In This Guide
The UK Student visa (formerly Tier 4) allows Indian students to study at UK universities for their full programme duration plus an additional 4 months after course end. With over 1 lakh Indian students in the UK and the Graduate Route offering 2 years of post-study work, the UK remains one of the most popular destinations from Hyderabad.
This guide covers the complete visa process for 2026 — from acceptance offer to landing at Heathrow.
1. UK Student Visa — Quick Facts (2026)
| Visa Type | UK Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 General) |
| Application Fee | £490 (approximately ₹52,000) |
| IHS (Health Surcharge) | £776/year of study |
| Standard Processing | Up to 3 weeks (15 working days) |
| Priority Processing | 5 working days (+£500) |
| Work Rights | 20 hrs/week during term, full-time during vacation |
| Post-Study Work | Graduate Route — 2 years (3 years for PhD) |
| Biometrics | VFS Global — Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi |
| Tuberculosis Test | Required for stays over 6 months |
2. Who Can Apply
- Hold an unconditional offer from a UK university licensed by UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)
- Have a valid CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number from the university
- Meet the English language requirement — typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent
- Have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs (28-day rule)
- Pass a tuberculosis (TB) test from an approved clinic in India
- Be genuine student — intend to study full-time and leave after graduation (or switch to Graduate Route)
3. CAS Number — What It Is and How to Get It
What is a CAS?
CAS stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is a unique 14-character reference number issued by your UK university after you accept an unconditional offer and pay the required deposit.
- Your CAS is valid for 6 months from the date of issue
- It contains your course details, start date, tuition fee, and whether English conditions are met
- You cannot apply for a UK Student visa without a CAS
- Universities typically issue CAS 3–6 months before course start
- If you have multiple offers, you only get one CAS — from the university you accept
| Step | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Receive conditional offer | Jan–April (for Sept intake) |
| 2 | Meet conditions (grades, IELTS) | April–June |
| 3 | Receive unconditional offer | May–June |
| 4 | Pay deposit (typically £1,000–£3,000) | Within 4 weeks of unconditional offer |
| 5 | CAS assigned by university | June–July (3–6 months before start) |
| 6 | Apply for UK Student visa | No earlier than 6 months before course start |
4. Complete Documents Checklist
Mandatory
- ✅ Valid passport (6 months beyond course end)
- ✅ CAS number from university
- ✅ IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score report
- ✅ Bank statements (28 consecutive days)
- ✅ Tuberculosis test certificate
- ✅ Academic transcripts + degree certificates
- ✅ Passport-sized photograph
- ✅ IHS payment receipt
Supporting (if applicable)
- 📄 Education loan sanction letter
- 📄 Scholarship letter
- 📄 Parents' bank statements (if funding from family)
- 📄 Property documents (as proof of funds source)
- 📄 Work experience letter (if any)
- 📄 Gap year explanation letter
- 📄 ATAS certificate (science/engineering — check if needed)
Tuberculosis Test — Hyderabad: Required for students staying in UK for more than 6 months. Approved clinics in Hyderabad: CARE Hospitals Banjara Hills, Apollo Hospitals, and Citizens Speciality Hospital. Cost: approximately ₹3,000–5,000. Results are uploaded directly to UKVI — you get a certificate reference number.
5. Bank Balance Requirements (28-Day Rule)
UK requires you to show financial funds held continuously for 28 days before the date of your visa application. The amount needed:
| Funds Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| First year tuition (as per CAS) | Exactly as stated in your CAS |
| Living costs — Outside London (up to 9 months) | £1,334/month × 9 = £12,006 |
| Living costs — London (up to 9 months) | £1,334/month × 9 = £12,006 |
| Example total (outside London, £20,000 tuition) | £32,006 (~₹33.9L) |
Accepted evidence of funds: Bank statements, building society statements, education loan sanction letter (from approved lenders), scholarship award letters, or a combination. The 28 days must be continuous — a single dip below the required amount fails the check.
6. IHS — Immigration Health Surcharge
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) gives you access to the NHS in the UK. It must be paid upfront when applying for your visa — you cannot pay it later.
| Programme Duration | IHS Cost | In INR (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year Master's | £776 | ₹82,000 |
| 18-month programme | £1,164 | ₹1.23L |
| 2-year programme | £1,552 | ₹1.64L |
| 3-year PhD | £2,328 | ₹2.47L |
Pay IHS at immigration-health-surcharge.service.gov.uk before completing your visa application. You receive an IHS reference number to include in your application.
7. Step-by-Step UK Student Visa Application
1
Get Your CAS
Accept unconditional offer → pay deposit → wait for CAS from university (takes 1–4 weeks after deposit).
Accept unconditional offer → pay deposit → wait for CAS from university (takes 1–4 weeks after deposit).
2
TB Test
Book at an approved clinic in Hyderabad. Results uploaded to UKVI directly — you get a certificate reference. Allow 1–2 days.
Book at an approved clinic in Hyderabad. Results uploaded to UKVI directly — you get a certificate reference. Allow 1–2 days.
3
Pay IHS
Pay Immigration Health Surcharge online (£776/year). Note your IHS reference number.
Pay Immigration Health Surcharge online (£776/year). Note your IHS reference number.
4
Complete Online Application
Apply at apply-to-visit-uk.service.gov.uk. Enter CAS number, IHS reference, upload documents. Pay £490 visa fee.
Apply at apply-to-visit-uk.service.gov.uk. Enter CAS number, IHS reference, upload documents. Pay £490 visa fee.
5
Book Biometrics at VFS
Book appointment at VFS Global Hyderabad (Banjara Hills). Bring passport, photo, appointment confirmation, and printed application form.
Book appointment at VFS Global Hyderabad (Banjara Hills). Bring passport, photo, appointment confirmation, and printed application form.
6
Give Biometrics
Fingerprints + photo at VFS. Submit original passport (it's kept until decision). 15–20 minutes.
Fingerprints + photo at VFS. Submit original passport (it's kept until decision). 15–20 minutes.
7
Wait for Decision
Standard: up to 3 weeks. Priority: 5 working days. Track at UKVI online portal. Passport returned by courier.
Standard: up to 3 weeks. Priority: 5 working days. Track at UKVI online portal. Passport returned by courier.
8
Receive BRP in UK
Your actual visa is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) collected from a UK Post Office within 10 days of arrival. Your passport gets a short-stay entry vignette sticker.
Your actual visa is a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) collected from a UK Post Office within 10 days of arrival. Your passport gets a short-stay entry vignette sticker.
8. Biometrics at VFS Hyderabad
- VFS Global Hyderabad: Level 4, Cyber Towers, Hitech City / Banjara Hills Road No. 10
- What to bring: Passport, appointment letter, photo (as per UKVI specs), application form printout
- Note: Your passport is retained until the decision. Apply for priority if you need it urgently.
- Optional premium services: Premium Lounge (₹5,000+), document checking service, courier return
- Appointment availability: Book immediately after submitting online — slots fill up 2–3 weeks ahead during peak (June–August)
9. Processing Times 2026
| Service | Processing Time | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 15 working days (3 weeks) | Included in £490 |
| Priority | 5 working days | £500 |
| Super Priority | Next working day | £1,000 |
When to apply: You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date. For September 2026 intake — apply from March 2026 onwards. Apply at least 6 weeks before your course start to allow for standard processing.
10. Common UK Student Visa Refusal Reasons
| Refusal Reason | How to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Funds not held for 28 days | Ensure required amount is in account for 28 continuous days before application date. Don't transfer money in the week before applying. |
| Funds from unclear sources | If parents are funding, include their bank statements + relationship proof + a signed funding letter explaining the gift. |
| Course not credible given background | The UKVI officer may question if your chosen course makes sense with your academic background. Write a cover letter explaining the connection. |
| Genuine Student test fail | UK uses a Genuine Student requirement — officers assess if you genuinely intend to study. Gaps, inconsistencies, or vague future plans raise flags. |
| Invalid/expired CAS | CAS is valid for 6 months. Don't delay applying — expired CAS requires university to re-issue. |
| Missing TB certificate | Book the test early — some clinics have waiting lists. Allow 2 weeks before visa application. |
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Get Your UK Visa Documents Checked — Free
We review your CAS, bank statements and documents before you apply — fixing issues before they cause a refusal.
WhatsApp Us Book Free Counselling