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Visas

UK Student Visa Cost & Proof of Funds

UK student visa cost and proof of funds 2027 guide featuring Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, with a breakdown of visa fees, IHS and financial documents.

The basic UK student visa cost includes an application fee of £558 (approx. ₹70,950) and the mandatory medical insurance (IHS) at £776 (approx. ₹98,670) per year.

However, you remain covered by the health insurance even after you finish your education. The combined UK visa fee and IHS is £1,722 (approximately ₹2.19 lakh) for a one-year master’s degree and £3,274 (approximately ₹4.16 lakh) for a three-year bachelor’s degree. Indian students also need ₹3,500-₹4,500 for a mandatory TB test.

You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living costs for the first year of study. Provide evidence of having £13,761 (approx. ₹17.50 Lakhs) if you are studying within London, or £10,539 (approx. ₹13.40 Lakhs) if you are studying outside London.

UK Student Visa Cost: Complete Fee Breakdown

Here is your UK student visa cost breakdown.

ExpenseEstimated cost in GBPApproximate cost in INR
Student visa application fee£558₹70,900
IHS for a one-year Master's (16 months)£1,164₹1,47,800
Total visa fee and IHS for a one-year Master's£1,722₹2,18,700
IHS for an undergraduate degree (approx. 3 years)£2,716₹3,44,900
Total visa fee and IHS for a three-year Bachelor's£3,274₹4,15,800
TB test in India₹3,500-₹4,500
IELTS Academic test in India₹19,000-₹20,000
Certified document translation, if required₹500-₹1,500 per page
One-way flight from India to the UK₹25,000-₹80,000 (Depends on the flight)
Initial accommodation and deposit£500-£1,500₹63,500-₹1,90,500 (Depends on the type of accommodation)

What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The Immigration Health Surcharge is a healthcare fee that most international students will be required to pay when applying for a visa to come to the UK. 

The current rate for students is £776 (approx. ₹98,550). This depends on how long your visa lasts, which is usually longer than the duration of your course.

The total UK visa application fee is:

  • One-year Master's: £1,722 (approximately ₹2.19 lakh).

  • Three-year Bachelor's: £3,274 (approximately ₹4.16 lakh).

UK student visa requirements for Indian students

The requirements generally include:

  • Having an eligible course offer letter from a university

  • A passport with 6 months’ validity

  • A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)

  • All academic certificates and transcripts

  • English proficiency certificate

  • Sufficient proof of funds

  • Visa and IHS payment receipts

  • Tuberculosis test certificate

  • An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate for Masters and PhD.

How much money must you show?

When you are figuring out study costs in UK, remember that you need to show your tuition fees for 1 year and 9 months of living costs in your bank account.

Study locationMonthly maintenance amountNine-month total
London£1,529£13,761
Outside London£1,171£10,539

Rules for UK Student Visa Proof of Funds

Your bank balance must meet the applicable financial requirement to apply for a UK student visa from India. The full amount must stay in your bank account for at least 28 days in a row. The closing date of the financial evidence must also fall within 31 days before your application date.

Which financial documents can you use?

The financial documents you can use are:

  • Personal bank statements.

  • Eligible savings or deposit account records.

  • A qualifying student loan letter.

  • Official financial sponsorship evidence.

  • You can submit financial proof from your parents' accounts. All you have to do is present a letter of authorization and confirm your relationship.

  • Additionally, if you are funding your studies through a student loan, review the official regulations.

How to apply for a UK student visa step-by-step

To prepare your application, follow these steps.

Step 1: Accept the university's offer and fulfilll the prerequisites.

Step 2: Get your CAS. Look at the course information, tuition costs, and any payments noted on the record.

Step 3: Include your tuition in the necessary expenses for upkeep. Verify the 28-day rule and prepare acceptable proof of your money.

Step 4: Enter your details accurately using the official UK government application service. Seek help from UK visa consultants in this case.

Step 5: Pay the visa fees for UK from India and the calculated IHS. Keep your payment receipts with you.

Step 6: Verify your identification. When submitting your fingerprints, photo, or other necessary identity proof, adhere to the guidelines. If directed, show up for a visa application center appointment.

Step 7: Await a decision. Although it can take longer, it typically takes three weeks.

Apply as early as possible to avoid any delays. Don't book non-refundable travel before receiving your visa.

UK student visa from India: Should you use a consultant?

UK visa consultants can help you organise documents, understand application requirements, and prepare for the next steps. However, you should compare services carefully, as you can also apply independently through the official UK government website.

Gradstar, as an education abroad consultant, helps Indian students plan their UK study journey. The process starts from exploring suitable UK universities and courses to understanding admission requirements and preparing for the UK study visa costs involved. Consulting with Gradstar’s UK study consultants enables you to make well-informed choices prior to starting your visa application.

Rounding Up

It takes great deal of preparation to apply for a UK student visa from India for entrance in 2027. Prepare your financial documentation, verify the necessary evidence of finances, and compute your visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Gradstar can assist you with researching the cost of studying in the UK, obtaining a visa, and organizing your study abroad experience.

Book a free 1-to-1 consultation with Gradstar. We'll help you map out your study goals, find the right program, and start your UK education adventure.

FAQs

  1. What are the steps to apply for a UK student visa if I lack IELTS scores?

    You can apply without IELTS if you meet UKVI’s English language requirements through another accepted route. Options include an approved English test, an eligible English-taught degree, or a university assessment accepted for your course.
  2. How should I prepare for a UK student visa interview and what documents are essential?

    Review your CAS, course details, university choice, and financial documents. Prepare to explain your study plans, funding source, and career goals clearly. Answer honestly and ensure your responses match your application and supporting evidence.
  3. How should I structure a strong SOP for a UK student visa?

    If your university requests an SOP, explain your academic background, reasons for choosing the course and university, and career plans. Use specific examples, keep your explanation factual, and ensure your claims match your application documents.
  4. UK student visa new rules: What should applicants check?

    Before applying for 2027, check the latest UKVI rules on visa fees, IHS, maintenance funds, financial evidence, English proficiency, dependant eligibility, and eVisa procedures. Use official GOV.UK guidance to confirm which requirements apply to your circumstances.
  5. Are there affordable UK student visa consultants with high success rates?

    Yes, there are affordable UK student visa consultants in India, including IDP Education, LeapScholar, Gradstar, AECC, and KC Overseas Education. You should not accept high success rates without reliable evidence explaining how they were calculated. Ask about the provider's services, fees, and approach to UK student visa applications.