Documents Required for UK Visa Application for Indian Students

Documents required for UK student visa for Indian students: With some of the most esteemed academic institutions and colleges in the world, the UK has a long history of providing a top-notch education. An extensive range of academic programmes, prospects for research and innovation, and a lively student community can all be accessed by students who choose to study in the UK. The country also offers an exceptional and thrilling study abroad experience for international students with its rich history and culture, breathtaking countryside, and accessibility to leading businesses and sectors.

All Indian students are provided with an opportunity by the UK government to study in the country, but you must first apply for a UK student visa. Your age and the particular type of academic programme you want to enrol in will determine the specific type of student visa you require.

As per preliminary data provided by the Department of Home Affairs, India submitted over 44,000 applications for UK student visas in the last six months of 2022. The UK has reportedly granted the most student visas to Indian students for 2022, accounting for the largest share by overtaking Chinese students. 

Out of the 2.8 lakh student visas that the UK issued altogether, 25% of them were approved for Indian students, reported the British High Commissioner. In comparison to 2021, there have been 73% more UK student visas granted to Indian students. Young Professional Scheme (YPS), recently launched by the governments of India and the UK, would help individuals who qualify obtain a UK Work Visa for up to two years.

This article is exclusively aimed to provide the entire list of documents required for UK student visa from India. It also attempts to provide answers to commonly asked questions including when to apply for a UK student visa from India, types of UK student visas, the format of the documents, visa fees, the UK visa process from India, and more. Scroll down to know detailed information.

Different Types of UK Student Visas

Are you unsure of the type of UK student visa that would be appropriate for you? The UK offers mainly three different types of student visas, each with a unique duration of validity. For instance, you can only stay for around six months if you have a short-term visa. The duration of a long-term visa, on the other hand, can be two, five, or ten years. Hence, before requesting a visa to the UK, the applicants must review every requirement carefully. The list that follows includes a few of the common UK student visa categories:

Given below are further details about the types of student visas to the UK for an Indian student:

Student Visa (Previously Tier 4 Visa) - Launched on October 5, 2020, the new student visa route falls under the new points-based immigration system, which is open to eligible international students who are 16 or over. It has replaced the Tier 4 Route although visas granted through the Tier 4 route are still considered valid. International students in the UK who have completed a degree can apply for a new Graduate visa, which will enable them to stay in the UK and work for two years after completion of their degree. The same has been made available from Summer 2021 and will be an unsponsored route.

Short-term Study Visa -Short-term student route visas in the UK are open to students who want to enrol in English language programmes up to 11 months long or other programmes that are up to six months long.

Child Student Visa -There is another visa for international students willing to study at an independent school in the UK- a Child Student visa. It is only for those who are 4 to 17 years of age.

Did you know that even visa applications require SOP? Just like Visa SOP, there are many other documents and requirements which would require the help of a professional. 

When to Apply For UK Visa From India?

The ideal time to apply for a UK student visa would depend on when the programme is scheduled to begin. However, applying at least six months before the start of the programme, the decision on which will be issued within the next three weeks. The table below gives a detailed view of when to apply for UK student visa as per visa categories: 

UK Visa Process From India: How to Apply?

The UK student visa process requires preparing financial documents and other supporting documents to study in the country. All the steps must be completed duly within time so that international students can arrive in the country for their courses on time and without hassle. Here are the steps that an Indian student needs to follow to apply for a UK student visa:

Find out which visa to apply for: The easiest way to research the visa type is by visiting the UK Visas and Immigration website. It provides students with all the relevant information for someone who wishes to go to the UK for higher education.

Apply for the visa: One can apply online for a UK student visa through gov.uk by submitting all the required documents.

Pay visa fees: One can pay the UK visa fees using a credit or debit card. However, one may also visit a visa application centre to get this done by paying a small fee.

Upload all documents: Students may digitally submit their documents and personal information with the help of a visa application centre.

Schedule an appointment at a visa application centre: Students are required to visit the visa application centre in person as biometric information including their fingerprints and photograph will be taken.

Wait for the visa application decision: Students must keep track of updates related to their visa application. An update regarding the decision would nevertheless be sent to the registered email address. One may also apply for detailed tracking and get updates by SMS sent to their registered mobile number.

Collect all documents: After the decision is communicated, the student needs to visit the visa application centre and collect all the submitted documents in person.

The following video lists the documents required for a UK student visa from India and includes detailed information about the minimum funds required for a UK student visa, necessary English proficiency certificates, and more. 

List of Documents Required for UK Student Visa From India

Comparatively speaking, applying for a UK student visa involves submitting a lot of additional documents than applying for a tourist visa. Applicants also require the appropriate paperwork as well as evidence of support from their academic and financial backgrounds.

It must be noted that your supporting documents must be translated if they are not in English. Translated documents must be dated, signified by the translator's name and signature, and confirm that the original document was accurately translated. The following is a list of documents required for a UK student visa from India:

• A current valid passport or any other valid travel document

• A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies letter (CAS) from the UK institution

One may also be asked to provide the following:

• Evidence that one has sufficient funds to support themselves and pay for their course and cover living costs and other expenses.

• In case the applicant is under 18 years of age, proof of consent of parents or other guardians must be produced. The consent should be for visa application, living and care arrangements in the UK, and travel to the UK. A copy of the applicant's birth certificate with the names of the parents may also be asked to be produced.

• A valid ATAS certificate

• In case the applicant is under 18 years of age, proof of relationship with their parents or other guardians must be produced.

• Results of tuberculosis tests

• A written from the financial sponsor in case the applicant has received sponsorship for tuition fees and living costs.

• Additional documents may be requested depending on the circumstances.

• A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) is an essential part of the application. International students will have to enrol their biometrics on a visa application centre as a part of their application. 

Format of the Documents 

UK Home Office accepts both original and copies of documents. Documents must be provided in English otherwise students must provide a certified English translation of documents along with the visa application. If the document is translated into English it must contain

• Translation date

• The translating company or translator’s details 

• Full name and signature of the translator

• A sentence that confirms that the translation is accurate

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Financial UK Visa Documents Required From India

Students must have enough money to support themselves in the UK. They need money to pay for the course for one academic year (for up to 9 months). The CAS letter will define the amount that needs to be paid. They require to show GBP 1,334 per month for courses within London and GBP 1,023 for courses outside London. 

The documents may vary for self-funded students, students using parents’ accounts or sponsored students. The list of documents has been highlighted below.

Self-funded Students

Self-funded students have to submit documents such as:

• A letter confirming Education Loan

• The loan must be from a government body or a government-sponsored student loans company

• A current bank statement dated no more than 31 days old

• A bank letter dated no more than 31 days old confirming that the funds have been held for 28 days

• A deposit certificate issued at least 28 days after the date of deposit and dated no more than 31 days old

Students using Parent’s Bank Accounts 

If students are using their parent’s bank account, they must submit the following documents:

• Letter from the parent/guardian confirming their relationship to the student and their permission to use their funds

• Legal document confirming the relationship with parent/guardian 

• A financial document from the parent/guardian

Sponsored Students

Students who are partially or fully sponsored by an official financial sponsor must submit a letter that provides details of funding. Sponsored letters to study in the UK are only accepted from:

• British Council

• British government or home government

• An international organisation or company (with an office in more than one country)

• A University

How Long Can You Stay on a UK Student Visa?

An Indian student in the UK can stay depending on the length of their academic programme and what their current academic qualification is. If the programme is below degree level, then an applicant can stay in the UK for up to two years, and if the course is at degree level, they can stay for up to five years.

According to the new UK graduate route visa, overseas students who complete their PhD in Summer 2021 will be allowed to stay and work in the UK for three years after completion of their studies.

UK Visa Fees for Indian Students

If students are applying from nations other than the UK, the cost for the UK student visa, formerly known as the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa, is GBP 363 (about INR 37,058.61). You must also pay a healthcare surcharge, the amount of which is determined by how long you are staying in the country. The two primary ways to make payments are shown below:

• Using a MasterCard or Visa credit or debit card online.

• Through demand draught at specific Standard Chartered Bank branches and the UK student visa application centre. 

Note: Applicants should keep in mind that there is a GBP 490 fee to switch to a UK student visa from within the country.

Popular Universities in the UK for Indian Students

Due to its current academic and economic standards, the UK is on the verge of witnessing an ongoing shift in its international student population. Due to their excellent academic programmes and attractive employment prospects, the UK's universities with the largest international student populations have undergone phenomenal growth. Check out the top-ranked universities in the UK for Indian students seeking admission to the popular disciplines offered as mentioned below:

Now that students know the important documents required for a UK student visa, they can start the application process as soon as possible. Visa applications can be made before six months if students are applying from outside UK. Therefore, gathering the documents should be of the highest priority for quick visa approval.

Need more information regarding UK student visa requirements for Indian students or about the UK visa process from India? Reach out to us at abroad@collegdekho.com. to dispel all your doubts!