UK Student Visa Process: Step-by-Step Easy Guide for Indian Students

24 June 2025

It is a dream for most Indian students to pursue education in the UK. The nation is renowned for its highest-ranking universities, prosperous past, and thrilling career prospects. But before that, you must know about how the UK student visa process takes place.

We at BCES Admissions Abroad know how difficult it is to apply for a visa if this is the first time you are applying. That is why we have carefully crafted this step-by-step guide that will walk you through every step in a straightforward manner. If you are coming to the UK to study for your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD, the step-by-step guide will assist you to apply for your visa confidently.

Step 1: Obtain a University Offer Letter in the UK

What you first require is an unconditional offer letter from a duly recognized UK college or university that has the authority to sponsor international students. You need to acquire this offer letter prior to submitting your application for your visa.

Step 2: Obtain Your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)

After you’ve received your university offer, your university will assign you a CAS number. It’s your own and compulsory number to use for visa application. CAS will also have significant details such as the starting date of your course, fee for tuition, and course duration.

Step 3: Organize Proof of Funds

You must prove that you are in a position to pay:

• Your annual tuition fee (or the full course if it is shorter than a year).
• Your living costs for a maximum of 9 months, depending on where you will be living in the UK.
• Your funds should have been in your bank account for 28 consecutive days prior to submitting your application.

Step 4: Online Application for Your Visa

You will need to apply for your Student Visa (formerly Tier 4 Visa) from the UK government official visa website. When you fill out your application:

• You’ll have to pay the cost of the visa application fee.
• You’ll have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which will enable you to use UK health services while you’re studying.

Step 5: Go to Your Biometric Appointment

Once you’ve applied online, you’ll have to book an appointment at your local Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India. There, you’ll have to give your fingerprints and your photograph will be taken.

Step 6: Credibility Interview (If Needed)

Sometimes, the UK visa office may invite you for a credibility interview. The interview is short and simple to confirm that you do indeed plan to study in the UK. You will be asked about your desired course, future intentions after studying, and how you will finance your living expenses and tuition fees.

Step 7: Wait for Your Visa Decision

After all of that, you then just have to wait. The standard decision time is 3 to 4 weeks but occasionally a little longer depending on the season. 

Step 8: Pick Up Your Visa and Prepare to Travel

If your application is approved, a vignette sticker will be placed in your passport. This enables you to travel to the UK. When you arrive in the UK, you will need to pick up your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from where you chose on your visa application, typically within 10 days of your date of entry.

Helpful tips for a smooth process:

• Attempt to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to the commencement of your course.
• Always double-check your documents prior to submission.
• When requested for an interview, be frank and assertive.

Here at BCES Admissions Abroad, we assist students with each step of their process — from determining the appropriate university to obtaining their visa application successfully. In case you require professional assistance, contact us today at +91-9319996328 or email us your query on enq@bces.in