- Step 1: The CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- Crucial Detail: Ensure your passport number matches your CAS exactly. Even a small typo can lead to an automatic refusal.
- Step 2: Financial Evidence (Appendix Finance)
- Specific Amount: You must show the first year’s tuition fees PLUS living expenses.
- The “28-Day Rule”: Funds must be held in your or your parent’s account for 28 consecutive days without the balance dropping below the required amount even for one day.
- Statement Freshness: Your bank statement must be issued no more than 31 days before you submit your online application.
- Step 3: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Value-Add: Explain that this payment is mandatory and grants you access to the National Health Service (NHS) for the duration of your stay.
- Step 4: English Language Proficiency
- Add: Most universities require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, though some may waive this if your 12th-standard English scores are high enough.
Mandatory Document Checklist
- TB Test Certificate: Mandatory for applicants from India and must be from a UK-approved clinic.
- ATAS Certificate: Check if your course (typically STEM or research-focused) requires an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate; without it, the visa will be rejected.
- Academic Progression: If you are returning to study after a gap or changing fields, include logical reasoning to show academic intent.
| Category | Current 2026 Requirement |
| Visa Fee | Approximately £490 (referencing standard outside-UK fees) |
| Living Costs (London) | £1,483 per month (up to 9 months) |
| Living Costs (Other) | £1,136 per month (up to 9 months) |
| Decision Time | Typically 3 weeks after biometrics |
Pro Tip: Don’t just plan for the study period! Upon successful completion of your degree in the UK, you are eligible to apply for the Graduate Route visa. This allows you to stay and work (or look for work) in the UK for 2 years (3 years for Ph.D. graduates) without needing a job sponsor upfront.