Applying for a UK student visa (often referred to in past as Tier 4, now under the Student Route) is a critical step for Indian students wishing to study in the UK. A strong application isn’t just about meeting the eligibility criteria — the clarity, accuracy, and authenticity of your documentation significantly affect the success of your visa. Poor or incorrect documentation is one of the leading causes of visa refusals.
Here’s a breakdown of the main documents you need to prepare, based on UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) guidelines and common practice:
A valid passport is mandatory. You’ll need to submit a copy of your current passport and possibly previous passports (if relevant).
Make sure it’s valid for the duration you plan to stay in the UK plus a little buffer.
CAS is a 14-digit reference number issued by your UK university once you accept their offer.
This is central to your visa application because it confirms to UKVI that a licensed sponsor (the university) is inviting you.
You should also have any “original documents referenced by your CAS” if the university mentions them.
You need to provide evidence of the academic qualifications that were used to assess you for admission. This usually means original certificates or official transcripts.
If the university has asked for specific educational documents as part of your CAS, you should provide those.
Proof of English ability is typically required: tests like IELTS, PTE, or other UKVI-approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) are accepted.
In some rare cases, universities may waive this if you’ve already studied in English or have a comparable qualification — but check with your university.
Arguably one of the most scrutinized parts of the visa application. UKVI wants proof that you can support yourself (and pay tuition) in the UK.
What you need:
Bank statements: Must show that you’ve held the required funds for 28 consecutive days.
The ending balance date of that 28-day period must be within 31 days of your visa application date.
The funds can be in:
Your own account, or
Parent’s / guardian’s account (if they are sponsoring you) — but then you need proof of relationship (like a birth certificate).
Fixed deposits / certificate of deposit can be accepted, but UKVI requires that money to have been held for 28 days in that deposit.
Education loan sanction letter (if you have taken a student loan) is okay too.
Scholarship / sponsorship letter (if you are getting financial support) is also valid.
How much to show:
You need to cover:
Remaining tuition fees (as stated in your CAS), and
Living costs (called “maintenance”).
As per recent guidance, living cost requirement is around ÂŁ1,529/month in London (for up to 9 months) and ÂŁ1,171/month outside London (for up to 9 months).
In addition, you must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), and include the IHS payment receipt in your documentation.
For Indian students, a TB test certificate is required if you’re coming from a country where TB testing is mandated for UK visas.
The test must be done at a UKVI-approved clinic.
ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance is needed for certain sensitive courses (usually in science, engineering, or technology) at postgraduate level.
If required, you must include your ATAS certificate in the visa application.
Any document that is not in English must be officially translated.
Translation should include:
Translator’s credentials
A statement confirming the translation is accurate
Date of translation
Signature of translator
UKVI requires a recent photograph as per UK passport-photo specifications.
Parental consent letter: If you’re under 18, you might need a letter from parents/guardian saying they agree to support you, pick you up, etc.
Proof of relationship to sponsor: If parents are sponsoring, you must show relationship (birth certificate, adoption certificate, etc.).
Criminal record certificate: For some specific courses like teaching, healthcare, or social work.
Cover letter / Statement of Purpose: Not always mandatory, but some applicants include a short cover letter explaining their study plan, funding, and intent. (This is more common practically than officially required.)
Insufficient fund history: One of the biggest reasons for visa refusal is not showing that the funds have been held for 28 consecutive days.
Bank statements too old: If your final balance date in your proof-of-funds document is more than 31 days before your application, this is a red flag.
Mismatch in CAS details: The information on your CAS (course name, fees, sponsor) must exactly match your visa application. Even small inconsistencies can cause problems.
Fake or unverifiable documents: Using forged documents or documents that can’t be verified is risky and can lead to visa rejection or worse. (There have been real cases of fraud.)
Wrong translator: If you’re translating non-English documents, use a certified translator. The translation must clearly state that it’s accurate, include translator credentials, and be signed.
Ignoring ATAS: Some students forget they need ATAS clearance for certain courses. Without it, visa approval can be delayed or denied.
TB test delay: Booking and completing a TB test can take time. If you delay, your visa application might be held up.
Start early: Gather all your documents well in advance, especially funds proof and TB test, because some things (like ATAS) take weeks.
Maintain a clean bank statement: Avoid large or sudden lumps of money in the account without explanation. If major amounts come in, make sure you can explain them (e.g., scholarship, loan disbursement).
Use a regulated education loan: If relying on a loan, make sure the lending institution is recognized, and provide a sanction letter that clearly states the amount and that it’s for overseas education.
Document everything honestly: Be truthful in your visa application. Any false declaration or forged document is risky, and UKVI can refuse your visa or ban you.
Get translations done properly: For any non-English document, use a certified translator, and ensure all translation formalities are met (signature, date, translator’s credentials).
Prepare for biometrics: You’ll need to give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre.
Make copies: Bring both originals and good quality photocopies (or scanned versions) of your documents. During the visa process or biometric appointment, it helps to have both.
Keep proof of everything: Keep copies of all application forms, payment receipts, CAS, and any correspondence with the university.
The maintenance requirement stays strong: Indian students typically must show funds for first-year tuition and 9 months of living costs.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) — you must pay this as part of visa application.
UKVI can ask for additional documents even after the visa is submitted, so being “low-risk” or eligible for reduced evidence does not guarantee they won’t check.
Be cautious about using third parties for “help” — some students have reported agencies sharing their passport/visa photos publicly, which is a privacy risk.
Getting your UK student visa documents right is a non-negotiable step — especially for Indian students, where the financial proof and CAS play a major role. A well-prepared and honest application significantly boosts your chances of success. Start early, double-check everything, and consult reliable sources (university international office, UKVI) if you’re unsure.
