UK student visa from India 2026: fees, funds & step-by-step
What the UK Student visa costs, how much money you must show, which documents you need, who can bring family, and what the Graduate visa offers after your course.
A UK Student visa from India costs £558, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year of your visa. You must also show your first-year course fees plus living costs of £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months, held for 28 days. You can apply up to 6 months before your course starts. Only postgraduate research students and government-sponsored students can bring dependants.
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How much does a UK student visa cost from India?
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa application fee | £558 | Applying from outside the UK |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £776 a year | Paid upfront for the whole visa length |
| TB test | Clinic fee | Required for applicants from India, at an approved clinic |
| Priority service (optional) | Extra fee | Faster decision where available |
Source: GOV.UK, checked October 2026. The surcharge covers NHS healthcare in the UK.
For a 1-year master's, your visa usually runs a few months beyond the course, so check the surcharge for your exact visa length on GOV.UK. Read our MS in UK cost guide for tuition and living costs.
How much money must I show?
- Course fees: the unpaid part of your first year's fees, as shown on your CAS.
- Living costs: £1,529 a month for courses in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months. That's £13,761 or £10,539 for 9 months.
- The 28-day rule: the money must be in the account for at least 28 consecutive days, and the end of that period must fall within 31 days of your application. See our 28-day rule guide.
- Education loans can count as evidence when the lender is a regulated financial institution. See our education loan guide.
Which documents do I need?
- A current passport.
- Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the university.
- Proof of funds, as above.
- A TB test certificate from an approved clinic in India.
- An ATAS certificate, only if your course and nationality require it.
- Proof of English, if your university asks you to provide it.
Compare with other countries in our visa documents checklist.
What are the steps, and how long does it take?
- Accept your offer and pay your deposit. The university then issues your CAS.
- Get your TB test at an approved clinic and arrange your funds early, so the 28 days are complete in time.
- Apply online on GOV.UK and pay the visa fee and health surcharge. The earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course starts.
- Give your biometrics at a visa application centre (there is one in Hyderabad).
- Wait for a decision. Applications from outside the UK usually get a decision within 3 weeks; plan for longer in peak months like July to September.
Can I take my spouse or children on a UK student visa?
Only in limited cases. Your partner and children can apply as dependants if you are a government-sponsored student on a course longer than 6 months, or a full-time postgraduate on a course of 9 months or longer that is a PhD, other doctorate or research-based higher degree, for courses starting on or after 1 January 2024. Taught master's students, which covers most Indian students, can't bring dependants. Each dependant must show £845 a month in London or £680 elsewhere, for up to 9 months.
What happens after my course?
The Graduate visa lets you stay and work after a UK degree. If you apply on or before 31 December 2026 it lasts 2 years (3 years after a PhD). From 1 January 2027 it drops to 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates. See our post-study work comparison.
Official sources
Figures on this page were checked on 23 Oct 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current numbers on the official site before you pay or apply.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is the UK student visa fee from India?
£558 to apply from outside the UK, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 for each year of your visa.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
Your unpaid first-year fees plus £1,529 a month in London or £1,171 a month elsewhere, for up to 9 months, held for at least 28 consecutive days.
Can I bring my wife on a UK student visa?
Only if you are a government-sponsored student or a postgraduate on a PhD, other doctorate or research-based degree of 9 months or longer. Taught master's students can't bring dependants for courses starting from 1 January 2024.
How long does a UK student visa take from India?
Applications from outside the UK usually get a decision within 3 weeks. Apply as early as 6 months before your course to leave room for delays.
How long is the UK Graduate visa?
2 years if you apply on or before 31 December 2026 (3 years after a PhD), and 18 months for bachelor's and master's graduates from 1 January 2027.
Does Abbacy help with UK student visa applications?
Yes. We audit your funds, check every document and run mock credibility interviews at our Himayatnagar office, free of charge.
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