Quick Facts
UK student numbers
Approx. 126,000 Indian students โ the second largest international group in the UK (HESA 2023/24)
Most popular courses
Computer Science, Data Science, Business & Management, Engineering, MBA, Finance
IELTS requirement
Typically 6.5โ7.0; PTE Academic also widely accepted
Education loans
Common and accepted โ loan sanction letter accepted as financial evidence for visa
Graduate Route visa
2-year post-study work visa โ consistently cited as the top reason Indian students choose the UK over the USA
Most popular UK cities
London, Manchester, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester
Part-time work
Up to 20 hours per week during term time on a Student visa
TB test
Required for Indian nationals โ book early from a UKVI-approved clinic
How to Get Your UK Student Visa
Step-by-step guide to the Student visa (formerly Tier 4) process for applicants from India.
Apply to UK universities through UCAS (for undergraduate) or directly to the university (for postgraduate Master's and PhD). UK universities accept CBSE, ICSE, and State Board results โ check each university's specific grade requirements.
Receive your CAS from your UK university after accepting an unconditional offer.
Gather all required documents including financial evidence, English language results, and academic transcripts. If you are taking an education loan, you will need loan sanction documentation.
Complete the UKVI Student visa application at gov.uk. Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge โ check gov.uk for current amounts.
Book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India โ available in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and others.
Attend your biometrics appointment with all original documents.
Undergo a TB test at an approved clinic if required โ required for Indian nationals. Book this early as appointments can be in demand.
Await a decision (typically around 3 weeks). Collect your BRP from your UK university within 10 days of arrival.
Documents Checklist
Make sure you have all of these before submitting your visa application. Missing documents are the most common reason for delays and refusals.
Valid Indian passport
CAS reference number from your UK university
Financial evidence โ bank statements for 28 consecutive days, or education loan sanction letter with disbursement schedule
Academic qualifications โ CBSE/ICSE/State Board marksheets and certificates; degree certificates and transcripts for postgraduate applicants
English language certificate โ IELTS Academic or PTE Academic (both widely accepted by UK universities)
Tuberculosis (TB) test results from a UKVI-approved clinic
ATAS certificate if studying certain sensitive postgraduate subjects
Bank Statement Requirements
Financial evidence is critical. This is one of the most common reasons for visa refusals โ make sure you understand exactly what is required.
Financial Evidence Required for India
Must show maintenance funds plus first-year tuition. London: ยฃ1,334/month ร 9 = ยฃ12,006. Outside London: ยฃ1,023/month ร 9 = ยฃ9,207. Add first-year tuition fees. Education loans are a common and accepted way to demonstrate funds โ the loan sanction letter must show the total approved amount covering both tuition and living costs. Funds must be in an account that has been held for 28 consecutive days. Check gov.uk for current figures.
IELTS Test Centres in India
Book your IELTS Academic test at one of these approved centres. Read our full IELTS guide โ
Always book directly through British Council or IDP to avoid fraud. Do not use third-party agents to book IELTS.
India Communities in the UK
Connecting with your community makes the transition to UK life much easier. These organisations support students from India.
Indian Students Association (ISA) โ present at most UK universities, very active with cultural events, Diwali celebrations, and networking
British India community โ the UK has one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the world, particularly strong in Leicester, Birmingham, Coventry, and London
National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) โ advocacy and support organisation for Indian students in the UK
Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim student societies โ active at most UK universities
Scholarships Available for India Students
These funding opportunities are open specifically to students from India applying to UK universities.
| Scholarship | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships | Up to $100,000 USD for top UK universities | Typically April each year โ check Inlaks website |
| Felix Scholarship | Full fees + maintenance | Check University of Oxford, Reading, and SOAS websites |
| Co Lab Education Grant | ยฃ800โยฃ2,500 estimated | Ongoing |
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
Prestigious scholarships for exceptional Indian students applying to leading UK and US universities. Very competitive โ for outstanding academic performers.
Felix Scholarship
Available to Indian students studying at the University of Oxford, University of Reading, or SOAS. Covers full tuition and living costs.
Co Lab Education Grant
Co Lab returns 50%+ of university commission back to you as an education grant. Shown on every course page.
Ready to Find Your UK Course?
Browse thousands of UK university courses with tuition fees, entry requirements, and available education grants โ all in one place.