Summary
The current route is the Student visa. Many students still call it Tier 4. Apply only after you get a CAS from your UK university. You must show course fees and living funds, usually held for 28 days. The visa fee is £558 from outside the UK. Students also pay the healthcare surcharge. Decisions usually take 3 weeks outside the UK. UMA Educational Services helps Indian students in Thane plan each step clearly.
Introduction
According to GOV.UK, Student visa applications from outside the UK usually take 3 weeks, and the fee is £558. The old Tier 4 wording still appears in some UK guidance, but the current route is the Student visa.
That shift confuses many Indian families. They hear different names from old blogs and new websites. That can make the process feel more difficult than it is.
This guide clears that up. You will learn the current steps, documents, money rules, and timing. You will also see how the UK student visa process for Indians works in 2026.
What documents do Indian students need before applying?
You must have a current passport and a CAS from your university. You may also need proof of funds, English evidence, TB test results, and ATAS for some master’s courses.
| Document | Why it matters |
| Passport | Confirms your identity |
| CAS | Proves your university offer |
| Financial proof | Shows you can pay fees and living costs |
| English evidence | Confirms language readiness |
| TB test results | May be needed for your application |
| ATAS certificate | May be needed for some postgraduate courses |
The document list changes with your course and situation. Still, the CAS is the core document. Without it, you cannot move to the visa stage.
If you are applying from India, organise documents early. That helps you avoid delays later. It also makes the UK student visa process for Indians feel much more manageable.
How do you apply from India step by step?
The process is straightforward when you follow the right order. First, get your CAS. Then complete the online application and pay the fee. After that, provide biometrics and supporting documents.
Use this simple sequence:
- Confirm your university place.
- Receive your CAS.
- Check your documents.
- Apply online.
- Pay the fee and healthcare surcharge.
- Book and attend biometrics.
- Wait for the decision.
You usually apply up to 6 months before your course starts if you are outside the UK. You can arrive up to 1 month before a course longer than 6 months.
For many students, timing is the real challenge. A late application can affect flight plans and accommodation. That is why early preparation matters.
How much money do you need for fees, living costs, and health cover?
You must show enough money for your course and living costs. For living costs, GOV.UK currently lists £1,529 per month in London and £1,171 per month outside London, for up to 9 months.
You also need your course fee money as shown on your CAS. The funds must usually be held for 28 days in a row. The evidence must be recent and match the application date.
| Cost item | Current rule |
| Visa fee | £558 from outside the UK |
| Living funds in London | £1,529 per month |
| Living funds outside London | £1,171 per month |
| Healthcare surcharge | Students pay £776 per year |
| Fund holding period | 28 days |
The healthcare surcharge is paid during the application. For students, it is £776 per year.
This is where many applicants lose time. They underestimate the real total. A clean financial file makes the UK student visa process for Indians far smoother.
What happens after biometrics and how long does the decision take?
After online submission, you must give biometrics. That means fingerprints and a photograph. UK guidance says you normally attend a visa application centre for this step.
A decision usually comes within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. If you apply from inside the UK, it usually takes 8 weeks.
| Stage | Usual timeframe |
| Outside UK decision | 3 weeks |
| Inside UK decision | 8 weeks |
| Earliest application | 6 months before course |
| Earliest arrival | 1 month before course start |
Once approved, you receive an eVisa record. That is your online immigration status.
If your application is successful, check your travel details carefully. Your arrival must match the visa start date. That avoids problems at the border.
How can UMA Educational Services help students in Thane with UK visa planning?
UMA Educational Services helps students and parents understand the process early. That is useful when admission, finances, and visa timing all move together. It is especially helpful for families in Thane planning UK study routes.
A good consultancy can help with:
- CAS readiness
- Document checks
- Fund planning
- Timeline planning
- Application review
- Interview confidence
That support reduces mistakes. It also gives families a clearer picture of the 2026 process. For many applicants, that is the difference between stress and confidence.
If you are exploring the UK student visa process for Indians, local guidance can save time. It also helps you stay organised across each step.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tier 4 still the correct visa name?
Tier 4 is the older name many people still use. The current route on GOV.UK is the Student visa. The guidance still references Tier 4 in some extension pages.
Do I need a CAS before applying?
Yes. GOV.UK says you must provide a CAS from your course provider when you apply.
How much money should I show?
You need course fees plus living costs. Living costs are currently £1,529 per month in London and £1,171 outside London.
How long does the visa take?
It usually takes 3 weeks outside the UK and 8 weeks inside the UK.
Do Indian students need biometrics?
Yes. You normally provide fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre.
Conclusion
The UK student visa route is clear when broken into steps. Get your CAS first.
Then prepare your money proof, complete the application, and attend biometrics.
The 2026 rules still focus on the same essentials. Strong documents, correct funds, and careful timing matter most. That is true for every Indian applicant.
If you want help with the UK student visa process for Indians, UMA Educational Services can guide you from Thane with clear next steps. Talk to an Expert.
