Planning to study in the UK? Here is everything you need to know about the UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) documents, finances, timeline and the most common mistakes Indian students make.
The United Kingdom remains one of the top destinations for Indian students, with over 1,00,000 Indian nationals studying there every year. If you have received an offer from a UK university, the next critical step is securing your Student visa. This guide breaks down everything you need to know. What is the UK Student Visa? The UK Student visa replaced the old Tier 4 (General) visa in 2021. It allows you to study a full-time course at a licensed student sponsor institution. Most degree programs, foundation courses, and language programs at recognised universities qualify. Key Eligibility Requirements To be eligible, you must have an unconditional offer from a UK university that holds a Student sponsor licence. Your university will send you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, which is mandatory for your application. You must also demonstrate English language proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or equivalent. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) is typically required for undergraduate courses, while postgraduate programs often require 6.5 or higher. Financial Requirements: The Most Critical Part This is where most applications fail. You must show sufficient funds to cover both your tuition fees and living costs. The current requirement is £1,334 per month for living costs in London, or £1,023 per month outside London, for up to 9 months. You must also show the full first year tuition fee. These funds must have been held in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before you submit your application. The key date is the "closing balance date" shown on your bank statement. Documents You Will Need You will need your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your CAS reference number from your university, official financial documents showing the required funds, an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if your course falls under a sensitive subject, and proof of English language test scores. If you are under 18, you will also need parental consent letters and details of your accommodation. The Application Process You must apply online via the UK Visas and Immigration website. After submitting your online form and paying the application fee (£490 as of 2025), you book a biometrics appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Centre. In Surat, the nearest centre is in Ahmedabad. Allow 3 to 8 weeks for processing, though most decisions come within 3 weeks. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have received your visa. Immigration Health Surcharge One cost many students overlook is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £776 per year of your course. This gives you access to the UK National Health Service during your stay. For a 2-year master's program, you would pay £1,552 upfront. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applying too close to your course start date is the biggest mistake. Apply at least 6 to 8 weeks before you intend to travel. Other frequent errors include submitting bank statements that do not cover the full 28-day window, inconsistent information between your CAS and your application form, and using informal or unverified translation for documents in regional languages. Working During Your Studies On a UK Student visa you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time, and full time during official vacations. This can significantly help with living expenses. After completing your degree, you can switch to the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to stay and work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). At VisaNova Global, our UK visa team in Surat has helped hundreds of students navigate this process successfully. We review every document before submission and conduct a mock visa interview to ensure you are fully prepared.