Want to get benefitted from UK’s educational excellence? Then UK student visa is for you. Students over 16 years of age, wanting to pursue a higher educational course (lasting more than 6 months) from UK, require it. UK student visa fees are GBP 490 which the international candidates need to pay. It takes 3 weeks for UK student visa processing time for international students. If you are applying from UK, the UK student visa processing time is around 8 weeks. Candidates need to have enough bank balance to support them for a year in UK to apply for Visa. If you are staying in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months, you do not need to show bank statement for UK student Visa. International candidates staying outside UK can apply for a visa 6 months before the start of the course. If you are applying from inside UK, the earliest you can apply is 3 months before the course start date. Candidates need to clear the UK points based immigration system to be eligible to enter UK. 

Latest Updates:

  • UKVI issued 1,33,237 visas for Indian students in 2023. This makes Indians the top UK student visa seekers.
  • UK's exchange program named Turing Scheme, benefitted more than 33,000 students. 
  • UK student visa fees are changed from GBP 363 to GBP 490
  • If you need to stay in UK for more than 6 months to complete your studies, you need to pay Immigration Health Surcharge of GBP 776 annually. For the period of 1-6 months, the surcharge is GBP 388.

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There are some other types of visa routes. If you choose to study at the best universities in UK for less than six months, you can apply for a visitor visa. Surprisingly, students from European Union and some eligible countries, do not need a student visa to study courses for less than 6 months. The cost of a 6 months visitor visa is GBP 115. The second option is a Short-term student route visa. If you are selecting to study an English language course of 6 to 11 months long, a short-term student route visa can do the job. Another option is child student visa. If you are underage (below 17) and want to study at a school in UK, you can apply for a child student visa.

Types of UK Student Visa Fees

The Tier 4 (General) UK visa fees for Indian students is GBP 490. Though, the name ‘Tier 4 visa’ is invalid now, it is called UK Student visa only. The UK student visa processing time begins after the application is submitted. It takes up to 3 weeks for candidates applying from outside UK to get the visa and study in UK. The UK student visa processing time for candidates applying from UK is 8 weeks. The table below demonstrates the details:

Visa Type Visa Fee
General student Visa The UK embassy fees for student visa in India is GBP 490 
Child student visa The application price for a UK priority visa fees for tier 4 students (child) student visa is GBP 363 including a healthcare premium.

GBP 490 to extend or switch to a Child Student visa from inside the UK
Short-term study visa An 11-month UK student visa cost GBP 200 plus a GBP 470 fee for healthcare surcharge as part of the online application.

Note: GBP 1= INR 105.27 as of April 6, 2024

UK Student Visa Payment Modes

The UK study Visa Fees payment for Indian candidates are online. It is mandatory for UK visa applications in India. The online UK Visa Fees payment can be done via Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards or via e-wallet (PayPal or Skrill). If you wish to immigrate to UK, you need to pay via these payment modes. The Visa Application Centres will not be accepting the UK student visa application fees either in cash or demand draft. The payment process and details are as follows:

  1. Applicants can pay online using Visa or MasterCard debit or credit cards or via e-wallet (Skrill).
  2. The e-wallet account needs to be created a few days before the application to ensure that the funds will be available to use.
  3. The online UK student visa fees will need to be made in INR only.
  4. After the fees has been paid online via Visa4UK, candidates will receive a payment confirmation email from WorldPay.
  5. This needs to be printed and taken to the visa application centre when they submit the rest of their visa application.
  6. Applicants who have made online payment for their visa will still have to attend the visa application centre to submit their documents and provide their biometric data.
  7. Once the documents are submitted, they need to wait for the UK student visa processing time.
  8. Once the Visa is processed, candidates will receive the Visa.

UK Family Visa Cost

The visa fees to take the family to UK depends on who is joining and how you apply. Check all the requirements and parameters for dependant visa in UK before applying. The processing time for family Visa is 24 weeks if the candidate is applying from outside UK. If the candidate is applying from UK, the processing time is 8 weeks. The details of the cost are:

Apply Outside the UK Apply in the UK
Partner, parent, or child GBP 1,538  GBP 1,048 
Each dependant visa added to the application GBP 1,538  GBP 1,048 for each person
Having temporary ‘protection status’ GBP 388  GBP 1,408 

Note: GBP 1= INR 105.27 as of April 6, 2024

Healthcare Surcharge

Planning to stay in UK for more than 6-12 months? If yes, then you need to pay the health surcharge. This is applicable for undergraduate programs, MS in UK programs, MBA or PhD programs as well. Candidates applying for UK Visa need to pay the Healthcare Surcharge while applying for Visa. The charges are:

Duration Adult (18 or older) Child (under 18)
2 years and 6 months GBP 1,560  GBP 1,175 
2 years and 9 months GBP 1,872  GBP 1,410 
5 years GBP 3,120  GBP 2,350 

Note: GBP 1= INR 105.27 as of April 6, 2024

Financial Requirements for Stay in UK

The candidates need to be financially stable to be able to stay in the UK. There are multiple jobs for Indian in UK with visa sponsorship that the candidates can do. The cost details are:

Candidates

The candidates should have the expense with them while studying in the UK. The amount varies as per the location. The details are:

  • Courses in universities in London (9 months): GBP 1,334 per month 
  • Courses outside London (9 months): GBP 1,023 per month 

The money required by dependents to support themselves are:

  • GBP 845  a month (for up to 9 months) for courses in London
  • GBP 680 a month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London

Documents Required for UK Student Visa

Candidates applying for UK student Visa requires multiple documents. These include passport, language sufficiency certificates, financial proof etc. Requirement for UK Study Visa are:

  • Recent passport or other valid travel documentation
  • Proof or bank statement showing that the candidate has enough money to support and pay for your course
  • A valid ATAS certificate (if the course and nationality require it)
  • Proof of parental or other legal guardian consent if the candidate is under 18
  • Proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian if the candidate is under 18
  • Candidate’s tuberculosis test results
  • Written consent for the application from the financial sponsor
  • A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the course provider
  • A blank page in the passport for visa if you need to give your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) at a visa application centre.

If the candidate is under 18 the consent of the guardian must include:

  • The visa application
  • The cost of living and care arrangements in the UK
  • The travel details to the UK
  • A copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of the parents

The student visa fees for UK from India needs to be paid online and is not accepted in cash. Paying the UK student Visa fees does not make a person eligible for the Visa. This is the application fee that the candidates need to pay for applying. The eligibility and validation check is done at the Visa centre.

FAQs

Ques: What are the current UK student visa fees?

Ans: The fees for a UK student visa vary depending on factors such as the type of course and duration of stay. As of 2024, the standard application fee for a Tier 4 (General) student visa is GBP 490/ application. You can pay the application fee by using credit cards, Paypal or Skrill payment portals. 

Ques: How long does it take to process a UK student visa application?

Ans: Processing times can vary based on several factors including the country you're applying from and whether you've opted for any priority services. Generally, it takes around 3 weeks for a standard visa application to be processed.

Ques: Are there any additional fees besides the visa application fee?

Ans: There may be additional fees such as the healthcare surcharge and biometric enrolment fee. These fees contribute to the National Health Service (NHS) and the cost of collecting your biometric information. However, the sole application fee is GBP 490 per application.

Ques: Can I accelerate the processing of my UK student visa application?

Ans: There are options for accelerated processing such as the priority or super-priority services. These services come with an additional fee but can significantly reduce the processing time. If you need a student visa at the earliest, you can choose this services by paying extra charges.

Ques: Do I need to pay the healthcare surcharge for a UK student visa?

Ans: Yes, most applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their visa application. This surcharge grants access to the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK.

Ques: Are there any discounts or waivers available for UK student visa fees?

Ans: Some individuals, such as certain healthcare workers or those on specific government-sponsored programs, may be eligible for fee waivers. It's important to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Ques: Can I get a refund if my UK student visa application is rejected?

Ans: Generally, visa application fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. However, in certain circumstances, such as if the visa processing is delayed significantly, you may be eligible for a refund or a portion of the fee.

Ques: Are there any scholarships or financial aid available to help with UK student visa fees?

Ans: Yes, there are various scholarships and financial aid programs offered by universities, governments, and other organizations to assist students with the costs associated with studying abroad, including visa fees.

Ques: Can I pay the UK student visa fee in installments?

Ans: The visa application fee must be paid in full at the time of application. There is no option for installment payments. If you do not have sufficient funds to pay at one go, arrange required funds and apply. As it might lead to you a failed visa application.

10. Do I need to provide evidence of funds to cover the visa application fee?

Ans: The visa application fee is separate from the funds you need to show to cover your living expenses and tuition fees while studying in the UK. It is as an one-time non refundable application fee and the proof that you have successfully submitted the visa application to study in UK.

Ques: Are there any age restrictions on UK student visa fees?

Ans: There are no specific age restrictions on the visa application fees. However, the fees may vary depending on the type of course and the duration of stay. Apart from this, the dependant visa fees can vary. 

Ques: Can I pay the UK student visa fee online?

Ans: You have to pay the visa application fee online using a debit or credit card. Other than that, you can also use payment portals like Paypal or Skrill to pay the visa application fees. So, it is recommended to check with the available payment methods before applying. 

Ques: Is the UK student visa fee the same for all nationalities?

Ans: Yes, the visa application fee is generally the same for all nationalities. However, there may be additional fees or requirements for certain nationalities, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for your country.

Ques: Can I change my course or institution after paying the UK student visa fee?

Ans: If you change your course or institution after paying the visa fee, you may need to apply for a new visa depending on the extent of the change. It's essential to consult with immigration authorities to determine the appropriate course of action.

Ques: Are there any hidden fees associated with the UK student visa application process?

Ans: While the main visa application fee is transparent, there may be additional costs such as postage fees or fees for supporting documents. It's essential to budget accordingly and inquire about any potential additional charges upfront.