UK Student Visa: Requirements, Fees, Process & New Rules
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Global Degrees
There was a time that the sun never set on the British Empire, and the empire was spread around the world. Today the tiny nation is still influential for its world-class education. Therefore, UK student visa for Indian students is quite valuable.Â
It is not a simple task to get a UK student visa. In fact, it becomes an arduous task if you apply independently (all alone). Several hindrances are discouraging you from pursuing an overseas visa. To overcome the obstacle, the assistance of consultancy is necessary.
Securing a UK student visa is the initial step for Indian students who wish to pursue top-quality education in the UK. The top universities have excellent research facilities. Also, from India, there are loads of engineering students who are for higher education in UK universities.
Who Needs a UK Student Visa?
A British passport is considered strong worldwide. There is credibility when it comes to passports as well as UK education. We are speaking this universal English language, which was originated in the UK. In fact, most of the schools in India are English-medium schools. Therefore, the credibility that UK education bestows is incredible. Indeed, all Indian students deserve a UK education and follow the guidance of the UK student visa consultant in Hyderabad.
Indian students dream of an international education, especially in the UK. Indeed, consultancy would be an ideal choice, as the collaboration with top universities in the UK implies that the admission will be smooth, because the consultancies are the most trusted among the overseas universities.
You made a smart choice by opting for a UK university, as the education system would be great without rote learning. Apart from the education, there would be top-quality internships. The quality internship would pave the way for exceptional employment.
However, first let’s concentrate on academics. Universities in the UK are top-ranked and known for outstanding academics and research facilities. Furthermore, industry-focused degrees prioritize employment. The bachelor’s degree will be finished in three years and the master’s in one year. This implies that the overall cost will be reduced, which will subsequently lower living expenses, as the total cost will be less.
Another huge advantage is cultural affiliation, as the world is a small place and there is a large Indian community in the UK. Hence, you can expect familiarity when it comes to food and culture. In the UK, cultural shock is minimal because the language is familiar to most Indian students, who are educated in English-medium schools.
In summary, if you seek quality education, shorter courses, and a fulfilling life with a valuable degree, the UK is an excellent choice for studying abroad. Getting a student visa for the UK is akin to investing in the global future.Â
Documents Required for a UK Student Visa:
- Current passport
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Financial stability, proof that there is enough money to pay for the studies and live comfortably in the UK
- ATAS Certificate for Indian students doing research in engineering, medicine, or physical sciences
- If the student is under 18, they must obtain consent from their parents or legal guardians.
- If you plan to stay in the UK for more than 6 months, you must undergo a mandatory tuberculosis test.
- For 18-year-olds the consent from parents or guardians is mandatory for visa applications, finances & living arrangements in the UK, and travelling to the UK.
UK Student Visa Document Checklist
Mandatory documents are:
- Valid Passport
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Visa Application Form through the UKIV website
- Receipt for IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) & Visa Application
- Proof of Funds
- Recent Bank Statement – 28 days old
- Education Loan Sanction Letter
- Scholarship Letter
- Offer Letter from University
- Previous Academic Certificate
- Proficiency in the English language scores for IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / DUOLINGO
- TB test medical certificate
- ATAS certificate
- Consent letters from parents & guardians
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Accommodation Confirmation
Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Application Process
- Receive an offer letter from a licensed UK institution.
- Obtain a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) and a 14-digit reference number.
- A mandatory IELTS and an ATAS certificate.
- Students have to show that there are enough funds to pay the first year of course and living expenses.
- The student should follow the 28-day rule, i.e., 28 consecutive days the fund must be there in your account. The bank statement/letter should not be there for 31 days.
- UK student visa: apply online through the GOV.UK website.
- Pay the visa fee of £363–£524 and also the Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Submit all the important documents like CAS, passport, financial proof, TB test results, and ATAS certificate.
- Visit the visa application center (VAC) and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
- Processing time will take 3 weeks.
- All the correspondence will be through e-mail.
- Once approved, make travel plans and be sure to arrive on the date that is mentioned on the visa.
English Language Requirements
Indian students who are applying for UK universities should get 6.0–6.5 in IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. There will be an exemption if the score is 70% in 12th for CBSE/ISC. Also, if the degree is from an English-speaking country like USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
New Rules for UK Visa Process
International students, especially the ones from India, there are some amendments for the year 2026 that you should be aware of. The UK student dependent visa new rules are precise, specific, and more nuanced. Students who are pursuing PhDs or research-based postgraduate studies can be accompanied by dependents. If you are applying for a taught master’s, the travel will be solo, without any dependents.
On November 11, 2025, the students must show better finances if they are living in London. As London is quite expensive, the amount would be £1,529 every month, which would be ₹188,263.94. Outside London would cost around £1,171 every month, which is ₹144,183.82. Apart from the charges, the UK student visa fee has transformed, and right now there is a fully digital e-visa system. Hence, no paperwork and stamps. Only the student’s data will be available.
Reason Behind New Rules Visa Rules
New visa rules introduced in 2026 were there to attract high-skilled labor to the UK. The majority of the students from India are from STEM fields and apply for health care, technology, and IT-related courses. It is the number one South Indian consultancy, and we have branches in various Indian states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Almost 70% of Indian students select STEM subjects and look for technology, AI, engineering, and health care-related academic programs. Contact a UK student visa consultant in Bangalore if you have finished your graduation in engineering from cities known as IT hubs.
The United Kingdom is looking for quality over quantity, as they are attracting white-collar professionals. It eventually helps the UK economy, as skilled workers with increased salaries will not cut the local wages. The requirements for the English language have increased. It has increased for several visa categories.
In crux, it is positive news for Indian students, as the dearth of skilled labor will be provided.
UK Student Visa Fees in Indian Rupees
The arithmetic of modern migration and the increase in the application of the student visa for the UK reflect how education has become a priority and there has been an increase in students preferring the UK student visa for higher education. Moreover, the students want to improve their overall lifestyle, as a degree from the overseas university will increase their chances of employment and eventually improve the lifestyle.
In 2026, the UK student visa fees in Indian rupees are ₹56,000–₹65,000. The Immigration Health Surcharge is ₹83,000–₹92,000 per annum. Additionally, there will be a TB test of ₹6,000–₹9,500.
The total finance required is around ₹132,825–₹160,545. The fee ought to be paid at the GOV.UK website, and the visa validity will be 5 years.
UK Student Visa Processing Time:
| Category | Time Taken |
|---|---|
| Students | 3 weeks |
| Child Student | 3 weeks |
| Study English Language Courses (6-11 months) | 3 weeks |
Student Visa Requirements:
- Acceptance in a UK educational institution which is authorized by UK Home Office to sponsor international students
- Money to sustain and pay for the course in UK
- Fluency in English, and the student should excel in speaking, reading, and writing.
- Consent from parents & guardians if the student is 16 or 17 years old.
Visa for English Language Courses:
- Apply for visitor visa if the course is 6 months or less
- If the course is longer than 11 months, then apply for student visa
UK Student Visa Fees and Additional Costs
The financial requirement to study in UK should be clear for international students. Those not aware of the UK student dependent visa new rules, watch the below chart.
| Visa Application Fee | £524 for individual person, INR ₹64,529.24 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year, INR ₹97,296.51 |
| Priority Service | £115-£230, INR ₹23,016 INR |
| Super Priority Service | £1,000 extra INR ₹1,23,169.50 |
| Dependents | Charges would be £524 INR ₹64,545.32 |
| Biometrics Enrolment | £19.20 |
| Document Translation | £20–£50 |
| Courier/SMS Updates | £10–£50, optional. |
| Tuberculosis (TB) Test | £25–£35 |
Top Universities in UK for Indian Students
 UK is the abode of top universities. In fact, the universities in UK are ranked by the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.
List of Top UK Universities:
| Name of University | QS Rank 2025 | Times Rank 2025 | The Guardian Rank 2025 | CUG Rank 2025 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Imperial College London | 2 | 9 | 5 | 5 |
| University of Oxford | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| UCL | 9 | 22 | 9 | 9 |
| University of Edinburg | 2 | 9 | 5 | 5 |
| Kings College London | 40 | 36 | 28 | 24 |
| University is Manchester | 34 | 53 | 31 | 22 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | 50 | 50 | 4 | 3 |
| University of Bristol | 54 | 78 | 16 | 16 |
| University of Warwick | 67 | 104 | 8 | 10 |
Evolution of United Kingdom Universities
UK has steadily built an impeccable reputation and done stellar work when it comes to academics. Do you know that the universities of Oxford & Cambridge started in the 12th century, and the University of Oxford is the Magna Carta of universities? From the Medieval era and the Industrial Revolution to the Information Age and currently Artificial Intelligence, the university has stood its ground and become the beacon of innovation. Indian students have this wonderful opportunity to become a part of this innovation, and all the budding technologists from India will play a vital role in this human transition.
Top Academic Programs for Indian Students in UK Universities:
- Data Science
- Business Analytics
- Computer Science
- MBA
- MBBS
- Finance, International Business, and Accounting
- Law
- Architecture and Construction Designing
- Engineering
- Fashion and interior designing
Cost of Studies in Top Universities in the UK
If you are planning to study at the top university in the UK, there are certain queries that would pop up, like, how much will it cost?
It is a relevant question, but as a consultant, the answer would be—it depends. It depends on the academic program and where the university is located.
When it comes to academic programs, humanities and social sciences courses are affordable when compared to the students applying for STEM fields. Students from the STEM field require hands-on training and proper specialization. The internship has to be completed before they are employed in the top overseas companies; hence, the entire process is more when compared to the one pursuing education in humanities and social sciences. This requirement is the factor that increases the student visa UK cost.
For international students in general and Indian students in particular, the undergraduate program will cost £11,400 to £38,000, and the average cost will be £22,200 annually. The prices would vary for international students and Indian students applying for graduate programs. The cost would be £9,000 and £30,000, and the average cost would be approximately £22,200 per year. However, the cost depends on the subjects as well as the reputation of the university.
Living Expense in UK
| Expenditure | Cost (monthly) |
| Bill Electricity/water/gas | £40 - £50 |
| Food & maintenance | £160 - £200 |
| Mobile Phone | £15 - £50 |
| Clothes & Shoes | £25 |
| Stationary pen/ books | £21 |
| Travelling & Transport | £32 |
| Childcare (if required) | £656 |
| Television & entertainment | £12.56 |
| Miscellaneous – socializing | £120 |
Intake among the Top UK Universities
In the UK, there are three intakes:
- First Term – September to December
- Second Term – January to April
- Third Term – April to June
Contact consultancy and choose the best intake. You will be guided in every step by a specialized consultant. Who consults those students interested in UK education?
Scholarships in the United Kingdom:
All the top-ranking universities in the UK provide scholarships to merit-based students. If you are among the top bracket, then you certainly deserve merit-based scholarships, which make a huge difference to the finances. Scholarships are also need-based, which provides financial support to the students who need financial assistance. However, scholarships reduce the tuition fee and living expenses considerably. UK student visa consultant in Ongole cascades all the relevant information related to scholarships to the students. On our social media platforms, the creatives will reflect all the important information about discounts and scholarships that the students will be receiving.
Top Scholarships in UK Universities for Indian Students:
- Chevening Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarship
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT)
- Scotland Saltire Scholarships
Indian Students' Academic Inclination
The majority of the Indian students have a strong preference for the STEM field. Plenty of Indian students prefer academic programs for technology, science, engineering, and math. Usually students prefer business courses, but the trend has changed, and many students prefer STEM courses, computer sciences, and AI.
consultancy, being the number one South Indian consultancy, receives an abundance of students interested in STEM education, as Hyderabad and Bangalore are the IT hubs of India. Many Bangalorean and Hyderabadi students prefer admission into technology courses at top UK universities. The good news is we have offices in Hyderabad & Bangalore; hence, if you are interested in education abroad, walk into our office, and we will guide you every step of the way.
Top Student-Centric Cities in the UK
- London
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Birmingham
London oozes with academics, and it is also the abode of top-class universities like
- University College London
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
- King’s College London
Top universities in Manchester are
- University of Manchester
- Manchester Metropolitan University
Top universities in Edinburgh are
- University of Edinburgh
- Heriot-Watt University
- Edinburgh Napier University
Top universities in Glasgow are
- The University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
Top universities in Birmingham are
- University of Birmingham
- Aston University
- Birmingham City University
Cost of Studying Engineering in the UK
Many budding technologists and engineers from India are interested in the cost of pursuing engineering in the UK. You can rely on consultancy for details about pursuing an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in the UK.
Tuition Fee
| Undergraduate (BSc/BEng) | £14,000 – £33,450 |
| Postgraduate (MSc) | £14,000 – £31,000 |
If the admission is in Cambridge or Imperial College, the tuition fee will be more than £30,000–£40,000.
Top Universities in Engineering & Technology
| Uk Ranking | World Ranking | Universities | Cities |
| 1 | 3 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
| 2 | 4 | University of Oxford | Oxford |
| 3 | 6 | Imperial College London | London |
| 4 | 32 | University of Manchester | Manchester |
| 5 | 39 | UCL (University College London) | London |
| 6 | 59 | University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh |
| 7 | 88 | University of Southampton | Southampton  |
| 9 | 112 | University of Bristol | Bristol |
| 10 | 114 | University of Birmingham | Birmingham |
Eligibility to Pursue an Engineering Degree
The eligibility will vary in different universities. But the standard requirements are
Undergraduates in math, physics, and chemistry are mandatory in 10+2, and the universities require 60% of marks. In bachelor’s degrees the marks should be 55%; however, some universities accept 50% for enrollment in pre-master courses.
The abovementioned marks are compulsory for any admission in the UK for engineering for a smooth UK student visa process.
Career Opportunities for Engineers:
All the tuition fees and living expenses are an investment in the future, as you will be gaining important skills and lucrative job opportunities. The average salary would be £30,360 to £51,279. Top companies overseas would knock on your door for employment, like Airbus, Aston Martin, Babcock, BMW Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Kier Group, Mercedes, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, Siemens, Thales Group, Transport for London, Coca Cola Enterprises UK, Nestle, Unilever, and GSK (pharmaceuticals).
Top Universities for MBBS in UK for Indian Students
| Universities | Rankings |
| University of Oxford | 2 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 |
| University College London (UCL) | 6 |
| Imperial College London | 8 |
| King's College London | 13 |
| The University of Edinburgh | 22 |
| London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine | 24 |
| The University of Manchester | 30 |
| University of Glasgow | 48 |
Cost Of pursuing MBBS in the UK
| Expenses | Cost in GBP |
| Fee of English Proficiency Exams | 142.48 |
| Fee for NEET | 142.49 |
| Application fee | Ranges from 56.66 – 85.49 |
| Fee for Visa Application | 330.51 |
| Tuition fee | Ranges from GBP 22,800 and GBP 52,000 per year |
| Duration | 5-6 years |
Eligibility for Pursuing an MBBS in the UK
- The Indian student should pass from internationally recognized boards like CBSE or ICSE.
- The marks ought to be 90%, and the age should be 18 years and above.
- It is mandatory to clear the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), GAMSAT, or UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test).
Employments for MBBS graduates
After completing the MBBS degree, registering at the UK medical registrar is mandatory. You will receive a license to practice medicine.
| Jobs for MBBS Graduates | Average Salary in GBP |
| Gynaecologist/Obstetrician | 197,000 |
| General Medical Practitioner | 138,000 |
| Invasive Cardiologist | 276,000 |
| Ophthalmologist | 156,000 |
| Neurologist | 214,000 |
Documents Required for Admission to UK Universities:
- Statement of Purpose
- Xerox of scorecard for ELTS, UKCAT, and BMAT
- Updated Resume
- Memo of 10+2
- Proof of funds
Top Academic Programs for Finance:
- Statement of Purpose
- Xerox of scorecard for ELTS, UKCAT, and BMAT
- Updated Resume
- Memo of 10+2
- Proof of funds
Eligibility for Pursuing an MBBS in the UK
- Corporate Finance
- International Finance
- Behavioral Finance
- Financial Mathematics
Top Universities in the UK for Studying Finance
- King’s College London
- Queen Mary University London
- Loughborough University
- University of Glasgow
- SOAS University in London
- Durham University
- University of Southampton
- University of Sussex
- University of Warwick
- University of Reading
- University of Exeter
- Queen Mary University of London
- University of York
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
Careers in Finance:
- Financial planning careers
- Investment banking
- Insurance career
- Financial consulting careers
- Commercial banking careers.
A study of 2020 by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) reveals that a career in the financial services business is quite lucrative, and the average salary is £31425. Contact a consultancy for a UK student visa if you are eager to pursue a career in finance.
Eligibility to Pursue an Academic Program in the UK:
- An undergraduate should be 60% to 80% from ICSE, CBSE, or a state board.
- An excellent knowledge of accounts, business studies, and mathematics
- English proficiency is mandatory, and the IELTS score should be 6.0-6.5, and 70% in 10+2 exams. To pursue a post-graduation degree in accounting, finance, or economics is mandatory.
- Top universities require work experience of 1-2 years.
- Top business schools require GRE or GMAT scores.
Russell Group Universities
It was established in 1994 and is an association of 24 universities in the UK that excel in academics and research.
Below are the Russell Group universities:
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Cambridge
- Cardiff University
- Durham University
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Exeter
- University of Glasgow
- Imperial College London
- King’s College London
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), England
- University of Manchester
- Newcastle University
- University of Nottingham
- University of Oxford
- Queen Mary University of London
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- UCL
- University of Warwick
- University of York
Common Reasons for UK Student Visa Rejection
Several Indian students apply for UK education to study at their prestigious institutions, like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Many of the applications are rejected because of the overconfidence of the students. Ideally the students should have approached a UK student visa consultant in Hyderabad for step-by-step guidance.
To avoid costly mistakes, make sure that the documentation is accurate and all the paperwork is perfect without any errors. The admission process will be quick if you approach a UK student visa consultant. Missing financial proofs or a lack of proper academic records can lead to rejection.
The onus is on the student to convince the visa officer that after study the student is planning to return. If the officer is not convinced, then it might lead to rejection. Therefore, a mock interview is important, and the UK student visa consultant in Udupi ought to conduct a mock interview. Indeed, the students will receive enough confidence that they will face the final round of the interview confidently.
If the tie is weak with the home country, then it might lead to rejection. A strong tie implies that there is enough financial security at home, and after the completion of the academic program, the student is returning. Any doubts in the mind of the visa officer might lead to rejection.
How Global Degrees Consultancy Helps with UK Student Visas
The experience of applying for a UK student visa is overwhelming. But the complex journey can become easier with Global Degrees UK student visa consultants in Chennai guiding you every step of the way. Right from career guidance to pre-departure guidance, we are there with the students every step of the way. As a trusted UK student visa consultant in Guntur, we evaluate every detail, such as academic profile, financial documents, and career goals. We ensure that the academic program that the student chooses aligns with their career goals. Hence, error-free application and selecting the right university and course are important, and Global Degrees consultancy will help the students.
Global Degrees is the number one South Indian consultancy, and students walk into our offices and meet a UK student visa consultant in Udupi for more information. The office is there in Kerala; hence, walk into the Kerala office and meet a UK student visa consultant in Kerala for proper information.
FAQs for UK Student Visa
Depending on the academic program, it will vary if you are applying for liberal arts, STEM, engineering, or finance fields. However, the living expense would be £1,136/month outside London or £1,483/month in London.
For a UK student visa, apply 6 months prior to the start of the academic program.
It takes 3 weeks for the entire process.
While studies and classes will be 20 hours a week and full-time during holidays.
- Passport
- CAS
- Bank Statement
- Previous Documents
- ATAS certificate
- Tuberculosis (TP).
