Document checklist
United Kingdom student visa documents
9 documents an Indian student needs for a United Kingdom student visa, 7 of them required of every applicant. Each one says what it is, how to actually get it (where to book, the fee, the lead time), and links to the official page behind it. Where the authority states the requirement in its own words we quote that sentence, so you can confirm it yourself rather than taking our word or an agent’s.
Identity
Valid Passport or Travel Document
RequiredValid national passport with at least 1 blank page for the entry vignette sticker. Passport must be valid for the entire intended duration of study in the UK.
How to get it
Issued by Passport Seva / Regional Passport Office (RPO) in India. The fee is whatever Passport Seva charges for the booklet you choose, and a renewal runs 2-4 weeks including police verification. Must submit original passport during VFS appointment.
“a current passport or other valid travel documentation”
Read the official page
Academic
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
RequiredUnconditional CAS reference number issued by a licensed UK Student Sponsor (higher education provider), valid for 6 months from issue date. Statement details course fees and qualifications used.
How to get it
Issued by your licensed student sponsor once you accept the offer and meet its conditions, usually after paying a tuition deposit; there is no Home Office fee for the CAS itself. It carries a reference number you cannot apply without, and it is valid for a limited window, so do not request it months early. Decisions outside the UK usually come within 3 weeks of applying.
“have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor”
Read the official pageATAS Clearance Certificate (If Applicable)
If it appliesAcademic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate required for postgraduate studies/research in sensitive STEM subjects (dependent on CAH3 code listed on CAS).
How to get it
Apply online via GOV.UK ATAS portal using CAH3 code from CAS. Free of charge. Processing lead time 20-30 working days. Certificate sent via email.
“You need your ATAS certificate to apply for some UK visas.”
Read the official page
Language
Proof of English Language Proficiency
RequiredEvidence of English proficiency meeting UKVI requirement (minimum B2 level / IELTS Academic for UKVI overall 5.5-6.5) or institutional assessment recorded on the CAS statement.
How to get it
Sit an approved Secure English Language Test at an approved centre in India, or rely on your sponsor's assessment where they are permitted to make one. Each test provider sets its own fee, payable at booking. Allow a few weeks: results are not immediate, and a retake means another fee and another wait before you can even request the CAS.
“You’ll usually need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.”
Read the official page
Financial
Proof of Maintenance Funds (Living Expenses)
RequiredEvidence of living funds: £1,529 per month (up to 9 months, max £13,761) for London or £1,171 per month (up to 9 months, max £10,539) for outside London, plus outstanding 1st year tuition fees.
How to get it
Held in your own or a permitted account and shown at application. You need course fees for one academic year (up to 9 months), plus living costs of GBP 1,529 a month for courses in London or GBP 1,171 a month outside London, for up to 9 months. London means the City of London and the 32 boroughs. The money must sit in the account for at least 28 days in a row ending shortly before you apply, so move it early: a balance that appeared last week does not qualify.
“You need enough money to pay for your course for 1 academic year (up to 9 months).”
Read the official page
Visa
Student Visa Application Fee & VFS Appointment
RequiredSubmitted online UK Student Visa application form, paid visa fee of £558 (charged per person, including each dependant), and VFS Global appointment confirmation slip for biometric enrollment in India.
How to get it
GBP 558 to apply from outside the UK, and the same to extend or switch inside it, charged per person including every dependant. Add the Immigration Health Surcharge, which gov.uk lists separately at GBP 388 per year for students and their dependants, paid at the same time. Decisions usually take 3 weeks from outside the UK; priority processing is offered at extra cost where available.
“You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.”
Read the official page
Health
Tuberculosis (TB) Test Certificate
RequiredOfficial TB screening medical certificate from a UKVI-approved clinic in India confirming the applicant is free from active pulmonary tuberculosis. Certificate valid for 6 months.
How to get it
Book appointment at UKVI-approved panel clinics in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Punjab, etc.). The clinic sets its own charge, so confirm it when you book. Issued same day or within 48 hours.
“You must be tested at a clinic that has been approved by the Home Office.”
Read the official pageImmigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
RequiredMandatory NHS healthcare surcharge payment of £776 per year of study (or £388 for part year under 6 months), allowing full access to the UK National Health Service.
How to get it
Calculated and paid online via the GOV.UK visa application portal using credit/debit card prior to visa fee payment. Payment receipt generated immediately.
“You do not need to pay the surcharge if you’re applying from outside the UK for 6 months or less.”
Read the official page
Other
Parental Consent Letter & Birth Certificate
If it appliesSigned parental consent letter and original birth certificate required if financial evidence is held in parents' bank account or if applicant is under 18 years of age.
How to get it
Only for applicants under 18. Both parents or legal guardians sign, naming the care and accommodation arrangements in the UK, with the birth certificate attached to show the relationship. No Home Office fee, but notarisation in India costs whatever the notary charges and gathering two signatures plus documents takes longer than people expect, so start it alongside the CAS rather than at the end.
“You’ll also need to provide a copy of your birth certificate (or another government issued document) that shows the names of your parents.”
Read the official page
2 of these are conditional: needed only if the situation described applies to you. Read each one rather than assuming, since the conditions are where applications get delayed.
This list is the same for everyone
Your marks, your budget and your subject are not. Run a free eligibility check to see where you actually qualify across 13 countries and the real programs open to you in each, then track your own progress through this checklist.
Bramica takes no commission from any university, recruiter or agency. This is information, not immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm anything you are about to act on at the official source linked against it.