Student visa: Indian citizen in India → United Kingdom
Indian citizens aged 16+ with an offer from a licensed UK student sponsor apply online on gov.uk for a Student visa, prove their identity and give biometrics, then wait about three weeks for a decision.
Lets you study in the UK if you're 16 or over, you've been offered a place by a licensed student sponsor, can support yourself, and meet the English language requirement.
- Validity
- If you're 18 or over and your course is at degree level, you can usually stay for up to 5 years; below degree level, usually up to 2 years.
- Entries
- Multiple entry for the duration of your visa.
- Max stay per visit
- For the length of your course (up to 5 years at degree level, up to 2 years below degree level).
When to start
Start 30 days–3 months before your travel date.
Getting an appointment in India
- Delhi & Mumbai: usually 1–2 weeks for a slot; peak season can stretch towards 4 weeks.
- Tier-2 centres (Pune, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad) often have earlier slots — a train ticket can beat the wait.
- The New Delhi centre relocated in early 2026 — confirm the current address on the official VFS site before you go.
- Applicants report slots opening 7–21 days out in normal months — book the moment you pay your fee.
You must be 16 or over, have a place on a course from a licensed student sponsor, have enough money, and meet the English requirement.
You must have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor, who issues you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
You'll usually need to prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to the required level when you apply.
Complete the application on gov.uk. It costs £558 to apply for a Student visa from outside the UK, plus the healthcare surcharge.
As part of your application you'll need to prove your identity — using the ID Check app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre.
From outside the UK you'll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
What you'll need
- Passport / travel document — A current passport or other valid travel documentation. ✓ verified
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) — A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your course provider. ✓ verified
- Proof of funds — Proof you have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course. ✓ verified
- Parental or guardian consent (if under 18) — Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if you're under 18. ✓ verified· you're under 18
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results — Your tuberculosis test results (required for applicants from listed countries, including India). ✓ verified· you're from a country where you must take the TB test
Where you'll apply
Apply online on gov.uk, then prove your identity — either with the 'UK Immigration: ID Check' app or by giving fingerprints and a photo at a UK visa application centre (VFS Global) in India.
Fees
| Student visa (apply from outside the UK) | GBP 558 |
Gotchas to watch
- You can only study with a licensed student sponsor — you must have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) before you apply.
- If you're 16 or 17 you need consent from your parents to apply.