Student visa documents checklist: UK, Canada, Australia, Germany & USA

What documents does the UK Student visa need?

• Passport: a current passport or other valid travel document (required).
• CAS: a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from your course provider (required).
• Financial evidence: £1,529 a month for courses in London or £1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months, plus your first-year course fee. The money must be held for at least 28 days in a row, and that 28-day period must end within 31 days of your application. See the 28-day rule explained.
• TB test certificate: India is on the list of countries where you need a TB test, taken at an approved clinic. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray.
• ATAS certificate: only if your course and nationality require it, often for a master’s or above in certain subjects.
• Parental consent: only for applicants under 18.
• Fees: £558 to apply from outside the UK, plus the healthcare surcharge, which is £776 a year for students.

Read our Study in the UK guide and MS in UK cost.

What documents does a Canadian study permit need?

• Letter of acceptance (LOA): always required, from your designated learning institution.
• Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): needed in most cases; you usually accept your offer and pay tuition, in part or in full, first. Quebec uses a CAQ instead.
• Proof of identity: a valid passport and two recent passport-size photos.
• Proof of funds: for applications from 1 September 2026, CAD 23,448 for living costs for one person, plus tuition and travel. Accepted proof includes a GIC, a tuition payment receipt, an education loan and 6 months of bank statements.
• Letter of explanation: recommended; explain why you want to study in Canada.
• If asked: a medical exam, a police certificate and documents for your local visa office.

Read MS in Canada cost and Canada without IELTS.

What documents does the Australian Student visa (subclass 500) need?

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): issued after you accept your offer and pay your deposit; include a copy in your application.
• English test certificate: from an approved test. See Australia without IELTS.
• Genuine Student statement: online answers about your circumstances, why this course and country, and your study history, backed with evidence.
• Financial capacity: proof of at least AUD 29,710.
• OSHC: Overseas Student Health Cover for your whole stay; applications without it are refused.
• Health and character: you may need a health examination and a police check.
• Visa charge: AUD 2,500 from 1 July 2026, up from AUD 2,000.

Apply online through ImmiAccount. Read our Study in Australia guide.

What documents does a German student visa need from India?

The German Missions in India list these documents for the national visa for studies, uploaded through the Consular Service Portal:

• Passport issued within the last 10 years with at least 2 empty pages.
• School leaving certificate or previous degree: 10th and 12th mark sheets plus semester mark sheets for bachelor’s; previous degree and semester mark sheets for master’s or PhD.
• Proof of language skills: a recognised certificate, with the level depending on the course (B1 to C1).
• APS certificate: usually required for applicants with Indian school or university credentials, with listed exemptions.
• Proof of admission to a full-time degree programme, Studienkolleg or language course.
• Statement of intent: a freely written letter about your plan to study.
• CV in English or German, in table form.
• Proof of secure livelihood: a blocked account for the first year, currently €11,904, or a sponsor’s commitment, an eligible scholarship or an education loan.
• Fee proof for private universities or language courses, and health insurance valid from your arrival date.

Read MS in Germany cost and Germany without IELTS.

What documents do I bring to a US F-1 visa interview?

• Your original Form I-20, signed in ink.
• Your passport. The US Embassy in India asks for a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your period of stay, unless an agreement exempts you.
• The DS-160 confirmation page with its barcode.
• A photo that meets the requirements; bring a printed one if the upload fails.
• The visa application fee receipt and the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt.
• Copies of the financial documents, transcripts, test scores and diplomas you gave your university.

The I-20 alone does not guarantee a visa: you must show you are a credible student who intends to leave the US after studying. Read F-1 interview questions and the 2026 F-1 rule changes.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Using last year’s funds figure. UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and France all changed or confirmed amounts recently.
• Letting the 28-day UK balance window slip or submitting a statement older than allowed.
• Paying visa fees to anyone but the official portal.
• Submitting documents that do not match each other, such as different names or dates on the passport, CAS and bank statements.
• Waiting until the last month: the TB test, APS certificate and bank letters all take time. Check the intake planner.

Official sources

Figures on this page were checked on 22 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.

• GOV.UK: documents you must provide for a Student visa
• GOV.UK: money you need for a Student visa
• GOV.UK: Student visa fees
• GOV.UK: countries where you need a TB test
• IRCC: documents for a study permit
• IRCC: proof of financial support
• Study Australia: how to apply for your visa
• Study Australia: Student visa application charge increase
• German Missions in India: studies visa document list
• US Embassy India: apply for a nonimmigrant visa
• Study in the States (DHS): prepare for your visa interview