UK Student Visa 2025 - Requirements, Process & Fees

The United Kingdom (UK) is home to some of the best universities in the world, offering world-class education, a rich cultural experience, and a globally recognised academic reputation. Data released by the UK Home Office showed that in January 2025, students submitted 28,700 applications for sponsored-study visas, a 13% increase over January 2024. This steady rise in applications shows just how attractive the UK remains for international students, including Indian students. But before you can pack your bags and book your flight, you will need to secure a UK Student Visa, a crucial step in starting your academic journey in the UK.

Navigating the UK study visa process generally requires a thorough understanding of both the application process and the document requirements to achieve a successful outcome. This journey could feel long and overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it can become manageable. AECC Global offers exactly this, providing visa consultation services for students seeking to study abroad, ensuring they have a smooth, hassle-free process. Here is everything you need to know about the UK student visa application process for 2025:

Types of UK Student Visas

There are three main types of visas to study in the UK:

UK Student Visa Requirements 2025

Here are the key student visa requirements for the UK:

CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

Applicants must show a CAS or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, provided by the university or college they will be attending in the UK. The letter confirms that the student has been accepted to study at their university and outlines the details of their course.

Financial Requirements

Applicants must have enough financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses during their stay in the country. They must show they can afford tuition for at least one academic year. The exact amount they will need to pay will be mentioned on their CAS letter.

In addition to tuition, applicants must also prove they can support themselves financially while living in the UK. The amount needed will vary depending on where they will be studying. They will either need:

• £1,483 per month (for 9 months) for courses in London
• £1,136 per month (for 9 months) for courses outside of London

English Language Proficiency

Applicants must show sufficient English language proficiency to be able to Study in the UK. This means they must be able to speak, understand, read and write English without difficulty. English language proficiency can be demonstrated through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

TB Test Certificate

A Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate will be required to prove that the applicant has been tested and is free from the disease.

Passport and Photographs

Applicants must provide their current passport valid for travel and recent passport-sized photographs as part of the UK student visa application process.

Applying for a UK Student Visa can be a complex process and having someone assist you in the process is beneficial to say the least. Indian students looking to study in UK or looking for assistance with their UK Student Visa process can get in touch with our AECC Counsellors for free.

UK Student Visa Application Process

Here is the step-by-step process on how to apply for a UK student visa:

1. Receive CAS: The first step is to get CAS, or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, from the school, university or college where you intend to study.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather all the required documents, including your passport, financial proof, English proficiency test results, TB test certificate, and photographs.
3. Complete Online Application: Fill out the visa application form by visiting the official UK government website. Save and review the form before submitting.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Next, you must pay the visa fees. Students looking to apply for their UK Student Visa can pay online through a MasterCard or Visa card or through other cards that are accepted at the visa application centre.
5. Book a Biometrics Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the visa application centre to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).
6. Attend the Interview: As per the schedule, attend the interview for the UK Student Visa.
7. Wait for Approval: The visa processing time varies, but it typically takes three to four weeks. Once approved, your visa will be issued, allowing you to pursue your dreams of studying in the UK.

UK Student Visa Fee 2025

To apply for a UK student visa from India, you have to pay certain fees. Here is an overview of student visa fees for UK from India:

• Visa Application Fees: As of April 9th, 2025, the UK student visa fee is £524, an increase from the previous £490. Here is the overview of an updated UK study visa fees:

• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Cost: Besides application fees, students also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of their application. This surcharge is mandatory and allows them access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. For students and their dependents, the current Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776 per year of the visa and is subject to change, so it is important to check the exact fee before you apply.
• Priority/Super Priority Visa Processing Charges: For priority processing of a visa, a student will need to pay an additional fee of £500, while for Super Priority Service, an additional fee of £1,000 per applicant is required.

Financial Requirements for a UK Student Visa

When applying for a UK student visa, you must show that you have enough money for course fees, living costs, and partner or children's living costs, if you're bringing them on your visa.
Here is the breakdown of financial requirements for a UK student visa:
Course Fees
You will need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees for the duration of your course. These are generally shown on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
Living Cost
As of January 2025, to cover living expenses in the UK during your studies, you will need to show: -

• £1,136 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months), if you're studying outside London
• £1,483 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months), if you're studying in London

• £680 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months), if you're studying outside London
• £845 per month (up to a maximum of 9 months), if you're studying in London

How to Prove You Have Enough Money to Cover Living Expenses in the UK

You can prove you have enough money to cover living expenses using: -

• A student loan from a government, a government-backed loan company, or a regulated student loan scheme.
• Personal funds, including money held in your own account.
• Official financial sponsorship, such as funding provided by a national government, university, or other recognised organisation.
• Funds from your parents, along with a letter from them confirming their consent for you to use the money for your studies.
• Funds from your partner, provided they are either already in the UK or applying for a visa at the same time as you.

UK Student Visa Processing Time

Here are the processing times for a UK Student Visa in 2025:

Besides the standard processing time, if you opt for priority processing, you will get your visa in 5 working days, whereas for super priority processing, you will get the visa on the next working day.

While UK immigration and visa consultants aim to complete your visa application process within the standard timeline, there are situations where it may take longer, including:

• Peak visa periods can lead to processing times longer than usual
• If the information provided in your application is incorrect or needs further investigation.
• Some applications need a personal interview, which can lead to delays in the visa applications.
• In case of special circumstances, like a criminal record, further personal information may be needed.

Extending or Switching Your UK Visa

Students can apply to extend their student visa or switch to another visa type while in the UK. To extend your student visa in the UK, you must:

Be in the UK on a Student visa.

• Have an unconditional offer of a course from a licensed student sponsor, shown by your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Generally you must show that your studies will be at a higher academic level than your current course.

To switch from another visa type to a UK student visa, you must:

• Be in the UK
• Have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed educational institution.

You cannot switch to a UK student visa if you have a:

• Visitor visa
• Short-term student visa
• Parent of a Child Student visa
• Seasonal worker visa
• Domestic worker in a private household visa

Top Reasons to Study in the UK

Studying in the UK offers a range of benefits, including: -

• The UK has some of the best universities in the world, with a ranking that continuously appears in the top 10.
• A degree from the UK is widely accepted and valued by employers all over the world, making it a great option for overseas students.
• The course duration in the UK is generally shorter than in other countries, with postgraduate courses taking just one year to complete.
• The UK allows international students to work full-time in summer breaks and part-time for up to 20 hours per week, allowing them to manage their expenses while studying.
• Many UK universities offer funding options and scholarships for international students, helping them financially.

It is clear that proper planning and professional guidance are essential for a successful UK student visa application process. By ensuring all requirements are met and documents are accurately prepared, students can streamline their application process and avoid unnecessary delays.

For expert advice and personalised assistance, reach out to AECC Counsellors today. Being an experienced student visa consultant, we provide tailored support, guiding you through every step of your visa journey for a successful academic future in the UK.