UK student visas

You can start your student visa application once you have received an unconditional offer letter from the university of your choice.

NOTE: Some information given on this page will no longer be relevant due to new visa rules coming in effect after end of March 2009. You should carefully read and understand the new rules given here.

Usually you should also have secured accommodation by this time or at least have a good idea about where you intend to stay and how much you intend to spend on accommodation and bills (ask your landlord). You should also know what your tuition fee is. You should know what the day to day living expenses are for your town (the university can provide this information). Having a very clear financial chart is essential at this stage as this will form a major part of your visa application.

The application process and forms change from time to time, you should read the most current instructions here and remember to use the most current application form.

Visa applications are made at what are called visa application centers. These centers only collect and send your visa documents to the British High Commission. They are not involved in the decision making process but they can provide you with detailed information about what form to use and how to fill it up.

The application form is simple and documents required straightforward. You should be able to complete the process yourself provided you read all instructions carefully and use the correct form. Give at least 15 to 30 days for the processing.

At a minimum the following documents are required. Additional documents may be required based on the most current rules and your particular situation. All documents must be provided in original, no photo-copies or true-copies.

1. University offer letter
2. Your present and past qualification certificates
3. A financial statement detailing your expenses for 1 year and how you intend to meet them (through parents help, scholarships etc)
4. Sponsor letter: If your parents intend to fund your studies or part thereof then they should provide a letter on a Rs.20 or Rs.100 stamp paper agreeing to do this. They will also have to prove financial worth and provide tax certificates. Any other sponsors should also provide a similar separate letter.
5. Bank statements proving you (or your sponsor) have the finances to meet your financial commitments. Financial proof must be present and not refer to future or prospective earnings.
6. Letters for any scholarships/discounts you have been offered or obtained
7. Your birth certificate or domicile certificate or any other government document that clearly shows your birth date.
8. A letter to the British high commission saying that you only intend to study in the UK, will abide by the rules and restrictions of your visa and leave at the end of its term unless granted extension.

Additional (optional) documents that will help your visa decision:

1. If you have paid part of your tuition or accommodation fee, include the university acknowledgment or bank confirmation for the same.
2. If you have agreed with your sponsor that you will return to India after the course, include the document that highlights this agreement.
3. If you have already booked a return airplane ticket, include this with your documents.
4. Your latest CV, detailing any work experience you may have gained in India.

Before making your application take a copy of the filled form and keep the copy with you as you will not receive your filled application form back. The copy serves as a useful summary of your details and will help you in future applications.