UK Student Visa Requirements for Indians (2025): The Complete Checklist

The UK Student Visa is the entry route for Indian students accepted at UK universities. Here is the complete 2025 checklist of documents, financial proof, and requirements.

Core eligibility requirements

• A valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK university
• English language: IELTS Academic (usually 6.0–6.5 overall, no band below 5.5)
• Sufficient funds: £1,334/month for London; £1,023/month outside London for your course duration + 1 month
• Tuberculosis (TB) test from an approved clinic in India — mandatory for Indian citizens
• Academic transcripts accepted by your university

Financial proof checklist

• Bank statements (personal or parent/guardian) covering 28 consecutive days — dated within 31 days of application
• Closing balance must not fall below the required amount at any point in the 28-day period
• Fixed deposit certificates accepted if convertible to cash within 28 days
• Education loan sanction letter (if applicable) — accepted by the Home Office

ATAS certificate — when do you need it?

An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate is mandatory for postgraduate students studying certain sensitive subjects (advanced physics, engineering, chemistry). Apply before your visa application — processing takes up to 30 working days.

The 28-day bank statement window is the most common reason for UK visa refusals from India — funds must be maintained consistently throughout, not just deposited the day before.