A Complete Guide to UK Student Visa Cost, Documents, and the CAS Process for Indian Students

Author : SWEC Consultants | Published On : 20 Aug 2026

Applying for a UK student visa involves considerably more than submitting an offer letter. Indian applicants must navigate the CAS process, meet specific financial requirements, and assemble a document set that varies depending on their course and personal circumstances.

CAS, or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, is the foundation of any UK student visa application. It is an electronic record generated by a licensed university once an applicant accepts an offer and satisfies its conditions, which may include a tuition deposit or a credibility interview. The CAS contains a unique reference number along with course details, sponsor information, and fee records, and this information must align precisely with the applicant's passport and visa application.

Financially, applicants should plan for the Student visa application fee of £558, along with the Immigration Health Surcharge of £776 per year of study. A typical one year course therefore costs £1,334 in fees alone, excluding tuition. Applicants must also demonstrate maintenance funds, £1,529 per month for London based courses or £1,171 per month for courses outside London, held in an accepted account for 28 consecutive days prior to application.

Document requirements extend beyond the passport and CAS reference to include, where applicable, TB certification, ATAS clearance for sensitive research subjects, academic transcripts, and certified translations for non English materials.

Processing times generally run around three weeks for applications submitted from outside the United Kingdom, though this can extend during peak intake periods.

Complete guide available here: UK Student Visa Cost, Documents & CAS Process