According to the Gov.UK, the main requirement to get a UK student visa is to be aged 16. Also, the applicant should read, write, and speak English fluently. The UK student visa application fee for Indian students is £490.
The UK is known for having really good schools and universities where people can learn a lot. Studying in the UK means you can choose from many different subjects, do research, and be part of a lively group of students.
However, getting a UK student visa from India may seem difficult to you. So, here we are giving the type of UK student visa, and requirements for Indian students and the overall cost so that you can avoid visa rejection.
Types of Student Visa in the UK for Indian Students
There are three types of student visas in the UK. Such as-
| Type of Visa | Eligible Persons |
| Children Visa | Students of age 4–17 who want to study at an independent school in the UK |
| General Student Visa | Students, aged 18 or over and have an offer letter from the UK education institution |
| Short-term Study Visa | Students who visit the UK for short courses like English language courses or other |
Check Your Eligibility!
What are the Requirements for a UK Student Visa for Indian Students?
With the general eligibility criteria, there are some additional UK student visa requirements for Indian students to avoid visa rejection.
- Get accepted into a course at a licenced university.
- Have enough money to cover the tuition fees and living expenses. The amount needed depends on your situation.
- Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English properly.
- If you’re 16 or 17, you need permission from your parents, and you must show proof of relationship when you apply.
- If you’re 16 or 17, you might qualify for a Child Student Visa instead.
Documents Required for UK Student Visa from India
As an Indian student, you will need some documents to apply for a student visa in the UK. Such as-
- Current passport or valid travel documentation
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your course provider
- Proof of your financial solvency to support yourself and pay for your course—this will vary depending on your circumstances
- Valid ATAS certificate (if required)
- Proof of parental consent if you’re under 18
- Proof of your relationship if you’re under 18
- Your tuberculosis test results
- Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor
You will need some other documents if you are not a resident of the country you are living in, if your age is under 18, or if you have family (dependents) with you. It should be noted that all your documents should be in English.
English Language Requirements for UK Student Visa for Indian Students
If you are an Indian student, you have to prove your English language proficiency to get a UK student visa. You can take any English language test as per your university requirements, but IELTS is recognised worldwide and is accepted by all the universities in the UK. So, here we are giving IELTS requirements for Indian students to get a study visa in the UK.
The minimum IELTS requirement for a UK student visa is overall 5.5. For undergraduate programmes, the minimum IELTS score requirement is 6.0 and 6.5 for postgraduate programmes. For Foundation programmes, UK universities accept an overall 5.5. Also, if you want to take PTE for UK student visa, you are welcome. The minimum PTE requirement in UK is an overall 59 for degree level and above and 43 for degree level below.
However, some universities in the UK provide an English language requirements/IELTS waiver by considering the students’ English score in the 12th standard.
Accommodation Requirements for UK Student Visa
There are no accommodation requirements for a UK student visa. You’ve got to mention a place where you want to live in the UK in your visa application but you can choose any place to live on your own. It can be a university residence, private accommodation or you can share flats with your friends or relatives. Also, you can choose your accommodation from AmberStudent or Uhomes, as they are our accommodation partner.
UK Student Visa Fee for Indian Students
If you’re from India and applying for a UK student visa, it costs £490. Additionally, you have to pay £776 per year for health insurance called the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
How Much Bank Balance is Required for a UK Student Visa?
If you’re applying for a UK student visa from India, you’ll need to show you have enough money to support yourself. You don’t need to show this if you’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months before you apply.
The amount of money you need depends on where you will study.
- If your course is in London, you’ll need £1,334 per month (for up to 9 months).
- If your course is outside London, you’ll need £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months).
If you’re staying at a residential independent school, you’ll need to pay the boarding fees listed on your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). “London” refers to the City of London and its 32 boroughs.
How to Apply for a UK Student Visa from India?
Getting a UK student visa isn’t too complicated, but you have to follow the steps carefully and give all the papers they ask for. First, make an account on the UKVI website and fill in the online visa form. Then, you pay the visa fee. After you send your application, UKVI checks if you qualify. They might ask for more papers. If everything’s good, they give you a visa.
Student Visa Processing Time in the UK
It usually takes 3 weeks to get a decision on a visa application from outside the UK. However, by using “Priority Service,” you’ll usually get a decision within 5 working days or 30 working days for Family Visa applications from outside the UK. But you’ll need to bear some extra charge for that.
UK Student Visa Embassies in India?
You’ll find five embassies in India to apply for a UK student visa. Such as-
- British High Commission New Delhi
- British Deputy High Commission Mumbai
- British Deputy High Commission Chennai
- British Deputy High Commission Kolkata
- British Deputy High Commission Bengaluru
What are the new rules for UK student visas for Indian students?
The UK government announced new rules for international students. Starting in January 2024, international students in the UK won’t be able to bring spouses or dependants with them on their student visas.
How Can AIMS Education Help You Get a UK Student Visa from India?
AIMS Education is the trusted UK student visa agency in Kochi, India. If you are an Indian student and want to process your student visa in the UK from your home country, you must register with AIMS Education. After registering with AIMS Education, one of the expert counsellors from our head office in the UK will contact you. They will help you with university admission and visa applications. They will also update you with the latest UK student visa requirements for Indian students and help you prepare your documents so that you can complete the entire process smoothly.
Final Words
Hopefully, this guidance has helped you to understand the UK student visa requirements for Indian students. AIMS Education provides a 100% student visa success guarantee to study in the UK from India. So, if you want to apply for a student visa from India to the UK, you can always contact AIMS Education.
FAQ
Is it easy to get a UK student visa from India?
Ans: The UK is one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students. Getting a student visa from the UK is quite challenging and time consuming. You must follow the rules and steps provided by UKVI to get a student visa in the UK.
Do I need IELTS for a UK student visa?
Ans: Yes, the minimum IELTS requirement for a UK student visa is overall 5.5 for the students applying from non-English speaking countries.
Is IELTS compulsory for a UK student visa?
Ans: Showing English language proficiency is compulsory, however, it can be shown through IELTS, PTE or other English language tests.
What are the documents required for a UK student visa from India?
Ans: The mandatory documents for a UK student visa are a valid passport, English language certificate, CAS letter etc.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
Ans: Student visa in the UK requires two types of bank statements for inside London and outside London. If you live inside London you have to show the expenses of 9 months (£1334*9) £12006 in total. But if you live outside London you have to show the expenses (£1023*9) £9207 in total.
How much does a UK student visa cost in India?
Ans: To apply for a student visa from outside the UK you must pay £490 which is 50,845.68 in Indian rupees. You should always calculate it into the current pound rate.
How do I know my UK student visa is approved in India?
Ans: You will get an email update when your decision has been made by the visa application center. You will also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone if you want to get detailed information.
What is the student visa processing time in India to the UK?
Ans: The student visa processing time in UK for Indian students is 3 weeks, or 15 working days.
Is a 3-month bank statement enough for a UK visa?
Ans: You need to have this money in your account for at least 28 days in a row. The last day of this 28-day period should be no more than 31 days before you apply for your visa.
Can I get a work permit in the UK with a student visa?
Ans: If you have a student visa from the UK, you will legally get 20 hours of work permit pre week during your term time. But if you study below degree level you will get a 10 hours work permit per week. On holidays, you can work full time.
How much funds are required for a UK student visa from India?
Ans: The amount of money you need to study in the UK varies based on your location. If your course is in London, you’ll require £1,334 per month for up to 9 months. For courses outside London, the requirement is £1,023 per month for the same duration.
