The UK remains to be one of the best destinations for students seeking high-quality education in a welcoming environment. It is home to over 605,130 international students studying both graduate and postgraduate programs. Top UK universities sponsor Tier 4 visas to a majority of international students. Acquiring a UK student visa can help you put your best foot forward in terms of a brilliant career post-education in the UK. But what are the requirements for UK student visa?
There are a number of UK student visa requirements, including financial requirements, language requirements, UK student visa age limit, etc. If you are someone applying for a UK study visa, this article includes all about the requirements for UK student visa for Indian students and more. Let’s begin!
Table of Contents |
Requirements for UK Student Visa
If you wish to study in the UK with a longer course, you’ll need to make sure your chosen university in the UK holds a Tier 4 Sponsor Licence. You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa, viz. Student Route Visa.
The UK study visa requirements when applying for your Tier 4 visa include:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation.
- Evidence of financial requirements to provide your living expenses for the duration of your course. You should have at least £1,023 per month for up to 9 months.
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number and required documents used to obtain the respective CAS.
- Passport-sized colour photographs (should be recently clicked.)
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required, one may ask the respective officer.)
- Tier 4 student visa application form with filled details.
- Proof that you have paid the UK student visa fee/visa application fee.
- Medical tuberculosis test results from registered health professionals.
- Payment of the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS.)
- Written agreement from financial sponsor (in case of sponsorship of scholarships.)
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Now you know the general requirements for UK student visa. Further, let’s discuss them in detail.
UK Student Visa Age Limit
You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or above in age and you have been offered an admission letter from a particular university/on a course. However, if you’re under 16 years of age, you’ll need written consent from both the parents or your legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).
Note that the UK study visa requirements also vary with age. Besides, there is no upper age limit for student visas in UK. As long as you can meet the criteria, you can apply for a student visa. This sums up the information for the UK student visa age limit.
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Now you know the age limit for UK student visa. Next, let’s check the financial requirements for an international student in UK.
UK Student Visa Financial Requirements
The UK is strict about its financial requirements pertaining to the UK student visa for international students. A fixed minimum fund available in your bank account must be £1,023 per month for up to nine months as UK student visa financial requirement to support your living expenses and pay your tuition fees.
In the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), the UK student visa financial requirements are:
Condition |
Amount £ |
If your course is outside London |
£1,023 per month (up to 9 months) |
If your course is in London |
£1,334 per month (up to 9 months) |
If you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme and your course is in London |
£2,668 |
If you are on the Doctorate Extension Scheme and your course is outside London |
£2,046 |
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Documents Requirements for UK Student Visa
The UK student visa is granted on a points-based system i.e. Student Route. In order to meet all the UK student visa requirements and complete the UK student visa process, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
Requirement |
Details |
A valid passport and copies of your previous Visas |
To verify your identity and nationality for travelling abroad. Previous visas help the authority understand your history of travel abroad. |
2 passport-size coloured photos |
Photographs not older than six months with a size of 35x45mm. The head should take 70-80% of the photo. |
Letter of Intent (From UK government-recognized university) |
This stands as proof of the certainty of your education in the UK. It is highly important for a student visa. |
Proof of funds |
You need to be able to show at least £1,334 for a month of your stay in London. This acts as evidence of monetary means for covering all expenses during the period of study. |
Medical Insurance |
The cover can be bought from a range of UK healthcare providers and must be purchased to cover you from the first date you arrive in the UK. |
Proof of Accommodation |
The document confirms the arrangement for accommodation during your study in the UK. |
Language Requirements |
The minimum score required in CERF is B1 for the UK student visa. |
Proof of payment of the visa fee |
Document stating that you have paid the visa fee. The invoice of the payment would suffice. The student visa Tier 4 would cost you £363. |
Tier 4 Student Visa Application Form |
Long stay application form for the duration of more than 90 days. |
Departure Tickets |
Air flight reservation/ticket with the date of departure. |
Note: If any of your supporting documents required for UK student visa from India are not in English, you will have to get them translated into English. Each translated document must be dated properly and include the translator's name/signature and confirmation that it is a legitimate translation of the original document. |
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Next, let’s explore details on the…
UK Student Visa Language Requirements
To gain your UK student visa, you’ll have to provide your evidence of passing a secure English language test to be able to prove your communication and correspondence skills and thereby complete the UK student visa English language requirements.
The IELTS test is approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes. UK student visa band requirements for Indian students are no different from the requirements of other nationals. The UK student visa language requirements according to the visa type have been tabulated below. Let’s lay bare them!
Visa type |
IELTS requirement |
Tier 4 (General) student visa-below degree level and pre-sessional courses |
IELTS for UKVI—4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
Tier 4 (General) student visa-degree level and above |
IELTS/IELTS for UKVI—5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
Therefore, the minimum IELTS score required for UK student visa can be deemed as 4.0 according to the program you choose.
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The degrees offered by top universities in UK are recognized worldwide, thereby offering students several opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge at competent levels. We hope the above-given information on the UK study visa helps you get your Tier 4 student visa.
However, if you get stuck somewhere or need end-to-end guidance, choose Yocket premium. Our counsellors will surely update you on the new rules for international students in the UK and details on the UK student visa band requirements for Indian students.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK Student Visa Requirements
Ques. How much fund amount to show for UK student visa?
Ans. You need to show at least £1,023 for a month of your stay in London.
Ques. How much PTE score is required for UK student visa?
Ans. For a Tier 4 General Student visa and a below degree level i.e. pre-sessional courses, PTE minimum score is 43. And for courses of degree level and above, the PTE minimum score is 59.
Ques. Can I get a student visa for the UK at the age of 43?
Ans. Yes, there is no upper age limit to applying for a student visa. You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over and have been offered a place on a course.
Ques. What IELTS band is required for UK student visa?
Ans. The minimum IELTS score for a UK study visa is 4.0 and above (for all the skills). B1 is the required CEFR level (IELTS for UKVI). Any band above this score is good to apply for a UK student visa.
Ques. What are the types of UK student visas in 2022?
Ans. Student visas in UK are of 3 types—student visa, child student visa, and short-term study visa.