UK student visa from India

The UK’s reputation for offering top-notch education is well-established, boasting some of the world’s most prestigious universities and academic institutions. Opting to study in the UK opens up a vast array of academic programs, research and innovation opportunities. With a rich cultural heritage, stunning scenery, and access to leading employers and industries, international students can enjoy a distinctive and thrilling learning experience.

For Indian students, the UK government presents a great opportunity to pursue studies in the country; however, securing a UK student visa is a prerequisite to pursuing any course there. The type of visa required will depend on the student’s age and the kind of academic program they intend to pursue in the UK.

The UK issues different visas for international students based on their requirements and course duration. To obtain a UK student visa from India students should qualify for one of the following visa criteria. Here is a summary-

• Student visa

Individuals who are 16 years or older and meet the following criteria can seek to apply for a Student visa to study in the UK:

1. Received an offer of enrollment from a licensed student sponsor for a course
2. Possess proficiency in the English language in terms of speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension.
3. Have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses and course fees, with the exact amount varying based on individual circumstances

• Student visa – dependants

If you are a full-time postgraduate student pursuing a course at RQF level 7 or higher that spans over 9 months or more, or a new government-sponsored student enrolled in a program lasting over 6 months, or a Doctorate Extension Scheme student, your partner and children (referred to as ‘dependants’) may be eligible to apply to join or extend their stay in the UK.

• Student visa – Child

Individuals aged between 4 and 17 can seek to apply for a Child Student visa to pursue education at an independent school in the UK provided they meet the following requirements:

1. Received an unconditional offer for enrollment in an independent school program.
2. Have obtained consent from their parent or legal guardian to study in the UK, with evidence of such consent required during the application process.
3. Can demonstrate access to sufficient funds to cover their living expenses and tuition fees in the UK.

• Standard Visitor

The UK Standard Visitor is issued for-

1. Tourism 
2. Business
3. study (courses up to 6 months)
4. other permitted activities

• Short-term study visa

This visa is issued for courses with a duration of 6 to 11 months.

In order to qualify for a UK student visa, the following conditions must be met:

1. Demonstrate acceptable proficiency in English language skills through recognized tests like IELTS.
2. Possess Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from a recognized UK institution.
3. Provide evidence of adequate finances to cover living expenses and tuition fees. The maintenance funds required are approximately £1,334 per month (for courses in London) and £1,023 per month (for courses outside London), covering up to a period of 9 months.

Documents required for the process

When applying for a UK student visa, there are several mandatory documents and supporting financial and academic records that aspirants must provide. The UK student visa requirements for Indian students are more compared to a tourist visa application. It is essential to refer to the UK Student Visa checklist before going for the visa interview.

Before applying for a UK student visa from India, applicants should have the following documents:

1. Completed student visa application form.
2. A letter of acceptance on the course – issued by the approved education provider, the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and the visa letter are official. The visa letter should not be issued more than six months before applying. However, having a visa letter does not guarantee the application’s success. The applicant must meet all the category’s requirements and any other requirements of the immigration rules.
3. Proof of parent’s or guardian’s consent if the applicant is below 18 years of age
4. Proof of funds – The applicant should be able to produce proof of enough money to cover the course fees for the first year of study and living costs for a maximum of 9 months (1 academic year). The applicant must show that they have held the money for at least 28 days, and the end of that 28-day period must not be more than one month before the application date. The amount needed for basic living costs for up to nine months is £12,006 for nine months if living in London and £9,207 for nine months if living outside London. However, if the student has been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, proof of funds is not required for the visa application.
5. ATAS certificate if needed based on the applicant’s nationality and course
6. Visa fees payment confirmation receipt
7. Payslips
8. Scoresheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
9. Original mark sheets/provisional certificates

Visa application cost 

The cost of the UK Student Visa is £363 when applying from outside the UK. Additionally, a healthcare surcharge must be paid based on the length of your stay. Payment methods are outlined below.

• Online payment using a MasterCard or Visa card.
• Payment in cash at the visa application centre and certain branches of Standard Chartered Bank.
• Payment via demand draft at the visa application centre and certain branches of Standard Chartered Bank.

It is important to note that students who wish to switch to a UK Student Visa from within the UK will need to pay a fee of £490.

Visa application process

To apply for a UK Student Visa form, there are several steps that need to be followed, and the processing time is approximately three weeks after submitting a complete application.

Step 1 involves determining if you are eligible for the student visa, which requires having a confirmed place at a school, university, or college and enough funds to cover course fees and living expenses in the UK.

Step 2 involves gathering all necessary documents.

Step 3 involves applying online, creating an account on the official UK Visa website, completing the application form, printing and signing it, and using the online appointment calendar to schedule an appointment at the visa application centre. After applying, you will receive an email message containing your application number.

Step 4 involves paying the application fee using one of four methods: paying at Standard Chartered Bank, paying at the visa application centre, paying online using a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card, or obtaining a demand draft from a nationalised or foreign bank.

Step 5 involves attending the visa application centre on the appointed date to submit your application, facial photograph, and fingerprints.

Students can withdraw their applications by contacting UKVI if needed. If their application has not yet been processed, they will receive a refund of their fee.

Courses applicable through this visa

• A full-time course that leads to a degree-level or higher qualification.
• A full-time course with a minimum of 15 hours of organised daytime study per week that leads to a qualification below degree level.
• A full-time course that leads to a degree-level or higher qualification, and is equivalent to a UK higher education program.
• A recognized foundation course for postgraduate doctors or dentists.
• A part-time program that leads to qualification above degree level.
• An English language program that meets B2 level or above in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Expert Education is a leading education consultant in India providing detailed services through the application process. Contact Expert Education to avail best UK visa services in India. We are sure to help you with all the procedures involved in the visa application.

To receive your UK student visa in time, the application process needs to be appropriate. Here are some tips to ensure that your application is done right.

• Start the application process well before the deadline.
• A minimum of six months’ time should be kept under consideration for the process.
• The visa application process requires you to have a certificate of acceptance. This is issued by the college you are enrolled in for the course.
• The entire process will go in vain if the university you applied to is not recognised. Make sure to check twice about the recognition of the university.