United Kingdom flag — visa destinationStudent (Long-term) — InformationalVerified 2026-04-19

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)

ItemAmount
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

1

Get CAS from UK licensed sponsor

Apply to university, accept offer, pay deposit, receive CAS.

2

Take IELTS UKVI or equivalent English test

If required for the course.

3

Arrange funds for Appendix Finance compliance

Must hold funds for 28 consecutive days before applying.

4

Take IOM TB test

Mandatory for Indian applicants.

5

Apply online at GOV.UK + pay IHS

£524 visa fee + IHS (£776 × course years).

6

Biometrics at VFS Global India

Book nearest centre.

7

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:

  1. Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
  2. Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
  3. Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
  4. Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device

VFS Application Centres

VFS Global UK — New Delhi (Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Connaught Place)VFS Global UK — Mumbai (Andheri East)VFS Global UK — Bengaluru (Brigade Gateway)VFS Global UK — Chennai (Ambit IT Park)VFS Global UK — Kolkata (Rawdon Street)VFS Global UK — Hyderabad (Begumpet)VFS Global UK — ChandigarhVFS Global UK — AhmedabadVFS Global UK — Cochin (Kochi)VFS Global UK — PuneVFS Global UK — JalandharBritish High Commission — New Delhi (Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, 110021)

Quiz not yet available for this visa type

We're actively building per-visa quizzes. For now, the best way to assess your eligibility for UK Student Visa (Long-term — Licensed Sponsors) — Informational is a free 1-on-1 consultation with our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why informational?+
UK Student visa requires tight CAS coordination with your UK university, ATAS for some subjects, specific financial evidence rules (Appendix Finance), and IHS — better handled by the university's international office or OISC-registered UK education consultants.
Can I work on a Student visa?+
Yes — up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during holidays. Check the specific conditions on your CAS.
Graduate visa after study?+
Yes — UK Graduate visa lets you stay 2 years (3 for PhD) after graduation without a job offer.
Why doesn't SureshotVisa process UK work/settlement visas?+
We specialise in short-stay visit visas (tourist, business, medical, academic) for Indian applicants — the bulk of UK visa applications from India. UK work visas (Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker, Global Talent, etc.) and settlement pathways require OISC-registered UK immigration advisors who specialise in those sponsor-based and points-based categories.

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

Standard Visitor — Tourism

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.

Standard Visitor — Business

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.

Standard Visitor — Study / Short-term Study

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.

Standard Visitor — Academic

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.

Standard Visitor — Medical

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.

Marriage Visitor

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.

Transit / Direct Airside Transit

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.

Work — Informational

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.