Planning to study in the UK? Understanding the student visa process is crucial for a smooth application journey. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4) for the 2026 intake.

UK Student Visa Success Statistics for Indian Students

Excellent News for Indian Students

96% visa approval rate for Indian students (2025 data)
98,000+ student visas granted to Indian students (up to June 2025)
44% increase in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024
Indian students are the largest international cohort in UK universities

Competitive Careers Pvt Ltd Track Record

100% student visa success rate for the last 3 years
British Council certified agents
Guided 1,000+ students successfully

Student Visa Eligibility Requirements 2026

To be eligible for a UK student visa, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Course Offer & CAS Letter

Unconditional offer from UK Higher Education Provider
Licensed Tier 4 sponsor with compliance track record
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) reference number
Course must be full-time and lead to recognized qualification
Minimum 6 months duration
At least 15 hours of classroom teaching per week

2. Financial Requirements

Updated November 2025:

Studying in London:

£1,529 per month for up to 9 months
Total: £13,761 for 9 months

Studying outside London:

£1,171 per month for up to 9 months
Total: £10,539 for 9 months

Must show 28-day consecutive history ending within 31 days of application

3. English Language Proficiency

Prove your English ability through:

IELTS (UKVI Approved) - Minimum 5.5 overall (varies by course)
PTE Academic (UKVI Approved)
Medium of Instruction certificate - If studied in English medium
Previous degree taught entirely in English

Some universities accept students without IELTS if 60%+ in 12th with English medium

4. Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Mandatory for Indian students:

Must be taken at approved clinics in India
Valid for 6 months
Required before visa application
Certificate must be submitted with application

5. Age Requirements

16-17 years: Parental/guardian consent required
18+ years: Standard application process

Documents Required for UK Student Visa 2026

Essential Documents Checklist

Valid Passport - At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
CAS Reference Number - From your UK university
Academic Documents:
- 10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates
- All Bachelor's degree mark sheets
- Degree certificate
- Transcripts
English Proficiency Proof:
- IELTS/PTE score card (UKVI approved), OR
- Medium of Instruction letter
Financial Documents:
- Bank statements (28-day history)
- Loan sanction letter (if applicable)
- Sponsor documents (if applicable)
TB Certificate - From approved clinic
Passport-size Photographs - As per UK visa specifications
Fee Payment Receipt - First semester or full year tuition
Offer Letter - Unconditional from university
Updated CV/Resume

Additional Documents (If Applicable)

Gap explanation letter - If gap in education
Sponsor relationship proof - If parents/relatives sponsoring
Work experience letter - For gap period justification

UK Student Visa Fees 2026

Fee Type	Amount	Details
Application Fee	£490	Standard Student Visa (applying from outside UK)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)	£776 per year	Updated from February 2024
IHS for 1-year course	£776	Single year payment
IHS for 2-year course	£1,552	Two years coverage
IHS for 3-year course	£2,328	Three years coverage

Total Visa Cost Examples

Example 1: 1-year Master's course

Application fee: £490
IHS: £776
Total: £1,266

Example 2: 3-year Bachelor's course

Application fee: £490
IHS: £2,328
Total: £2,818

What IHS Covers

NHS healthcare access (same as British citizens)
Emergency medical treatment
Hospital treatment
COVID-19 testing and treatment (free)
Specialist consultations

What You Still Pay For: Prescriptions, Dental treatments, Eye tests

Dependants Policy (2026 Update)

Important Change Effective January 2025

Dependants (spouse/partner and children) are ONLY allowed for students on:

PhD programs
Research-based postgraduate courses (RQF Level 8)
Other doctorate programs

Dependants are NOT allowed for:

❌ Bachelor's degree students
❌ Taught Master's degree students
❌ Foundation courses
❌ Pre-sessional English courses

Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Application Process

Step 1: University Application & Admission

Free counseling session at Competitive Careers Pvt Ltd
Submit academic documents and test scores
Our counselors match you with suitable universities
Apply to selected universities
Receive conditional offer letter

Step 2: Meet Conditions & Get CAS

Achieve required IELTS/PTE score
Submit final academic transcripts
University issues unconditional offer
Pay first semester/year tuition fees
University issues CAS number (within 1-5 days)

Step 3: Prepare for Credibility Assessment

Universities conduct credibility interviews to assess:

Genuine intention to study
Course relevance to career goals
Academic progression
Knowledge about university and course

Our Support: We prepare you thoroughly for credibility interviews.

Step 4: TB Test

Book appointment at approved clinic
Complete test
Receive certificate (valid 6 months)

Step 5: Complete Online Visa Application

Visit: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa
Create account and fill application form
Pay visa fee (£490) online
Pay IHS online (calculated automatically)
Submit application
Book VFS appointment

Step 6: VFS Appointment & Biometrics

Schedule appointment at nearest VFS center
Visit VFS with all original documents
Submit documents for verification
Biometrics collection: Fingerprints + photograph
Collect receipt and tracking number

VFS Centers in India (Major Cities):

Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune

Step 7: Visa Decision

Standard processing: 3 weeks (15 working days)
Priority service: Available for faster processing (additional fee)
Decision communicated via email
Passport returned with visa vignette

Step 8: Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

Physical BRPs phased out (from 2026)
Digital eVisa system now in use
Use share code to prove immigration status
Access via UKVI online account

Step 9: Travel to UK

Arrive no earlier than 1 week before course start date (if course >6 months)
Keep all documents handy for UK Border Control
Attend university enrollment
Begin your UK study journey!

Work Permissions on Student Visa

During Term Time

Maximum 20 hours per week (part-time)
Includes paid and unpaid work

During Holidays/Breaks

Full-time work allowed (unlimited hours)
No restrictions during official university breaks

After Course Completion

Can work full-time until visa expires
Apply for Graduate Route visa before Student visa expires

Prohibited Employment

❌ Cannot work as professional sportsperson
❌ Cannot be self-employed (business owner)
❌ Cannot work full-time during term time

Common Visa Rejection Reasons & How to Avoid Them

Top Rejection Reasons

❌ Insufficient or incorrectly documented funds
❌ Missing or incorrect CAS details
❌ Gaps in education not explained
❌ Inadequate English proficiency proof
❌ Questionable course relevance/progression
❌ Failed credibility assessment
❌ Incomplete document submission

Our Prevention Strategy

Thorough document review before submission
Complete credibility interview preparation
Financial documentation guidance
Gap explanation letter drafting
SOP review and improvement
Application timeline management

Result: 100% Success Rate

Why Choose Competitive Careers for Visa Guidance?

Our Credentials

British Council Certified Agents
100% Success Rate (3 years)
Expert UK visa counselors
Complete application support

Our Services (FREE)

University selection & application
Document verification
CAS coordination
TB test arrangement
Interview preparation
VFS guidance

Our Experience

1,000+ students guided
50+ UK institutions
AAERI, NAFSA members
British Council listed

Our Two Directors of Competitive Careers Pvt Ltd has successfully Completed ‘Education UK Certificate for Agents Conducted by British Council.
We were one of the 22 authorized e-Visa Agents in India appointed by DIAC in April 2010. Also you can see that list of e-Visa agents were selected by DIAC on: http://www.india.embassy.gov.au/files/ndli/ed_agents_list_30APRIL2010.pdf.
Our Director Mr. Rupesh Patel successfully completed the Canada Course for Education Agents exam (Qualification: #CCG00015). First in India.
Our Director Mr. Rupesh Patel successfully completed the EATC (Education Agent Training Course) (QEAC Number: B051). First in Gujarat.
Our Director Mr. Upendra Patel successfully Completed ISANA Test (International Education Association Inc.) for National Code Online Tutorial for Australia.
We are Member of AAERI( www.aaeri.org ). Our Director Rupesh Patel is AAERI Secretary & Executive, Head AAERI News letter. We are also a member of Member NAFSA (USA) & listed with British council (INDIA) agent list.
Check UKCISA website for PSW. Any international student who will complete their course in or after the summer of 2021 will be eligible to apply for the new two year Graduate route. https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/

Start Your UK Student Visa Journey Today

With 96% approval rate for Indian students and our 100% success record, your UK study dream is within reach.

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✅ Complete document checklist
✅ Application review and verification
✅ Credibility interview preparation
✅ VFS appointment guidance
✅ End-to-end visa support

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Contact Competitive Careers Pvt Ltd today to begin your UK student visa application with expert guidance every step of the way. Join 1,000+ successful students who achieved their UK education dreams with our support.

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UK Student Visa

UK Student Visa 2026: Complete Application Guide