In the end of June 2025, over 98014 Indian aspirants received the UK study visa, where around 81% students applied for a Master’s degree. This number reflects the interest of students' recognition of the UK’s education system. In their journey, the UK student visa is a crucial document that allows them to live and study, also providing access to the Graduate Route post-study working opportunity. Those who want to enable the pathway to work and study must know about the study visa’s processing time, eligibility, procedure, types, and fees effectively, as covered in this blog. Read on!
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A UK study visa, officially called a student visa, is for non-UK residents aged 16 or above who have received a confirmation letter either for UG or PG from a UK educational institution. It allows students to study in UK and work at the same time and even during summer holidays. You may also be able to undertake work placements as part of your course. Let’s move ahead and find details about different types of student visas:
There are three main types UK study visas, which are as follows:
Also read: Statement of Purpose (SOP) for UK Universities
You can start the UK student visa process up to 6 months before your course starts if applying outside the country, while those inside the UK must apply before their current visa expires.
Once you provide all the required documents and your biometric details, the UK study visa process will start. Here are typical processing time:
Sometimes, during busy times of the year, UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration) may not process the visa within the usual timeframe. They might email to let you know if this happens, about the further delays, along with the valid reasons or timelines.
Important Notes:
Before applying, you must check the UK student visa requirements and document checklist. You will generally need some documents, which are as follows:
Also Read: UK CAS Letter
The steps to apply for the UK student visa are easy to understand. Below is a simplified overview of the procedure:
Step 1: Complete and Submit the Online Application - Go through the UKVI website and access the online student visa application form. Most of the information will be related to your visa documents, such as CAS and your passport.
Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee and Immigration Healthcare Surcharge - In this step, you will pay the study visa and IHS fee, which is £524. For a faster UK study visa processing time, you can choose a priority service.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents - Identify the UK student visa documents checklist and eligibility criteria, and upload all the required papers in the Documents and CAS section.
Step 4: Meet the Maintenance Requirement - You must have enough money to cover your unpaid tuition fees from your CAS. You need to show £1,529 per month for courses in London, or £1,171 per month for courses outside London, for up to 9 months, as of November 11, 2025.
Step 5: Appointments, Biometric Information & Interviews - After paying the application fee, book your appointment. At the same time, provide your fingerprints and a digital photo, and a brief video interview about your background.
Step 6: Wait for the Decision - Once the application is successful, candidates will get the decision email from UKVI, in which they need to check details like their personal info, visa type, duration, visa validity, and travel date. You can also get assistance from a visa consultancy to complete the procedure on time.
The overall standard UK student visa fees are £524, and the total cost will also include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £776 per year. For optional premium services like the Priority (£500) or Super Priority (£1000) for faster processing. Here is a detailed breakdown of the student visa cost.
| UK Study Visa Fees Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| UK Student Visa | £524 |
| Child Student | £524 |
| Short Term Study Visa | £214 |
Note: The final amount in EUR and INR will depend on the exchange rate at the time of application and the length of your stay.
You must apply to extend your UK study visa before your current one expires. Although the application process will be similar to the initial procedure, ensure you meet all current eligibility requirements and the document checklist.
In case your current visa expires while the extension application is being considered, it will be automatically extended until a decision is made.
Important Considerations:
Obtaining a UK student visa is not challenging, but you are expected to do things right before the time runs out. As you know, the visa procedure takes months to get a decision, and meeting the deadlines can often be challenging, so you should start the procedure as early as possible to avoid further delays and rejections. In case you find any difficulty, you can connect with Gradding.com's study abroad consultants, who will guide you through the entire process, from identifying the correct visa type to helping you complete applications.
The minimum IELTS score for a student visa for UK depends on your level of study: an overall score of 4.0 for study below degree level, while an overall score of 5.5 in each of the four skills is needed for degree-level and above courses. It is vital to meet the specific score requirement set by the university you are going to apply to, which might be higher than the visa condition.
The overall processing time for the UK study visa is 3 weeks if the candidate applies outside the UK. This timeframe can vary depending on the student’s profile and specific circumstances. For those applying for the visa inside the UK, the processing time is generally 8 weeks.
The total amount required for the student visa is the sum of the course fees and living expenses, which may vary depending on where you are studying. Although you will need either £1,483 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London, and £1,136 (for up to 9 months) outside London.
The Student Immigration Team will review your refusal and advise you accordingly if your student visa is rejected. You will be able to reapply outside the UK, if the refusal is correct and justified. Remember, it will be permitted only once and will be considered if you meet the requirements for a new application.
In the UK, CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, which is a crucial electronic document for international students, as it proves a student’s acceptance and provides essential details about their course. Without a CAS number, your UK study visa will be refused.
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