How to Apply for a UK Student Visa (Tier 4 / Student Route) – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Planning to study in the United Kingdom? You’ll need to apply for a UK Student Visa, previously known as the Tier 4 (General) Visa, now simply called the Student Route Visa. This visa allows international students to study at a licensed institution in the UK for a course that meets the required academic and duration criteria.

Here’s your ultimate, step-by-step guide to applying for a UK Student Visa from India, including eligibility, documentation, fees, timelines, and expert tips to avoid delays or rejection.

What Is the UK Student Visa (Student Route)?

The UK Student Visa under the Student Route enables non-UK nationals (including Indian students) to pursue higher education, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and certain diploma courses in the UK.

It replaced the Tier 4 (General) Student Visa in October 2020 but retains most of the same procedures with some improvements for post-study options.

Eligibility Criteria for UK Student Visa

Before applying, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• You must have an offer from a licensed UK educational institution (CAS – Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.)

• Proof of sufficient financial funds for tuition and living expenses

• Valid passport

• Parental/legal guardian consent (if under 18)

When to Apply for UK Student Visa?

You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts (if applying from outside the UK).

• Application decision timeframe: Within 15 working days (standard)

• For faster processing: Priority (5 working days) and Super Priority (24 hours) services available at additional cost

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for UK Student Visa from India

Step 1: Get Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

Your university or college will issue a CAS number once you accept your offer and pay the required tuition deposit. CAS is a 14-digit reference number linked to your admission details.

Your CAS will include:

• Course title and duration

• Tuition fees paid/to be paid

• Sponsor license number of the university

• Your personal and academic details

📌 Note: CAS is valid for 6 months and can be used only once.

Step 2: Prepare Financial Documents

To qualify for a UK Student Visa, you must show that you can pay for:

✅ Tuition fees (amount specified in CAS)
✅ Living expenses (for 9 months)

Minimum funds required:

Proof can be:

• Bank statement (funds must be in account for 28 consecutive days)

• Education loan sanction letter

• Fixed deposit with bank letter

• Government sponsorship (if applicable)

Step 3: Take an English Language Test

You must prove your English proficiency via an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).

Accepted exams:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI

• TOEFL iBT

• PTE Academic UKVI

• Cambridge English tests

Minimum required score depends on your course and institution.

Step 4: Pay IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)

You must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application to access the UK’s NHS services.

• £776 per year for students

• You’ll pay upfront for the entire course duration

• Payment is made online during visa application

Step 5: Fill the UK Student Visa Application Form

Apply online via the official UK Government Visa Portal:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/apply

You’ll need:

• Passport

• CAS number

• Proof of funds

• English test result

• Tuberculosis test certificate (mandatory for Indian applicants)

• Biometric details (to be submitted at VFS centre)

• Consent letter from parents (if under 18)

💳 Visa Fee: £490 (approx. ₹52,000) as of 2025

Step 6: Book Biometric Appointment at VFS

After submitting the form, you’ll receive a reference number and be redirected to book your biometric appointment at your nearest VFS Global Centre in India.

You’ll submit:

• Fingerprints and photograph

• All required original documents and passport

• Passport will be retained during processing

Optional: Choose Priority/Super Priority services, SMS updates, courier return, etc.

Step 7: Attend Your Visa Appointment

Visit your selected VFS Global Centre with the following:

• Appointment letter

• Passport

• All academic and financial documents

• Tuberculosis test certificate

• Passport-size photos (as per UKVI guidelines)

Step 8: Wait for Decision and Receive Your Visa

Standard processing time: 15 working days
Priority: 5 days
Super Priority: 24 hours

If approved, you will receive:

1. Visa vignette (a sticker on your passport for initial travel)

2. A letter with details of your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)

3. Your BRP can be collected at a Post Office in the UK within 10 days of arrival

Documents Checklist for UK Student Visa (Indian Applicants)

✅ Passport (valid for entire study period)
✅ CAS letter from UK university
✅ Proof of funds (bank statements, loan, FD)
✅ English proficiency certificate
✅ Tuberculosis test certificate
✅ IHS payment receipt
✅ Visa fee payment confirmation
✅ Photos (UKVI format)
✅ Academic transcripts
✅ Parental consent and birth certificate (if under 18)

Common Reasons for UK Student Visa Refusal

🚫 Insufficient proof of funds
🚫 Incorrect financial documentation (missing 28-day rule)
🚫 Discrepancy in CAS and application form
🚫 Invalid English language test or expired scores
🚫 Failure to attend biometric appointment
🚫 False/fraudulent documents

📌 Double-check all entries, and consult a visa expert to avoid costly delays or rejections.

Can You Work on a UK Student Visa?

Yes, most students can work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during term time

• Full-time during vacations

• Internship/work placements (as part of course)

Can You Bring Dependents?

Yes, but only if:

• You are a postgraduate student (9+ months) at a UKRI-recognized institution

• You have sufficient funds to support them

Each dependent will need their own visa and documents.

How SmotPro.in Can Help You

We at SmotPro.in provide complete UK Student Visa support, including:

✅ University selection & admission
✅ Visa documentation assistance
✅ VFS appointment booking
✅ Financial planning for proof of funds
✅ IELTS & English test coaching
✅ 24x7 helpline and tracking support

We operate across India with offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, and more.

Let us help you secure your UK education dream with speed, accuracy, and expert guidance.