Study in the UK: Student Visa from India
A Student visa is for people aged 16 or over who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
What you need
You must be 16 or over, with a place on a course offered by a licensed student sponsor. You must have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course, and the amount varies with your circumstances. You must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
When to apply
From outside the UK, the earliest you can apply is 6 months before your course starts. A decision usually takes 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK. From inside the UK, the earliest is 3 months before your course starts, a decision usually takes 8 weeks, and you must apply before your current visa expires.
You can arrive up to 1 week before your course starts if it lasts 6 months or less, or up to 1 month before if it is longer. You must not travel before the start date on your visa.
How long you can stay
At degree level, aged 18 or over, you can stay up to 5 years. Below degree level, the limit is 2 years. After your studies you may be able to switch to the Graduate visa.
Work rules
You can work, but how much depends on your subject and whether it is term time. You cannot be self-employed, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach, and you cannot claim public funds or pensions.
Bringing family
You may be able to bring your partner and children, called dependants. Each person who joins you must pay the visa fee. Check the rules for your own course on GOV.UK before you plan.
What it costs
You pay the visa application fee and the healthcare surcharge, and the surcharge depends on how long your visa lasts. GOV.UK lists the current amounts on its fees page.
Where the information comes from
Source: GOV.UK, Student visa. Read on 30 October 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the page before you apply.
Questions people ask us most
How early can I apply from India?
The earliest you can apply from outside the UK is 6 months before your course starts.
Can I work on a Student visa?
Yes, but how much depends on your subject and whether it is term time. You cannot be self-employed.
What happens after my degree?
You may be able to apply for the Graduate visa from inside the UK before your Student visa expires.