UK Study Visa Application Fees 2024-25

The United Kingdom, home to some of the most prominent colleges and academic institutions worldwide, has a longstanding reputation for offering top-notch education. A thriving student community, a wide variety of academic programs, and chances for research and creativity may all be found when studying in the UK. The UK provides an exceptional and thrilling study experience for international students because of its rich history and culture, breathtaking landscapes, and easy access to leading companies and sectors.

According to the Times of India, if you are planning to study or work in the United Kingdom, you must be prepared for higher financial requirements. Starting in January 2025, Indian nationals who wish to study or work in the UK will have to prove they have at least 11% more money in reserves than is required under the existing regulations. The UK government’s plan to address worries about how immigration may affect housing and the economy includes this policy adjustment.

International students requesting study visas to the UK as of January 2, 2025, will need to demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for living expenses:

• £1,483 (about ₹1.5 lakh) a month for classes in London.
• The monthly cost of courses outside of London is £1,136.
• Students must demonstrate that they have £13,347 (about ₹14 lakh) for a one-year master’s program in London or £10,224 for other locations, which covers nine months’ worth of expenses. These monies must have been in their account for a minimum of 28 days in a row before filing their visa application.

Types of UK Student Visa & Application Fees in Rupees

The United Kingdom offers several types of student visas, each catering to different study durations and age groups. Below is a table summarizing the main types of UK student visas, along with their UK Study visa application fees in both British Pounds (£) and Indian Rupees (₹).

Visa Type	Description	Application Fee (£)	Application Fee (₹)
Short-term Study Visa	For studying an English language course lasting more than 6 months but not more than 11 months	£223	₹22,343
Student Visa	For students aged 16 or over pursuing higher education courses	£490	₹54,880
Child Student Visa	For children aged 4 to 17 studying at independent schools	£490	₹54,880

Additional Information

• The immigration health surcharge is charged annually and varies depending on the length of the course. For example:
  • For a 3-year undergraduate degree, the total IHS would be approximately £1,872 (or ₹207,000).
  • For a 1-year Master’s course, it would be around £624 (or ₹69,000).
• The conversion from Pounds to Indian Rupees is approximate and can vary based on current exchange rates.

Also Read: UK Student Visa Types

 

UK Study Visa Cost Breakdown

A breakdown of the costs involved in applying for a UK study visa is essential to help students prepare financially. Below is a comprehensive list of the costs you may encounter:

• UK Study Visa Application Fees: As discussed earlier, the cost for a Student Visa is typically £363 for a stay of more than six months. Short-term study visas will cost less, at £97 or £186, depending on the duration of the course.

• Immigration Health Surcharge: The NHS charge of £470 per year applies to most international students, which means students who plan to study for a 2-year program will need to pay £940 for access to NHS services. The surcharge is calculated based on the length of your course, so it’s essential to estimate your course duration before applying.

• Visa Processing Charges: Some countries may charge additional processing fees for biometric appointments or visa submission services, which can range from £20 to £70, depending on where you apply.

• Documents Translation Fees: If any of your supporting documents need to be translated into English, there will be additional costs for certified translation. The fees for document translation can vary but typically range from £20 to £50 per page.

• Visa Appointment Fees: While the application fee covers visa processing, some visa centers may charge an additional fee for appointment scheduling or document submission. This is particularly true in countries with a larger demand for student visas, like India.

Also Read: Cost of living in the UK

 

How to Save on UK Study Visa Costs

While the UK study visa application fees and additional charges can seem overwhelming, there are a few strategies you can adopt to minimize your expenses:

Utilize Student Discounts:

• Obtain a National Union of Students (NUS) TOTUM card for discounts on dining, shopping, and entertainment.
• Look for additional student discount schemes like Unidays and Student Beans that offer savings on various products and services.

Choose Affordable Accommodation:

• Consider living in shared accommodation or university-managed student halls, which can be more economical than private rentals.
• Explore options in less central areas if studying in London, as these can be significantly cheaper while still providing good transport links.

Cook at Home:

• Preparing your meals is more budget-friendly than eating out. Engage in batch cooking and meal planning to save both time and money.
• Use platforms like Olio or Freecycle to find free groceries or share resources with others.

Optimize Transportation Costs:

• Invest in a 16-25 Railcard for up to a 30% discount on train fares, which is beneficial for frequent travelers.
• In London, link your Railcard with an Oyster card for additional travel savings.

Work Part-Time:

Many international students can work part-time during their studies, which helps cover living expenses. Ensure compliance with visa regulations regarding work hours.

Create and Stick to a Budget:

• Establish a well-defined budget to track your spending and prevent overspending.
• Regularly review your expenses to identify areas where you can cut back.

Buy Second-Hand Items:

• Purchase second-hand textbooks, clothes, and other essentials to save money. Utilize local charity shops or online marketplaces.

Take Advantage of Free Activities:

• Explore free cultural events, museums, parks, and community activities to enjoy your time without spending much.

How to apply for a UK Student Visa?

To apply for a UK Student Visa, follow these structured steps to ensure a smooth application process:

Steps to Apply for a UK Student Visa

Receive an Unconditional Offer:

• Apply to a UK university and obtain an unconditional offer letter.
• After accepting the offer, the university will issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter, which is essential for your visa application.

Prepare Required Documents:

Gather the necessary documents, including:

• • • A valid passport.
    • Your CAS letter.
    • Evidence of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
    • Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
    • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).
    • Previous passports (if any) to show travel history.
    • Additional documents as required (e.g., parental consent if under 18).

Complete the Online Application:

• Access the official UK government visa website and fill out the online application form for a student visa.
• Ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Pay the UK Study Visa Application Fees:

• The UK Study Visa Application Fee is £490 (approximately ₹49,000).
• Additionally, pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £776 per year (around ₹77,000), allowing you access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Book and Attend a Biometric Appointment:

• After submitting your application online, schedule an appointment at a visa application center to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
• Bring your passport and original supporting documents to this appointment.

Submit Your Application:

• Submit your completed application form along with all required documents at your biometric appointment.
• You may be required to attend a credibility interview via video link to confirm your intentions as a genuine student.

Await Decision:

• Typically, visa decisions are made within three weeks of submitting your application.
• You will receive your passport back with a vignette (visa sticker) if approved.

Also Read: Top 10 Universities for MBA in UK | Rank, Salaries, Costs, & more!

UK Student Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a UK Student Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the UK government. Here’s a detailed overview of the eligibility requirements:

UK Student Visa Eligibility Criteria:

• Age Requirement:

Applicants must be 16 years or older.

• Course Acceptance:

Must have an unconditional offer from a UK educational institution that is a licensed student sponsor.

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) reference number is required.

• English Language Proficiency:

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, typically through recognized tests such as IELTS, with a minimum overall band score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each skill (reading, writing, speaking, listening).

• Financial Requirements:

Proof of sufficient funds to support living expenses and tuition fees is necessary.

The total amount should cover at least 9 months of living expenses.

• Parental Consent:

If the applicant is aged 16 or 17, evidence of parental or legal guardian consent is required.

• Health Requirements:

Applicants may need to undergo a tuberculosis (TB) test, depending on their country of origin.

• Additional Documentation:

-A valid passport or travel document.

-Passport-sized photographs.

-Any other documents specified by the educational institution or the visa application process.

• Intention to Leave the UK:

Applicants must show intent to return to their home country upon completion of their studies.

• Biometric Information:

Applicants must provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) at a visa application center.

Documents Required for UK Student Visa

To apply for a UK Student Visa, you need to prepare several essential documents. Below is a comprehensive checklist of the required documents based on the latest guidelines:

• Current Passport:

A valid passport or travel document with at least one blank page for the visa sticker.

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS):

A unique reference number issued by your course provider confirms your acceptance into a program.

• Financial Evidence:

Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses. This can include bank statements, sponsorship letters, or other financial documents.

• Tuberculosis Test Results:

Required if you are from a country where TB testing is mandatory (e.g., India). The test must be conducted at an approved clinic.

• Academic Certificates:

Qualifications that support your CAS, such as transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions.

• English Language Proficiency:

Evidence of English language skills, typically through recognized tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

• Parental Consent:

Written consent from parents or guardians if you are under 18 years old, including proof of your relationship (e.g., birth certificate).

• ATAS Certificate:

An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate may be required for certain courses and nationalities. Check if this applies to you.

• Health Surcharge Reference Number:

Proof of payment for the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which allows access to NHS services during your stay in the UK.

• Photographs:

Passport-sized color photographs that meet UK visa photo requirements.

• Proof of Relationship to Guardian:

If applicable, documents proving your relationship to your guardian (e.g., birth certificate).

• Written Consent from Financial Sponsor:

If you have a financial sponsor, include their written consent regarding your visa application.

Also Read: Top 10 job opportunities in the UK in 2024

Summary

The UK offers top-tier education, a vibrant student community, and access to leading industries. From January 2025, Indian students must show higher financial reserves for study visas, with living costs set at £1,483/month in London and £1,136 elsewhere. Visa options include short-term, student, and child student visas, with fees ranging from £223 to £490. Applications require proof of finances, English proficiency, and health surcharge payments. Students can save costs through discounts, shared housing, part-time work, and budgeting effectively.

Important FAQs on UK Student Visa 

Ques 1. When should I apply for a UK student visa?

Answer 1. One must apply for a UK student visa at least 6 months before their course-starting date. Students may expect to get a decision on their UK student visa application within 3 weeks.    

Ques 2. What are the eligibility criteria for getting a UK Student visa?

Answer 2. The following are the basic requirements for UK Student Visa:

• Candidates must have an unconditional offer from a recognized educational institute to pursue a course with a licensed Tier 4 sponsor
• Appropriate funds to support yourself and for the course

Ques 3. Do I need a UK student visa to study in the UK?

Answer 3. If you are a national from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you do need a visa to pursue your higher education in the UK. Students from all other nationalities need to have a valid UK student visa to study in the UK.

Ques 4. If a student is going just for one semester, in that case does he/she need a visa?

Answer 4. Yes, even if you are going for a short-term study, say less than six months, then you can apply for a Short-Term Study Visa.