UK Student Visa Requirements
Students from India and Pakistan need a Student visa to study a degree in the UK. Here is who can apply and every paper you need. Money on this page is in British pounds (£, GBP).
Who Can Get a UK Student Visa
You must meet all of these rules.
- An unconditional offer (an offer with no conditions left to meet) from a licensed sponsor
- A CAS number for that course
- A full-time course at bachelor's level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8: the UK level of a course, where 6 is a bachelor's and 7 a master's)
- An ATAS certificate for some subjects at master's level or above (RQF level 7 or above)
- Course fees for 1 year, as shown on your CAS
- £1,529 a month for up to 9 months in London
- £1,171 a month for up to 9 months outside London
- The money must stay in your account for 28 days in a row
A TB test if you are coming for 6 months or more and you have lived in a listed country, such as India or Pakistan, for 6 months or more
The test is a chest x-ray. Children under 11 do not normally have one.
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), a health fee you pay with your visa so you can use the NHS, the UK's public health service. You pay it even with private medical insurance.
Non-Immigrant Intent
- You must plan to follow your visa rules
- You must plan to leave when your visa ends, or apply for another visa you qualify for
Immigration Status
- UKVI checks your past visa applications, in the UK and in other countries
- UKVI also reads why any were refused
Special Rules
- London means the City of London and the 32 areas called boroughs
- A partner or child can join only in some cases: see the question about family
- A partner or child needs £845 a month in London, or £680 a month outside London, for up to 9 months
- If you are 16 or 17, you need consent from your parents
Papers for the UK Student Visa
These are the papers students from India and Pakistan usually need.
Check that your name is the same on your passport, CAS and bank papers
Download bank statements as close as possible to the day you apply
Book the TB test so the certificate is still valid when you apply
- Your photo is taken at the visa centre, with your fingerprints
- If you use the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app, you scan your passport with your phone
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | A passport or other travel document that has not expired. | Required |
| CAS number | The reference number your university gives you for the visa. Apply within 6 months of getting it. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bank statements | Show your name, the bank's name and the amount. They must be no more than 31 days old on the day you apply. | Required |
| Parent's letter | Only if you use a parent's money. They confirm they agree. | Optional |
| Loan or payer letter | Only if a loan, or a person or government that pays for you, covers your costs. | Optional |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| TB test certificate | From an approved clinic in India or Pakistan. Valid 6 months from your x-ray. | Required |
| Document Name | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ATAS certificate | Only for some subjects at master's or PhD level. | Optional |
| Payer's consent | Only if another person or a government paid your fees and living costs in the 12 months before you apply. | Optional |
Important Document Guidelines
UK Visas for Students
Most students from India and Pakistan start on a Student visa. After the degree, many switch to a Graduate visa.
Key Features
Study a full-time course at a licensed sponsor, a university the UK government approves for international students
Arrive up to 1 month before a course of more than 6 months
Work up to 20 hours a week while classes run if your degree is at a university
Work full time in the holidays
Eligibility Requirements
- Aged 16 or over
- An unconditional offer (an offer with no conditions left to meet) and a CAS
- Enough money for fees and living costs
- English at the level your course needs
Restrictions
- You cannot get money from the UK government (state benefits)
- No self-employment
- No work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- No full-time permanent job
| Student visa | Graduate visa | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is for | Full-time study | Work after your degree |
| Where you apply | From India or Pakistan | Inside the UK only |
| Visa fee | £558 | £937 |
| Work | Up to 20 hours a week while classes run at a university | Most jobs, full time |
Apply for the Student visa from home. You can only apply for the Graduate visa from inside the UK, before your Student visa ends.
Showing You Are a Genuine Student
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) must be sure you are a genuine student. A UKVI officer, called a caseworker, reads your whole application and may interview you.
- Know why you chose this course
- Know why you chose this university
- Show how it builds on your last studies
- Know where you will live
- Know how far it is from the university
- Know your monthly spending
- Show where the money came from
- Show it covers fees and living costs
- Show how the course fits your career
- Show you will follow the rules of your visa
Answer by phone if UKVI calls you for an interview
If you cannot attend, give a good reason
Explain any gap in your studies
Explain where your money came from
Common Red Flags to Avoid
Money
Bank statements: money kept for 28 days in a row
Parent's letter, if you use their money
Education loan letter, if you have one
Studies
Your CAS
ATAS certificate, if needed
Key to Success
Tell the truth and know your own plans. The caseworker cannot refuse you for not knowing the bus routes in your city.
Resources and Common Questions
Answers to the questions students from India and Pakistan ask most.
UK government (GOV.UK)
VFS Global visa centres
Get your CAS from your university
Take your TB test
Hold your money
Apply online and prove who you are
Need More Help?
Questions about your own case? Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), or talk to us.
Contact Visa ExpertComplete Guide to United Kingdom
Explore all aspects of studying in United Kingdom with our comprehensive guides
Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in United Kingdom with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationWant help with your UK Student visa?
We help you check your CAS, your bank papers and your TB certificate before you apply.
Get Visa Help