Quick answer: you need an unconditional offer and a CAS from a licensed provider, proof of English, and money for your first year's fees and living costs. The visa fee is £558, and students also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge at £776 a year.
The UK remains one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students. This guide takes you through the Student visa requirements in order, with the figures that apply in 2026 and the changes coming soon.
Who can apply
You must be 16 or over and have an offer from a licensed student sponsor. You also need enough money, a good standard of English, and parental consent if you are 16 or 17. Eligible courses include:
- Full-time courses below degree level (RQF 3 to 5) with at least 15 hours a week of daytime study
- Full-time courses at degree level and above
- Part-time courses above degree level
- English language courses at B2 or above
Some sensitive subjects at master's level and above also need an ATAS certificate.
Step 1: Get your offer and CAS
When your university offers you a place, it issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. You need this before you apply, and you must apply within six months of receiving it. Check every detail on your CAS — your name, passport number, course dates and fees — because errors cause delays.
Step 2: Meet the English requirement
Degree-level courses need English equivalent to CEFR B2; courses below degree level need B1. For degree-level study your university can assess your English itself, so it may accept a different test. You can also rely on an English-taught degree confirmed through Ecctis, or pass an approved Secure English Language Test. India is not on the list of countries exempt from proving English, so most Indian students use one of these options.
Step 3: Show the money
You need two amounts: your first year's course fees (up to nine months) as shown on your CAS, and living costs of £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months. That is up to £13,761 in London or £10,539 elsewhere.
From 30 November 2026 the monthly figures rise to £1,570 in London and £1,203 outside it — up to £14,130 or £10,827 for applications made from that date.
The money must be held for at least 28 days in a row, ending within 31 days of your application. India is not on the “differential evidence” list, so Indian applicants should expect to submit full financial evidence. You do not need to show living costs if you have been in the UK with a visa for at least 12 months.
Step 4: Apply, pay and plan your travel
From outside the UK you can apply up to six months before your course starts, or up to three months before if you are applying from inside. Decisions usually take three weeks from outside the UK and eight weeks from inside. Budget for the £558 visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge at the student rate of £776 a year, and a TB test, which applicants from India need.
You can arrive up to one month before a course lasting over six months, or one week before a shorter one, but never before the start date on your visa. Successful applicants receive an eVisa.
Can I bring my family?
Only if you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than six months, or on a postgraduate course that is a PhD, doctorate or research-based higher degree starting on or after 1 January 2024. In practice, most taught master's students cannot bring dependants. Where dependants are allowed, each needs £845 a month in London or £680 a month elsewhere, for up to nine months.
Working while you study
Degree-level students can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time during holidays. Self-employment is not allowed, and the detail matters more than most students expect.
After graduation
The Graduate visa lets you stay after your course for two years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026, but only 18 months if you apply from 1 January 2027. PhD graduates get three years. You can also move into a Skilled Worker job. Since 25 November 2025, students who have completed their course can switch straight into the Innovator Founder visa from inside the UK.
Plan with settlement in mind. Under the government's earned settlement proposals, time on Student and Graduate visas would not count towards settlement. Those proposals are not law yet, but they are worth watching before you commit years to a plan.
Planning a business after your course? Score your idea against the three Innovator Founder endorsement criteria before you approach an endorsing body.
Check my businessStill choosing a course or university? Our partner Transitley handles admissions through to your offer and CAS.
Plan my studiesFrequently asked questions
How much bank balance do I need for a UK Student visa?
Your first year's fees, plus up to nine months of living costs at £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 elsewhere. Those monthly figures rise to £1,570 and £1,203 from 30 November 2026.
Can I get a UK Student visa without IELTS?
Often, yes. For degree-level study your university can assess your English itself, or you can rely on an English-taught degree confirmed through Ecctis.
How long does a UK Student visa take?
Usually around three weeks from outside the UK, and about eight weeks if you apply from inside it.
Can I bring my spouse on a master's degree?
Only on a research-based degree, or as a government-sponsored student.
When does the Graduate visa change to 18 months?
For applications made on or after 1 January 2027.