UK Student Visa Process in India: Fees & Processing Time

Every year, over 1.10 Lakh Indian Students apply for Student Visas in the UK. As the volume of applicants is large, you must remain very careful and thorough while applying for a student visa, as even small mistakes can lead to refusals. 

This blog will guide you through the entire Visa process in detail, so keep reading to know more!

The UK government has made updates to its Visa guidelines to curb immigration. It is important to keep these in mind before applying for a UK visa because even small mistakes can lead to rejection.

The changes in the UK student visa application process are as follows:

• The standard length of the Graduate visa has been reduced from 2 years to 18 months. 
• The current visa costs GBP 524 (INR 60,620) as opposed to the previous GBP 490 (INR 56,350).
• PR (permanent residency) will also make it more difficult to reduce immigration. 

There are several types of UK student visas, like the short-term or child student visa. The Young Professional Scheme makes it easier to obtain a UK Work Visa for a maximum of two years for Indian students. Make sure that you are between the ages of 18 and 30.

If you want to study in the UK, then you should know the following types of visas:

You are eligible for a UK student visa if you fulfill the following criteria:

• You have an Unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor (University) for a course.
• You can prove that you have enough money to cover living costs for 9 months. GBP 1,136 (INR 1.3 lakhs) outside London, and GBP 1,483 (INR 1.7 lakhs) inside London, per month. 
• You are proficient in the English Language and have cleared the B1/B2 level according to your level of study and university requirements. 
• You must be older than 16 for the Student Route; for any age below this, you need parental consent.

These guidelines change often and are hard to keep track of. To make this process easier, contact our experts at Yocket today!

The UK student visa fees are GBP 524 (INR 60,620). The same amount is needed for switching to a student visa from within the UK. This amount is the same for a Child Student visa. 

For a Short Term Student Visa, the application fee is GBP 214 (INR 24,610).

In addition to this, you’ll need to pay an immigration health surcharge of GBP 776 (INR 89,240), irrespective of whether you apply through the general student route, as a child, or for a short-term visa. 

The standard processing time for a UK student visa is approximately 3 weeks from the date you complete your biometric appointment or ID verification.

To track your application, you can use the VFS online tracking system or subscribe to the VFS SMS alert service for real-time updates. The British High Commission and VFS Global (which manages UK visa application centres in India) can also help with any delays or status updates.

In some cases, visa processing may take longer. This usually happens if the UK Border Agency needs to verify your documents, or if you're required to attend an interview due to specific circumstances like a criminal record or unclear supporting evidence.

The documents needed for a UK student Visa are a valid passport and a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the provider of your course. A health certificate proving you don’t have Tuberculosis and a printout of your visa application form may also be needed.

• You might also need an ATAS or Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate, depending on your course. 
• Official translations of any evidence that isn't in English might also be needed.
• Documents such as your Birth Certificate will also be needed if you are applying for a Child Student Visa.
• A criminal record certificate that proves you have no pending cases against you.

Academic Documents

Although academic transcripts and mark sheets are not mandatory for the UK student visa application, it’s strongly recommended to carry them while travelling. Authorities may request them during immigration or university verification after arrival.

Carry original copies of key documents such as your Class 12 mark sheet, bachelor’s degree transcripts, and IELTS or TOEFL score reports to prove English language proficiency.

Financial Documents

Applicants for postgraduate taught master's degrees need to pay GBP 3000 (INR 3.45 lakhs) before they can be issued with a CAS. This is later deducted from your tuition fees. 

• You will need to show that you can cover the tuition fees for a year and living expenses for the first 9 months of your course. You need GBP 1136 /INR 1.3 lakhs outside London, and GBP 1483/ INR 1.7 lakhs inside London, per month. 
• If dependents are accompanying you, then you need to pay GBP 845/INR 97,175 per person per month (in London) and GBP 680/INR 78,200 per person per month (elsewhere).
• Payslips and the visa fee payment confirmation receipt.

The best time to apply for the UK student Visa is as soon as you get your Confirmation of Acceptance. The visa process typically takes 15-21 days, but during peak times, it can take significantly longer. 

You can apply for a visa up to 6 months before the commencement of the coursework. At the latest, you can apply 3 weeks prior to this date; however, doing this is very risky.

Most international students send visa applications during June, July, and August. So it can take longer to get your visa at these times because of the high demand. Try to avoid applying in these months if possible. 

To apply for a UK student visa online, visit the https://www.gov.uk/student-visa website. You can apply 6 months before your course start date. Complete the application form, pay the visa fee, and book an appointment for your biometric information and documents at a UK visa application centre (VAC).

You also need to visit VFS Global’s Visa Application Centre for your Biometrics appointment. The following is a list of the UK’s  Embassies and Consulates in India:

To pursue a UK student visa from India, first obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a UK university. Register on the gov.uk visa portal and submit the online application. Then you need to pay the visa fee of GBP 524 (INR 60,620) and the immigration health surcharge of GBP 776 (INR 89,240).  After this, schedule your biometrics appointment at a VFS Global center near you and go for your visa interview. After this, all that remains is to wait for a decision.

Follow these steps to apply for a UK student visa from India:

Step 1: Get your CAS

Secure admission to a UK university and obtain your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) letter. This document is essential for your visa application.

Step 2: Register on the UK visa portal

Visit the official UK Government website (gov.uk) and fill out the online student visa application form.

Step 3: Pay the visa fees:

• Student visa application fee: GBP 524 (INR 60,620)
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 776 (INR 89,240)

Step 4: Book your biometrics appointment

After submitting your application, schedule a biometrics appointment at a nearby VFS Global center.

Step 5: Attend the visa interview

Some applicants may be called for an interview. Be ready to discuss your course, funding, and reasons for choosing the UK.

Step 6: Wait for a decision

Once all steps are complete, wait for your visa decision. Processing usually takes about 3 weeks.

Applications have to be submitted online, while biometric details are given at a local visa application center in your country of residence. The details for the same are given below: 

Step 1: Apply Online via GOV.UK

Create your UKVI account through the UK government’s student visa application portal. Fill in all relevant details (CAS number, course dates, etc) and pay the visa application fee of GBP 524 and the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Step 2: Choose Your Biometric Location

After completing the online procedure correctly, you will be redirected to the appointment booking page, where you can choose your nearest approved visa application center. Here, your fingerprints will be recorded, and a digital photograph will also be taken. 

Step 3: Document Submission Options

All supporting evidence is to be dropped off in person, at the centre on the day of your biometrics. In some countries, this process can be done before the appointment by post as well.

Step 4: Track Your Application

Use your UKVI account or the center’s tracking system to monitor decisions and the return of your passport/BRP. If you applied from inside the UK, you’ll use the same UKVI portal but book biometrics at a designated UKVCAS location.

Step 5: Collect Your Results and BRP

If applying from outside the UK, you’ll get a 30-day entry vignette sticker (temporary travel pass) in your passport. Whereas, if applications are done from inside the UK, you’ll receive your decision letter and, if approved, a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) delivered to your UK address within 10 days.

The UK student visa interview process is carried out to verify the credibility of your application. It is conducted by a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) officer at your nearest Visa Application Centre.  

The interview mainly tests whether you are a genuine student and inquires about your course, university, and plans. This helps the office decide whether or not your request for a visa should be granted. 

Some common IELTS interview questions include:

1. Why did you select this university?
2. Can you describe your course structure or modules?
3. How does the course connect to your past studies or career aspirations?
4. How will this qualification assist you in the future?
5. Who is funding your studies? How will you pay for your tuition fees and living costs?
6. Where will you be residing in the UK?
7. Will you work while you are studying?
8. What will you be doing after your studies?

Only research-based postgraduate students, or those financed by the UK government or an overseas government, are allowed to bring dependents with them. Dependents are spouses, partners, and children. 

If you are eligible, then your dependents are required to each apply separately as ‘dependents of a Points-Based System migrant’ and pay their own visa application fees.

In addition to this, you need to show extra funds in your maintenance evidence- GBP 845/ INR 97,175 per person per month (London) and GBP 680/ INR 78,200 per person per month (elsewhere). If you are a scholarship holder, then your letter must explicitly mention dependents if you want it to count towards meeting this cost.

The UK uses a Points-Based System to qualify for a visa, similar to UK immigration rules. A  minimum of 40 points is required from international students. 

Luckily, you earn 30 points straight away, on holding a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed service provider. You also need to be enrolled in a full-time course to obtain the same.

The remaining 10 points can be earned by demonstrating that you have enough funds for paying tuition fees and living expenses for a year, for yourself and your family.

These two requirements thus give you the minimum number of points required to qualify for a Student Visa. The system ensures that you have a place at a genuine course and can financially sustain yourself during your studies, as required by the latest official guidelines.

The Priority and Super Priority Visa Service for Indian Students shortens the time it takes to process a visa. Normally, the Visa Process takes up to 3 weeks, while the Priority Visa Application (GBP 500/ INR 57,500) gives you a decision within 5 working days from when you submit your biometric information. The Super Priority Visa (GBP 1000/ INR 1.15 lakhs) has a 24-hour response time. 

You should take note that the cost of this service is in addition to the standard application fee and is non-refundable, irrespective of whether your application is approved. 

Since accidental overlooks in spellings, dates, etc, can cause unnecessary hassle, you must cross-check every field before finally submitting your application.

The following section highlights the mistakes to avoid when applying for a UK student Visa. 

Don’t Follow Rumours

It is always best to use the information on official government websites rather than relying on the advice circulating on social media. These can cause you to follow the wrong deadlines, which can be catastrophic.

Don’t Book Non-Refundable Reservations

Since visa confirmation is a tricky process, it is best to wait for confirmation before buying flights or paying for accommodations, so that you don’t lose money.

Don’t Conceal Past Issues

Never hide information about any former visa refusals, criminal convictions, or immigration violations. If these are discovered later, you could be banned from entering the country. 

Don’t rush the process

Make sure you are applying for the right kind of visa and have read the guidelines very thoroughly. Incomplete documents and wrong details can lead to dismissals. 

Acquiring a UK student visa can be challenging as there is a high demand, and regrettably, refusals are quite regular. The good news is that a well-prepared application can spare you a great deal of hassle, time, and money.

These are some of the key causes why applications are rejected, and what you can do to prevent them from happening:

Inadequate financial documentation

Satisfying the bare minimum funds may not be enough. It's more preferable to demonstrate that you can take care of yourself for more than a year, adding credibility to your application.

Problems with your acceptance letter

Your enrollment and program information should be specified on your acceptance letter. This document is only considered legitimate if it is from a licensed education provider.

Missing documentation

Your application has a high probability of being rejected if you don’t attach vital documents such as your language test results or travel history.

In this comprehensive guide, we've condensed each step of obtaining your UK student visa, everything from visa costs and financial evidence to step-by-step submission guidance and things to watch out for. You now understand the full cost breakdown, necessary documents, and the mistakes that will delay your application. With this guide, you have a clean, usable plan to overcome the visa process with confidence.

Need personalised support? Yocket Premium puts you in touch with experienced mentors who will guide you throughout the process, reminding you of deadlines, checking your financial and academic documents, and preventing you from making errors that will lead to rejections. From dealing with your CAS to facilitating easy visa submission, our expert counselors make your UK study permit process hassle-free.