UK Tier 4 Student Visa from India - Documents Fees and Process

The UK Student Visa: What Has Changed and What Indian Students Need to Know

The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students, with over 120,000 Indian nationals receiving student visas in the 2024-2025 academic year. While many people still refer to the "Tier 4" visa, the UK immigration system was overhauled in 2021 under the points-based system. The correct name is now the Student visa (previously Tier 4 General). The fundamentals remain similar, but the application process, fees, and post-study options have evolved significantly.

This guide walks Indian students through every aspect of the UK Student visa process -- from receiving your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to arriving in the UK and registering with the police.

Eligibility Criteria for the UK Student Visa

To qualify for a UK Student visa, Indian applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Confirmed offer from a licensed Student sponsor: Your university must hold a valid Student sponsor licence and must have issued you a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number. This is a unique reference number, not a physical document -- it is generated electronically by the university through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
• Course level: The course must be at RQF Level 6 or above (undergraduate degree or higher) at a university, or RQF Level 3-5 at other licensed institutions. Most Indian students apply for undergraduate or postgraduate courses at universities, which are all Level 6+.
• English language proficiency: You must meet the minimum English language requirement at CEFR Level B2 for degree-level courses. This is typically demonstrated through IELTS Academic (overall 5.5-7.0 depending on the university), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or other UKVI-approved tests. If your previous degree was taught in English in a majority English-speaking country, you may be exempt.
• Financial requirements: You must show you can pay your course fees and support yourself during your studies. The specific amounts are detailed below.
• Genuine student test: While there is no formal interview for most university-level applicants, UKVI reserves the right to assess whether you are a genuine student. Your application documents, study history, and chosen course all factor into this assessment.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Receive Your CAS

After accepting your offer and meeting all conditions (academic and financial), your university will assign you a CAS number. The CAS contains details about your course, fees paid, and any conditions. You cannot apply for the visa without a valid CAS. Universities typically issue CAS numbers 3-6 months before the course start date.

Your CAS is valid for 6 months from the date of issue. If you do not use it within that period, you will need to request a new one from your university.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Indian students applying for a UK Student visa need the following documents:

• Valid passport: Must have at least one blank page. No minimum validity period is specified by UKVI, but having at least 6 months remaining is advisable.
• CAS number: The reference number provided by your university.
• Proof of English language proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or other approved test scores, unless exempt through your CAS.
• Financial evidence: Bank statements, loan letters, or scholarship evidence (detailed below).
• Academic qualifications: Transcripts and certificates referenced on your CAS. If your university used these to make the offer, they may already be recorded on the CAS -- but bring originals.
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate: Indian applicants must undergo a TB screening test at an approved clinic in India. This is mandatory. The test is valid for 6 months. Approved clinics are located in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Goa, Jaipur, Jalandhar, and Pune.
• Passport-sized photographs: UK visa specification (45mm x 35mm, white or light grey background).

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Apply online through the gov.uk/student-visa/apply portal. You will need to:

• Create an account on the UK Visas and Immigration portal
• Enter your personal details, passport information, and travel history
• Enter your CAS number -- the system will auto-populate course details
• Declare your financial evidence and maintenance funds
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) online

Step 4: Pay the Fees

The UK Student visa involves two mandatory fees:

• Visa application fee: GBP 490 (approximately INR 52,000) for applications from outside the UK. This is the standard rate for courses longer than 6 months.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 776 per year (approximately INR 82,000 per year). For a 1-year master's programme, you pay GBP 776. For a 3-year undergraduate programme, you pay GBP 2,328. The IHS gives you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as UK residents.

For a 1-year master's programme, total government fees alone are approximately GBP 1,266 (INR 1.34 lakh). For a 3-year undergraduate programme, total fees are approximately GBP 2,818 (INR 2.99 lakh).

Step 5: Biometric Appointment

After completing the online application, book a biometric appointment at a VFS Global visa application centre in India. Locations include Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Cochin, Jaipur, Jalandhar, and Pune.

At the appointment, you will:

• Submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
• Submit your supporting documents (or upload them online in advance -- UKVI now allows digital uploads for most applications from India)
• Optionally pay for priority or super-priority processing

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Standard processing time for UK Student visa applications from India is 3-4 weeks (15 working days). However, during peak season (June-August), processing can take longer.

Priority processing options:

• Priority service: Decision within 5 working days. Additional cost of approximately GBP 250 (INR 26,500).
• Super-priority service: Decision by the end of the next working day. Additional cost of approximately GBP 1,000 (INR 1.06 lakh). Availability is limited and not always offered at all centres.

Financial Requirements: The Maintenance Threshold

UKVI sets specific financial thresholds that Indian students must meet:

Maintenance Funds Required

• Studying in London: GBP 1,334 per month for up to 9 months = GBP 12,006 (approximately INR 12.7 lakh)
• Studying outside London: GBP 1,023 per month for up to 9 months = GBP 9,207 (approximately INR 9.8 lakh)

In addition to maintenance funds, you must show evidence of outstanding course fees as listed on your CAS (total fees minus any amount already paid to the university).

What Counts as Financial Evidence?

• Personal bank account or parent's bank account: Funds must have been held for a consecutive 28-day period ending no more than 31 days before the date of your visa application. This is one of the most common mistakes -- ensure the 28-day holding period is clearly visible in your bank statements.
• Education loan: A loan sanction letter from a recognised financial institution specifying the amount sanctioned for your course fees and living expenses. The loan must be in your name or your parent's name.
• Official financial sponsorship: From your university, a government body, or an international scholarship scheme.

Currency and Exchange Rates

UKVI accepts evidence in Indian Rupees. The exchange rate used is the OANDA rate on the date of application. Ensure your funds, when converted, meet or exceed the required threshold. It is prudent to hold 10-15% more than the minimum to account for exchange rate fluctuations.

Tuberculosis Test: Mandatory for Indian Applicants

All Indian nationals applying for a UK visa for more than 6 months must provide a TB test certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic. The test involves a chest X-ray and, if needed, a sputum test. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

Cost of the TB test varies by clinic but is typically INR 3,000 to INR 4,500. Results are usually available within 1-2 days for the X-ray only; sputum culture tests can take up to 8 weeks.

Credibility Interviews

While most university-level applicants are not called for a credibility interview, UKVI does conduct them selectively. If called, you will have a phone or video interview with a UKVI officer who will ask about:

• Your chosen course and why you selected it
• Your knowledge of the university and its location
• Your funding arrangements
• Your plans after completing the course
• Your previous study history and qualifications

Prepare for this as you would a US visa interview. Specific knowledge about your course modules, career plans, and the city where your university is located demonstrates genuine intent.

After Your Visa is Approved

Vignette and BRP

If approved, you will receive a 90-day entry vignette (sticker) in your passport. This allows you to enter the UK within 90 days. Once in the UK, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from your university or a designated Post Office within 10 days of arrival. The BRP is your actual visa -- it contains your photo, fingerprints, and immigration status details.

Important note: The UK is transitioning from physical BRP cards to digital immigration status (eVisas). By 2025, all new visa holders were expected to access their status digitally. Check the latest guidance on gov.uk for the most current information on this transition.

Police Registration

Indian nationals on UK Student visas are required to register with the local police within 7 days of arrival. This costs GBP 34 and must be done at your local police station's Overseas Visitors Registration Office. You will need your passport, BRP, two passport photos, and proof of address. Your university's international student team will guide you through this process.

Working While Studying

UK Student visa holders can work part-time during term:

• During term time: Up to 20 hours per week for degree-level courses
• During vacations: Full-time work is permitted
• Prohibited work: You cannot be self-employed, work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or fill a permanent full-time position

This is significantly more generous than many other countries and helps Indian students offset living costs. At UK minimum wage (GBP 11.44 per hour for workers aged 21+), 20 hours per week generates approximately GBP 915 per month (INR 97,000).

Post-Study Work: The Graduate Route Visa

This is one of the UK's most attractive features for Indian students. After completing your degree, you can switch to the Graduate Route visa, which allows:

• 2 years of unrestricted work for undergraduate and master's graduates
• 3 years of unrestricted work for doctoral graduates
• No job offer required: You can work, look for work, or start a business
• No salary threshold: Unlike the Skilled Worker visa, there is no minimum salary requirement
• Application fee: GBP 822 plus the IHS

The Graduate Route visa is non-extendable, but during those 2-3 years, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa if you find qualifying employment. This pathway has made the UK significantly more attractive to Indian students compared to the uncertainty of the US H-1B lottery system.

Common Mistakes Indian Students Make

• 28-day financial evidence rule: Funds must be held continuously for 28 days. Submitting statements that show funds deposited just days before the application is a rejection risk.
• Missing TB test: Applying without the TB certificate when it is mandatory for Indian nationals.
• Incorrect CAS details: Not checking that the CAS accurately reflects your fees paid, personal details, and qualifications.
• Applying too late: Your course starts in September but you apply in August -- standard processing takes 3 weeks, and peak-season delays can push it further.
• Not meeting English requirements: Assuming your university's English requirement automatically satisfies UKVI's requirement. Check your CAS for what English evidence is recorded.

UK Student Visa Fee Summary for Indian Students (2026)

• Visa application fee: GBP 490 (INR ~52,000)
• IHS (per year): GBP 776 (INR ~82,000)
• TB test: INR 3,000-4,500
• VFS service charge: INR 1,500-2,000
• Priority processing (optional): GBP 250 (INR ~26,500)
• Police registration (in UK): GBP 34 (INR ~3,600)

Total minimum cost for a 1-year master's programme: approximately GBP 1,300 + INR 6,500 (roughly INR 1.4 lakh).

Timeline for Indian Students Applying for Fall 2026

• January-March 2026: Accept offer, pay deposit, meet conditions
• April-May 2026: Receive CAS from university
• May-June 2026: Complete TB test, gather financial documents
• June-July 2026: Submit online application, attend biometric appointment
• July-August 2026: Receive visa decision (3-4 weeks processing)
• August-September 2026: Travel to UK, collect BRP, register with police

The UK Student visa process is thorough but predictable. If your documents are complete and your finances meet the thresholds, approval rates for Indian students at genuine universities are high. The combination of world-class education and the Graduate Route post-study work option makes the UK an increasingly compelling choice for Indian students in 2026.