UK Student Visa 2026: Requirements, Documents, Fees and Application Process

UK Student Visa Types

There are three UK student visa types: the Student visa for degrees, the Short-term study visa for English courses, and the Child Student visa for ages 4 to 17. Most students need the first.

If your course is a degree at a university, then you need the Student visa. That means a CAS from a licensed sponsor, not a short-term visa.

Also Read:

• UK Student Visa Processing Time 
• UK Student Visa Rejection Reasons (2026)
• Study in UK For Indian Students After 12th

UK Student Visa Requirements

The UK Student visa needs 70 points: a valid CAS from a licensed sponsor, proof of funds, and English at CEFR B1 or B2 level. You must also be 16 or older.

The points system under Appendix Student is straightforward once you meet each part. The requirements are:

• CAS (50 points), a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your licensed sponsor, valid for 6 months.
• Financial requirement (10 points), showing your tuition plus maintenance funds.
• English (10 points), at CEFR B2 for degree courses or B1 for below-degree level.
• Genuine Student, passing the assessment and meeting suitability checks.

If you study in London, then your maintenance funds are higher. That means £1,529 a month instead of £1,171 outside London, held for up to 9 months.

Documents for a UK Student Visa

The key documents for a UK Student visa are your passport, CAS, financial evidence, English test results and a TB test certificate if you are from a listed country like India.

Preparing these early avoids delays, since financial evidence in particular takes time. A wider view of the journey is in this study abroad guide for Indian students. You need:

• A valid passport and your CAS reference number.
• Financial evidence, bank statements showing the funds held for 28 consecutive days.
• English test results from an approved Secure English Language Test provider.
• TB test certificate, required for applicants from India and other listed countries.
• ATAS certificate, only for certain postgraduate science and technology courses.
• Certified translations of any document not in English or Welsh, plus parental consent if under 18.

Note: After a UK degree, the Graduate Route lets you stay 2 years, or 3 years for a PhD, to work without a sponsor. This period drops to 18 months from 2027, so a September 2026 starter should factor the new rule into their post-study plans.

UK Student Visa Fees and Total Cost

The UK Student visa costs £558, plus an Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 a year, so a 3-year visa totals about £2,886 in fees before tuition and living costs. The health surcharge is charged for the full visa length, including the post-study buffer. 

Currency conversions use GBP 1 = INR 126 as of July 2, 2026, and move with the exchange rate.

Note: The visa fee rose to £558 on 8 April 2026, up from £524, and the health surcharge is £776 for each year of your visa. On top of these, you must show maintenance funds of £13,347 for a year in London or £10,224 outside, so budget for the full picture.

What the health surcharge covers and what it does not:

• Covers: NHS healthcare on the same basis as a UK resident for your visa duration.
• Does not cover: the visa fee, your tuition or your maintenance funds.

UK Student Visa Application Process

The UK Student visa process runs from your CAS through financial evidence, the online application, payment, biometrics, then the decision in around three weeks. You can apply 6 months ahead.

Applying early matters, since the September and October period is the busiest. The steps are:

1. Get your CAS, issued by your licensed sponsor after you accept an unconditional offer.
2. Prepare financial evidence, holding the required funds for 28 consecutive days.
3. Complete the online application on GOV.UK, entering your CAS and personal details.
4. Pay the fees, the £558 visa fee and the health surcharge, online.
5. Book and attend biometrics at a visa application centre for fingerprints and a photo.
6. Submit your documents, uploading your passport, CAS, financials, English and TB results.
7. Await the decision, around 3 weeks, then travel to the UK up to 1 month before your course.

Note: Standard processing takes around 3 weeks, but priority processing at £500 gives a decision in 5 working days, and super-priority at £1,000 by the next working day. Do not book non-refundable travel until your visa is granted.

The UK Student visa is a clear, points-based process once you understand each part. Choose the Student visa for any degree, secure your CAS, hold your maintenance funds steady for 28 days, and prepare your passport, English and TB documents early. Budget the £558 fee and £776 a year health surcharge, and apply up to six months before your course to avoid the peak-season rush. With careful preparation and honest, consistent answers, the Student visa becomes the final confident step before you start studying in the UK.