If you are under the age of 18, you will also need to have parental or legal guardian consent to study in the UK.

Additional notes:

UK student visa fees/cost

Type of UK student visa

Visa application fee (INR)

Healthcare surcharge (INR)

Total cost (INR)

Student route visa (formerly known as the Tier 4 General student visa)

37,082

30,178

67,260

Child student visa

37,082

30,178

67,260

Short-term student route visa

19,794

30,178

49,972

Latest updates on UK student visa

UK student visa new rules- The biggest change to UK student visas came into effect in January 2024:

UK student visa: Documents required

The following documents are required for a UK student visa from India:

UK student visa process: How to apply

To apply for a UK student visa from India, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Check your eligibility

You can check your eligibility for a UK student visa on the UK government website. You will need to meet the following UK student visa requirements:

Step 2: Get a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Once you have been accepted onto a course at a UK education provider, you will need to request a CAS. Your CAS will contain your unique CAS number, which you will need to include in your visa application.

Step 3: Apply for your visa online

To apply for a UK student visa online, you will need to create a UKVI account. Once you have created an account, you can start your visa application.

You must upload scanned copies of your supporting documents to your visa application. These documents may include your CAS, passport, financial evidence, proof of English language proficiency, and tuberculosis test results (if required).

Step 4: Attend a visa interview

You will need to attend a visa interview at a UK visa application center in India. You will need to bring your original supporting documents to the interview.

At the interview, you will be asked about your visa application and reasons for wanting to study in the UK. You will also be asked to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

Step 5: Get your visa

If your visa application is successful, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport. This vignette allows you to travel to the UK.

Step 6: Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Once you arrive in the UK, you will need to collect your BRP within 10 days. You can collect your BRP from a Post Office branch in the UK.

Your BRP is a card that proves that you have permission to stay in the UK. You will need to show your BRP to border officials when you enter and leave the UK.

UK student visa: Where to apply

To apply for a UK student visa from India, you can apply online or at a UK visa application center.

Apply online

To apply for a UK student visa online, you will need to create a UKVI account. Once you have created an account, you can start your visa application.

You will need to upload scanned copies of your supporting documents to your visa application, including your CAS, passport, financial evidence, proof of English language proficiency, and tuberculosis test results (if required).

Apply at a UK visa application center

To apply for a UK student visa at a UK visa application center, you will need to book an appointment. You can book an appointment online or by calling the UK visa application center.

You will need to bring your original supporting documents to your visa appointment. You will also need to pay the visa application fee at the visa application center.

List of UK visa application centers in India

Ahmedabad

Chandigarh

Cochin

Bengaluru

Chennai

Hyderabad

Jaipur

Pune

Mumbai

Kolkata

Lucknow

New Delhi

UK student visa processing time

The UK student visa processing time is currently 3 weeks for applications submitted from outside the UK. This is the customer service standard, and the UK government aims to process 90% of applications within this timeframe.

However, it is important to note that the UK student visa processing time may vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of your application, the time of year, and any unforeseen circumstances. For example, the processing time may be longer during peak periods, such as the summer holidays.

UK student visa: When to apply for visa extension

You should apply for a UK student visa extension at least three months before your current visa expires. This will give you enough time to gather all of the required documents and complete the application process.

To apply for a visa extension, you will need to:

To study in the UK as an international student, you’ll be required to pay a healthcare surcharge per year to access the National Health Service (NHS) throughout your stay. The student visa fees for the UK embassy in India are also the same as mentioned above. You can make the payment for the UK student visa fee using either a MasterCard or Visa card or through a demand draft. Additionally, cash payments are accepted at the visa application center. If you need further assistance with your UK student visa application from India, feel free to connect with our overseas education counselors through MSM Unify services.

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FAQs

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Q. How to apply for a UK student visa?
To apply for a UK student visa, you must complete an online application, pay the visa fee, and provide supporting documents such as proof of acceptance at a UK institution, proof of financial support, and proof of English language proficiency.
To obtain a UK student visa, you generally need to show that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses. The specific amount required may vary depending on the duration of your course and whether you will be studying in London or outside of London.
Yes, IELTS is one of the approved English language tests for UK student visa applications.
To apply for a UK student visa, you need to score at least 5.5 overall on the IELTS test, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

After paying the necessary fee, a visa interview round is scheduled by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) where UK visa interview questions are asked by the consular officer which is the final stage of the visa application process.

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