UK Student Visa (Long-term — Licensed Sponsors) — Informational
The UK Student visa is for international students on full-time courses (degree, diploma, pre-sessional) at UK licensed sponsors — universities and recognised private colleges. Requires a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), English proficiency, funds for tuition + living costs, and IHS payment. Different and more complex than the short-term study Standard Visitor visa.
UK Student visa applications involve CAS coordination with UK institutions, ATAS assessments for some subjects, financial evidence under Appendix Finance, and IHS handling. Best handled by an OISC-registered UK education consultant or direct engagement with your UK university's international office. SureshotVisa specialises in short-stay visit visas.
Processing
Variable — typically 3-6 weeks; faster via priority
Stay Duration
Course duration (degree usually 3 years) + short buffer
Starting Fee
£524
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Who Can Apply
- Students with CAS from UK licensed sponsor
- Age 16+
- Meeting English language requirements (IELTS 5.5-7 depending on course)
- Funds for tuition + living costs (£1,334/month London or £1,023/month outside London × course months)
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student visa (subclass equivalent) — Outside UK | £524 |
| Short-term study visa (English courses 6–11 months) | £200 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776/year |
| Biometrics / VFS service fee | ₹1,500–2,500 |
All UK visa fees are set in GBP by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and paid online during the GOV.UK application. The INR amount depends on the GBP/INR exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: biometrics and VFS service charges at the Visa Application Centre, optional priority/super-priority services, TB test (if required), and document translation fees. Non-refundable regardless of outcome. Student visas include IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge) at £776/year for NHS access — a major cost item.
Documents Required
Overview — for informational reference only
- !CAS letter from UK licensed sponsor
Issued by UK university/college; must be valid at application and decision.
- !English proficiency evidence
IELTS UKVI, Trinity, or exempt-nationality status.
- !Funds evidence under Appendix Finance
Tuition (not yet paid) + £1,334/m × course months in London / £1,023/m elsewhere.
- !Academic transcripts + qualifications
- !TB test certificate
Mandatory for Indian applicants.
- ○ATAS certificate (if research subject requires)
- ○Parental consent (if under 18)
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Get CAS from UK licensed sponsor
Apply to university, accept offer, pay deposit, receive CAS.
Take IELTS UKVI or equivalent English test
If required for the course.
Arrange funds for Appendix Finance compliance
Must hold funds for 28 consecutive days before applying.
Take IOM TB test
Mandatory for Indian applicants.
Apply online at GOV.UK + pay IHS
£524 visa fee + IHS (£776 × course years).
Biometrics at VFS Global India
Book nearest centre.
Decision + digital eVisa
3-6 weeks standard; priority options available.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
GOV.UK — Standard Visitor Visa Application
Primary online application portal for UK visit visas. Complete the online form, pay, book biometrics at VFS.
UKVI — Check if you need a UK visa
Interactive tool — tells you which UK visa category fits your purpose and nationality.
VFS Global UK India
Where Indian applicants book biometrics appointments, pay VFS service fee, and receive their decision.
UK TB Test Clinics (IOM-approved)
If visiting for 6+ months, TB test at an IOM-approved clinic is mandatory before applying.
VFS Application Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
Why informational?+
Can I work on a Student visa?+
Graduate visa after study?+
Why doesn't SureshotVisa process UK work/settlement visas?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other United Kingdom visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other United Kingdom Visa Types
UK Tourist Visa (Standard Visitor — Tourism)
Short-stay visa for Indian citizens visiting the UK for tourism, holidays, or to see family and friends. Usually up to 6 months. £135.
UK Business Visa (Standard Visitor — Business)
Short-stay visa for Indian professionals visiting the UK for meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs, or site visits. £135 for up to 6 months.
UK Short-Term Study Visa (Visit to Study up to 6 months)
For Indian students taking a course up to 6 months at an accredited UK institution. Includes English language courses, short research, and PLAB/OSCE test visits. £135 Standard Visitor OR £200 Short-term English 6–11 months.
UK Academic Visa (Standard Visitor — Academic up to 12 months)
For Indian scientists, researchers, senior doctors/dentists, and academics visiting the UK for research, formal exchanges, or short teaching. Up to 12 months. £234.
UK Medical Treatment Visa (Standard Visitor — Medical up to 11 months)
For Indian patients visiting the UK for private medical treatment, NHS treatment under reciprocal agreements, or organ donation. £234 for up to 11 months. Extendable in-country.
UK Marriage Visitor Visa (Up to 6 months)
For Indian citizens visiting the UK to marry or register a civil partnership within 6 months. Does NOT allow staying in the UK after the ceremony — spouse visa is separate. £135.
UK Transit Visa (Visitor in Transit / Direct Airside Transit)
For Indian travellers passing through the UK to a third country. DATV (£35) for airside-only transit; Visitor in Transit (£74.50) if you need to leave the airport for up to 48 hours.
UK Work Visa (Skilled Worker / Health & Care Worker / Global Talent) — Informational
Informational overview of UK work visa routes. Requires UK employer sponsorship + Certificate of Sponsorship. SureshotVisa does not process work visas — refer to OISC consultants.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global United Kingdom website and Embassy of United Kingdom. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.