UK Study Visa: Complete Guide for Indian Students

What is a UK Student Visa? (Tier 4 / Student Route)

The UK student visa, commonly known as the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, is the official document required by international students to live and study in the country. Provided to the students by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the visa replaced the Tier 4, but retains the same fundamental rules and study privileges. To qualify for the UK study visa, students must meet several points-based criteria, which include a licensed sponsor, financial evidence, and English language proficiency.

Types of UK Student Visas

There are three main types of london study visa, which include:

General Tier 4 Student Visa

The General Tier 4 student visa,  now known as the UK Student Visa, is an official document required by students aged 16 and above to study in UK. Students must earn 70 points across three different categories to obtain the UK visa: CAS, English language, and financial evidence.

Child Student Visa:

This visa is designed for the younger students (aged 4 to 16) who have been accepted to study at an independent school in the UK. Students require parental consent and evidence of suitable living arrangements in the country.

Short-Term Study Visa:

Short-term study visa is applicable to the students planning to pursue short courses of English-language proficiency programs. This is applicable for students with courses lasting between 6 and 11 months.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Student Visa from India

If you are living in India, and planning to pursue your higher education in the UK, you would require a UK study Visa. Here are the eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill:

Academic Qualification:

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

• Officially recognized qualification (RQF level 3 or higher)

• ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) Certificate (applicable for STEM subjects)

Proof of Finance:

• Proof of first year’s tuition (as stated on your CAS) and living costs

• Proof of £1,483/month for courses in inner London

• £1,136/month for courses outside London (up to 9 months)

Language Proficiency: 

• English-language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL or PTE Academic)

Health and Biometrics:

• Tuberculosis (TB) Test (mandatory for Indian students) certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic

• Immigration health surcharge (IHS)

Documentation:

• A current passport

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

• Financial proof

• A valid ATAS certificate

Documentation Needed for Your UK Student Visa

Here is the list of documentation that you must provide while applying for the London student Visa:
 

• A valid passport

• Passport-sized photographs

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider

• Proof that you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course

• a valid  ATAS certificate (if your course and nationality require it)

• Tuberculosis test results

• Written consent for your application from your financial sponsor if you’ve received sponsorship for your course fees and living costs in the last 12 months

If you are below 18 years of age:

• Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent

• Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian

UK Student Visa Fees & Cost for Indian Student

Here is the list of expenses (visa fees and other student visa uk cost) that students must pay to obtain UK study visa:

If you need a faster decision, you can choose processing updates with additional fees:

• Priority Service - INR 65, 045 extra to the visa fees

• Super Priority Service - INR 1,30,089 extra to the visa fees

Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Application Process

Here is the step-by-step process that you need to follow to obtain UK study visa:

• The first is step to secure an unconditional offer from a licensed UK student sponsor

• Once you have the offer letter, the university will issue a digital CAS reference number. This is a mandatory code that you must input into your uk student visa application.

• Now, you can apply online on the GOV.UK student visa portal (begin at least 6 months before your course start date)

• Pay a standard visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

• Attend your Biometrics appointment

• Now, all you need to do is wait for the decision by the UK embassy or Consulate

UK Student Visa Processing Time

Here is the the processing time that is the Embassy authorities to process the UK study visa:

English Language Requirements for UK Student Visa

When you are planning to study in the UK, one of the requisites is the English-language proficiency (IELTS) score. 

• IELTS score for an Undergraduate Degree:  6.5+ (7.0, if you want to enrol in a top UK university)

• IELTS score for Pre-Masters: 5.0+

• IELTS score for Master’s Diploma: 6.0+

Financial Requirements for UK Student Visa

When you apply for a UK student visa, you must have enough money to pay for your course and support your life in the UK. Here is the breakdown of the financial requirements for UK study visa:

• Course Fee: Course fee for 1 academic year (up to 9 months). If you are boarding at a residential independent school, you will need to pay boarding fees. The amount you need to pay will be on your CAS.

• Money to Support Yourself: Fund enough to support to support yourself. How much money you need depends on where you will be studying. 

Work Rights on a UK Student Visa for Indian Students

When you are living in the UK, international students can work part-time to support themselves. Here is the breakdown of working hours for international students:

Note: Exact allowances and restrictions, including whether you can work at all, depend on your university sponsor and course level.

UK Student Visa Intakes:

UK universities offer three primary study intakes for international students. Here are these:

• September intake (Autumn)

• January intake (Spring)

• May intake (Summer)

Note: The visa application window opens exactly 6 months before your course start date, with processing typically taking 3 to 4 weeks.

Why Choose Ooshas Global for Your UK Student Visa?

Ooshas Global is one of the most trusted study abroad consultants in India, which has been helping students fulfill their dream of studying abroad. They are known for their quality and personalized guidance, and direct assistance. Here are some reasons why you must choose Ooshas Global for your UK student visa:
 

• Personalized visa guidance

• Complete documentation support

• Financial and scholarship guidance

• Visa interview preparation

• Pre-departure support

• End-to-end student support

Conclusion

Studying in the UK open a great deal of opportunities - both personal and professional. But to study in the country, you need a UK student visa, as it is one of the most important documents. While you can apply for the visa on your own, but all the paperwork can overwhelming.  this highlights the importance of study abroad consultants like Ooshas Global. Get the documents straight, apply for the visa, appear for biometrics and interview, and get one step closer to your dream of studying in the UK.