UK Student Visa: Requirements, Costs, and Post-Study Pathways

The UK Student visa requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), proof of maintenance funds (£12,006 in London or £9,207 outside), and upfront Immigration Health Surcharge payment (£1,035 per year). You can work 20 hours weekly during term time and transition to a Graduate visa (2–3 years) after graduation, though Student visa time does not count toward ILR.

UK Student Visa: Requirements, Costs, and Post-Study Pathways

What Is the Student Visa?

The UK Student visa is the primary route for Indian nationals pursuing full-time degree-level or below-degree courses at a licensed UK higher education provider. It replaced the earlier Tier 4 (General) visa category but operates on the same principles. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: CAS and application process", 2026-03-12) The visa allows you to study, work part-time during term time, and access the NHS through the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Upon successful completion of an eligible degree, you can transition to a Graduate visa without requiring employer sponsorship — a significant advantage over many other countries' student-to-work pathways.

Key Requirements for Indian Applicants

Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

Your sponsoring institution must issue a CAS — a unique reference number confirming your place on a course. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: CAS and application process", 2026-03-12) The CAS is valid for 6 months from assignment; you must apply for your visa within 3 months of receiving it. If your CAS expires before submission, you will need to request a new one from your institution, which may delay your start date.

Financial Maintenance Requirement

You must demonstrate funds to cover living costs for up to 9 months only, regardless of course length. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: money and maintenance", 2026-03-12) The maximum required is £12,006 if studying in London, or £9,207 if studying outside London. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: money and maintenance", 2026-03-12)

These funds must be held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the end date falling within 31 days of your visa application. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: money and maintenance", 2026-03-12) Some universities can confirm maintenance directly on your CAS, removing the need to provide separate bank statements — check with your institution.

English Language Proficiency

You must meet the UK's English language requirement: B2 CEFR for degree-level courses (RQF Level 6 and above), or B1 CEFR for below-degree courses. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: English language and ATAS", 2026-03-12) If your degree was taught in English at a recognised institution, you may be exempt; your institution will advise.

ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme)

If your course falls within certain sensitive subject areas — including advanced engineering, physics, advanced materials, and some computing fields — you must obtain Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance before applying for a Student visa. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: English language and ATAS", 2026-03-12) ATAS clearance is free, applied for online via the FCDO, and takes approximately 20 working days to process. You cannot submit your Student visa application until ATAS clearance is received. Check with your institution whether your course requires ATAS.

Costs: Application Fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

The Student visa application fee (entry clearance from outside the UK) is £490, non-refundable. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: fees and Immigration Health Surcharge", 2026-03-12)

You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge upfront as part of your visa application. The IHS is £1,035 per person per year. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: fees and Immigration Health Surcharge", 2026-03-12) For a 3-year degree, you would pay £3,105 upfront. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: fees and Immigration Health Surcharge", 2026-03-12) Dependants (spouse, children) pay the same rate. Verify the current IHS rate on GOV.UK before applying — the amount changes periodically.

IHS payment grants you access to NHS services during your visa period on broadly the same terms as UK residents. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: fees and Immigration Health Surcharge", 2026-03-12) You cannot claim most UK public benefits or welfare payments — this is the "No Recourse to Public Funds" (NRPF) condition.

Work Rights During Your Studies

During term time, you are restricted to 20 hours per week of work. (Source: GOV.UK, "Student visa: fees and Immigration Health Surcharge", 2026-03-12) This applies to all employment, including university work, internships, and self-employment. Breaching this condition can result in visa cancellation and deportation.

During official vacation periods (summer, Christmas, Easter breaks), you can work full-time without restriction. Plan your internships and placements around these windows to maximise your work experience.

Post-Study Pathways: The Graduate Visa

Upon successful completion of an eligible UK degree, you can switch to a Graduate visa without requiring employer sponsorship. (Source: GOV.UK, "Graduate visa", 2026-03-10) The Graduate visa allows 2 years of unsponsored work experience for undergraduate and master's graduates, or 3 years for PhD graduates. Verify current Graduate visa eligibility on GOV.UK before applying.

Critical: Student Visa Time Does Not Count Toward ILR

Time spent on a Student visa does not count toward the standard 5-year qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Your ILR clock starts only when you switch to a sponsored work route (e.g., Skilled Worker visa) or other qualifying pathway. This is a fundamental distinction: a Student visa is a temporary study route, not a settlement pathway.

When your Graduate visa expires, you must switch to another route to continue living and working in the UK — typically a Skilled Worker visa with employer sponsorship. (Source: GOV.UK, "Graduate visa", 2026-03-10) There is no automatic transition; you must secure an employer willing to sponsor you and meet the Skilled Worker visa requirements.

Application Process

  1. Receive your CAS from your institution. Confirm that your course details, fees, and maintenance arrangements are correct.
  2. Gather financial evidence. Ensure your bank account holds the required maintenance funds (£12,006 or £9,207) for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application.
  3. Confirm English language proficiency. If required, obtain a B2 or B1 CEFR qualification (IELTS or equivalent). Check whether your degree exempts you.
  4. Check ATAS eligibility. If your course involves postgraduate research, confirm with your institution whether ATAS clearance is required.
  5. Apply online via GOV.UK. Submit your visa application, CAS, financial evidence, and passport. Pay the £490 application fee and the IHS upfront.
  6. Attend biometric appointment. Provide fingerprints and a photograph at a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) service centre.
  7. Receive your visa. Once approved, you will receive an eVisa linked to your passport.
  8. Register with your institution. Enrol on your course and complete any required registration with your university.

Important Deadlines and Timelines

  • CAS validity: 6 months from assignment. Apply within 3 months to be safe.
  • Financial evidence: Funds must be held for 28 consecutive days, ending within 31 days of your application.
  • Visa processing: Standard processing is 3 weeks; priority services are available for additional fees.
  • Course start date: Plan your application so your visa is approved before your course begins.
  • Graduate visa transition: You must apply for a Graduate visa within 2 months of your degree completion date.

Practical Guidance for Indian Applicants

Maintaining Your Visa Conditions

Your Student visa comes with conditions: study full-time, do not work more than 20 hours per week during term time, and do not claim public benefits. Breaching these conditions can result in visa cancellation. Keep records of your attendance, grades, and work hours.

Returning to India During Your Course

You can travel outside the UK during vacation periods without needing a new visa, provided your visa is still valid. However, if you leave the UK and do not return before your visa expires, you will need to reapply.

Switching Institutions

If you wish to change universities or courses, you will need a new CAS from your new institution and may need to apply for a new visa. Discuss this with your current institution and UKVI before making changes.

Dependants

If you are bringing a spouse or children, they will need dependant visas. They can work or study, but they also pay IHS and are subject to NRPF. Dependant visas are typically processed alongside your Student visa application.

Key Takeaways

  • Financial requirement is 9 months only: You must show £12,006 (London) or £9,207 (outside London) held for 28 consecutive days, regardless of course length.
  • IHS is paid upfront: The Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year, paid upfront for your full visa duration. For a 3-year degree, budget £3,105 plus the £490 application fee.
  • 20-hour term-time work limit is strict: Exceeding 20 hours per week during term time is a visa breach. Full-time work is permitted only during official vacation periods.
  • Student time does not count toward ILR: Your 5-year ILR clock starts only when you switch to a sponsored work route (e.g., Skilled Worker visa). The Graduate visa is a 2–3 year stepping stone, not a settlement pathway.
  • CAS is valid for 6 months; apply within 3 months of receipt to avoid delays.