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Overview

If you are someone aspiring to become an international student and wants to study abroad, then the UK is definitely going to be a very intelligent choice for you. Home to some of the top most universities and educational institutes, the UK is a wonderful place to live and learn. What makes the UK an even more attractive option for students is the combination of affordable education costs and shorter course durations when you compare to Australia or the US. The UK also has great global student support systems in place and if you are deserving and eligible you can also apply and get UK scholarships for Indian students, some of which are granted by the government as well.

However, before you start packing your bags, the most important requirement to fulfil is get a valid UK student visa.

Below mentioned points will enable you to acquire a clear interpretation of the whole UK study visa process including the details about the cost of the process and the application criteria. 

Types of UK Study Visa:

On an average (in 2023), the fees for a UK student visa is around INR 50,000 (£490). However, the cost can vary depending on the type of visa chosen.  For students there are three student visa types if you want to study in the United Kingdom:

• Short Term Study Visa: If you are a student who is planning to pursue an English language course with a time duration of less than 12 months, this visa is suitable for you. For Indian students the fee for a short term UK student visa is around INR 20,000 (£200) and students 18 years and older can apply for it. The visa is issued for courses lasting 6 to 11 months. Additional costs may be added based on personal circumstances.
• Tier 4 Child Student Visa: If you are a student under 18 (4 to 17 years old), then this is the visa you will apply for further studies in the UK. The visa fee is around INR 50,000 ((£490). However, the cost can rise based on individual circumstances.

 

When you should apply?

 

Well, this depends on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK. Let’s understand both the scenarios:

• If applying from outside UK: You will need to apply for this category of visa before 6 months before the course starts. The applicant can expect the outcome within three weeks of applying for this visa category.
   
• If applying from Inside UK: Applicants will need to apply before 3 months before the commencement of their course. You can expect the visa outcome within 8 weeks after the application. 
   
• Tier 4 General Student Visa: This is usually the best possible type of visa for Indian students who are planning on pursuing certification courses and college/ University degrees in the UK that extend beyond 11 months. The fee for Tier 4 UK student visa is around INR 50,000 ((£490). Students can stay in UK for their course length along with additional four months.
   

A list of things you cannot do being a student:
 

• Students cannot claim for funds (benefits) pensions
• Cannot get a jobs in certain fields, such as sports coach or as a professional sportsman
• You cannot be self-employed
• You cannot study at a school which is locally funded (maintained schools)
   

For getting a UK study visa, you must have:
 

For Indian students who wish to study in the United Kingdom, the following UK student visa requirements need to be fulfilled.

English Language Proficiency: In order to successfully get a UK student, visa you need to show your fluency in the English language by taking approved English language test like TOEFL or IELTS.

Admission offer Letter from a Recognised UK Institute of Education: The process for getting a UK visa starts by applying for an admission offer letter. Different Universities take different amount of time to process the application and provide the offer letter.

Credibility Interview Clearance: The next step in the process is to clear the Credibility Interview of the University which is taken from the University side to check and confirm the students’ intentions and clarity about his aspirations. The credibility interview is one of the mandatory steps without which the process of getting the UK study visa cannot proceed further.

CAS or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies: The university or institute that you apply to will provide you with this CAS number that you are required to include in your visa application. CAS, in simple words, is a confirmation from the side of the educational provider that they have accepted your admission into their University.
 

Proof of Financial Eligibility: When you apply for a visa you will have to provide evidence that you can financially support yourself (cover your tuition fees as well as living expenses) during your studies. The eligibility amount can vary based on the duration as well as the location of the course.

Health and Character Requirement and Tuberculosis (TB) Test: You may be required to undergo a medical examination to prove your good health. You will also be required to undergo a TB test from an eligible clinic and provide the necessary documents. You must have a clean criminal record and must not have indulged in any criminal activity.

Documents Required for UK Student Visa

The following list of documents is required when you apply for a UK student visa:

• Valid passport and recent passport size photograph
• Admission letter or letter of acceptance from a recognised university or institute
• Visa application form
• English language proficiency proof
• Proof of financial support
• Medical certificate, Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate
• A police clearance certificate (if required)
• Parents or legal guardian letters if you are under 18

Application Process for UK Student Visa

The application process is simple and you just need to follow few steps:

• To obtain a Biometric Residence Permit enrol for biometrics at a visa application centre
• Fill in the online application form
• Submit your medical as well as a ‘negative’ tuberculosis report
• Pay the visa processing fee
• Undertake the visa eligibility interview

Visa outcomes are generally notified within 3 weeks of application.

Conclusion:

The UK study visa requirements are dynamic and you need to stay up-to-date on the changes. The article provides key requirements and information for UK student visas for Indian students.

If you are planning on pursuing your studies from an institute in the UK, then taking assistance from an expert can help ease the process of admission as well as documentation. Get in touch with one of our expert admission and visa counsellor and get one step closer to your study abroad dream.