Documents Required for UK Visa Application for Indian Students

Given that India is the second-largest source of international students in the UK, it is normal to find prospective students from India confused about the UK Student visa process. In the UK, visa applications are managed and approved by UK Visas and Immigration, which has a site that serves as a one-stop solution for students from across the globe.

With international students playing a key role in the UK education sector, the UK government has also opened new student routes/new points-based immigration system from October 5, 2020, that aims at treating all students equally and making the transition easier.

In this article, find the entire list of documents required for UK visa applications for an Indian student along with answers to frequently asked questions such as when to apply for UK Visa, what is the UK student visa fees, and types of student visas in the UK, and more.

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. Connect With Our Experts to know more and apply successfully.

Types of Student Visas to the UK for an Indian Student

Here is an overview of the three study visas to the UK:

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.

When to Apply for a UK Student Visa?

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 Student Visa Process for an Indian Student: How to Apply?

The UK student visa process requires preparing financial documents and other supporting documents to study in UK. It is important that all the steps are 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 in order 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 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: It is important that students 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.

List of Documents Required for UK Visa Application for Indian Student

When applying for a UK student visa, an Indian student must provide:

• a current valid passport or any other valid travel document

• a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (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

Financial Documents for UK Student Visa

Students must have enough money to support themselves in 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 Account 

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 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 2 years, and if the course is at degree level, they can stay for up to 5 years.

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

UK Student Visa Fees for an Indian Student

For a UK student visa, an Indian student is required to pay GBP 363. Along with this, students will also have to pay a healthcare surcharge.

Popular Universities in the UK for Indian Students

Check out the top-ranked UK universities for Indian students seeking admission in the academic year 2023-24

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

Check out the list of UK universities and in case, any assistance with admission to US universities is required, one can write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.