How do I apply for a UK student visa from India step by step, and what fees must I pay?

You start the UK Student Visa application once your university issues a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You then apply on the official GOV.UK portal, pay the fees, give biometrics and wait for a decision. Confirm all fees on GOV.UK for your 2027 or 2028 intake.

Fees Listed for the Application

Step-by-Step Process

1. Accept your unconditional offer from a licensed UK student sponsor, meet the admission requirements and pay any required deposit. Your university then issues your electronic CAS reference number.
2. Fill in the online application on the official GOV.UK Student Visa portal using your CAS reference number.
3. Pay the visa application fee and the IHS before booking your appointment.
4. Keep your passport, CAS, academic transcripts and financial documents ready, along with an English language test score such as IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI, unless your university has waived it.
5. Book a biometric appointment through the official visa partner, choose your Visa Application Centre and give your fingerprints and photograph.
6. Submit your supporting documents as instructed, then track your application and wait for the UKVI decision.
7. After approval, you receive your passport with a 90-day visa vignette. After you arrive in the UK, use your UKVI account to access and share your digital eVisa when needed.

My Advice

Do not book your biometric appointment until the fees are paid and your documents are complete. Fees and rules can change, so check the latest figures on GOV.UK before you apply.