Indian students considering a British university should examine the visa conditions as carefully as the course and tuition fees. A university offer does not by itself guarantee immigration permission.
ELIGIBILITY AND SPONSORSHIP
Applicants normally need an offer from a licensed student sponsor, sufficient funds for tuition and living costs, and the required English language ability.
A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is central to the process. Applicants from India should also check whether a tuberculosis test and, for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects, an ATAS certificate are required.
WORK DURING STUDIES
Under Appendix Student, eligible full-time degree-level students at qualifying higher education providers may normally work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacations.
Some below-degree students have a 10-hour limit; other categories cannot work. Self-employment and most business activity are prohibited. Students must check the conditions attached to their own permission.
CAN FAMILY MEMBERS COME?
The dependant rules are restrictive. For postgraduate courses beginning from January 2024, the general route is limited to doctoral or research-based higher degrees, subject to conditions.
Government-sponsored students on eligible longer courses may also qualify. Most students on taught master's courses cannot simply bring dependants through the Student route.
AFTER GRADUATION
The Graduate route permits eligible graduates to remain after completing their studies, but it is not an automatic settlement route.
Under current Home Office guidance, eligible non-doctoral applications submitted on or before 31 December 2026 can receive two years; those submitted from 1 January 2027 receive 18 months.
Doctoral graduates can receive three years. Applicants must satisfy the route's requirements, including applying in the UK before their existing permission expires.
COSTS AND COMPLIANCE
The Home Office lists a Student visa application fee of £558, with the immigration health surcharge generally payable in addition. Fees may change.
Students must comply with attendance and sponsor reporting requirements and must not assume that every course or provider leads to the same work rights.
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION DISCLAIMER: This report is general journalism, not immigration or legal advice. Immigration rules, fees, dates and transitional provisions can change.
Individual circumstances and existing visa conditions matter. Verify the current Immigration Rules and official government guidance before applying, travelling, working or changing status.
For personal advice consult a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or an appropriately authorised immigration adviser.
India Times UK does not guarantee any visa, extension, job, settlement or citizenship outcome.
Official sources: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa ; https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-student ; https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/family-members ; https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa .
Checked 5 November 2026.