UK Student Visa 2025 - Types, Eligibility and Application Process
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Every year, thousands of students from India study in the UK, a country renowned worldwide for its high-quality academic institutions. If you’re next in line, your journey officially begins with a student visa. This easy guide to the UK Student Visa 2025 will show you the way, explaining all the visa types, eligibility rules, fees, timelines, and must-know steps before you fly – with that you should check the cost of studying in the UK so you can plan your finances better.
Types of Student Visas for the UK
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Student Visa | For students aged 16+ studying longer than 6 months at a licensed UK institution |
| Child Student Visa | For students aged 4 to 17 studying at independent schools in the UK |
| Short-term Study Visa | For English language courses (6–11 months) |
| Visitor Visa | For short courses (less than 6 months), a standard visitor visa may apply |
Eligibility Criteria for a UK Student Visa
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Must have an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor |
| CAS Letter | Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) issued by the university. This will approximately cost £25 |
| Financial Proof | Funds to pay for the course and living expenses |
| English Proficiency | Must prove English language proficiency (check with your university) |
| Parental Consent | Required if you're under 18 years old |
Documents Required for a UK Student Visa
- Valid passport
- CAS letter from your UK university
- Proof of financial support
- Proof of English proficiency
- Tuberculosis test results (if required)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payment
- Visa application payment receipt
- Passport-size photo (as per UKVI specifications)
- Parental consent (if under 18)
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a UK Student Visa
- Step 1:Apply to a University
Apply and receive an unconditional offer from a licensed UK university.
- Step 2: Get Your CAS
Accept the offer. The university will send your CAS. This costs approximately £25.
- Step 3: Start Visa Application
- Apply for your visa up to 6 months before your course begins. The application fee is approximately £524.
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can use the UK Immigration: ID Check application.
- Step 4: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Approximately £776/year for students.
- Approximately £388 for part-year (1–6 months) and £776 for 6–12 months.
- Use the UKVI IHS calculator to know your exact fee.
- EU nationals with an EHIC card may be eligible for a refund (Note: Working part-time may affect eligibility)
- Step 5: English Language Requirement
Check with your university if you need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other language scores.
- Step 6: Final Submission
Submit your completed application and get approval before arriving in the UK.
Fees for a UK Student Visa
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Student visa application (outside the UK) | £524 |
| CAS issuance by the university | £25 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776/year |
| Visitor visa (if applying for <6 months) | £115 |
When to Apply for a UK Student Visa
| From Outside the UK | From Inside the UK |
|---|---|
| Apply up to 6 months before course | Apply up to 3 months before course |
| Get decision in about 3 weeks | Get decision in about 8 weeks |
How Long Can You Stay?
| Course Level | Stay Duration |
|---|---|
| Degree-level courses | Up to 5 years |
| Below degree-level | Up to 2 years |
Can You Work in the UK on a Student Visa?
Yes, with certain limitations:
- Part-time work during term (usually up to 20 hours/week)
- Full-time during vacations
- Cannot be self-employed or work as a professional sportsperson or coach
Bringing Dependants
You may be allowed to bring your spouse/partner and children, depending on your course and university. Check specific rules before applying.
Can You Stay in the UK After Studying?
Yes. After completing your degree, you can apply for:
- Graduate Visa, stay and work in the UK for 2 years
- Visa Extension, to continue further studies
- Switch Visa Types, if eligible
When Can You Travel to the UK?
| Course Duration | You Can Arrive |
|---|---|
| 6 months or less | Up to 1 week before the course |
| More than 6 months | Up to 1 month before the course |
Note: You cannot enter the UK before your visa start date.
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