Planning to study in the UK in 2026? Getting admission to a UK university is an important milestone, but your journey is not complete until you have successfully obtained your UK Student visa. For Indian students, understanding the latest UK Student Visa 2026 requirements, financial rules, visa fees, documents and application procedure can make the process much easier. Immigration rules can change, so it is important to check the latest requirements before submitting your application. In this guide, we explain the UK Student Visa 2026 process, eligibility requirements, financial requirements, visa fees, documents, processing time and other important rules Indian students should know. What Is the UK Student Visa? The UK Student visa is the main immigration route for international students who want to study an eligible course at a licensed education provider in the United Kingdom. It replaced the former Tier 4 (General) Student visa. To qualify, students generally need an offer from a licensed student sponsor, sufficient funds, the required level of English and the necessary supporting documents. For Indian students, the process normally starts with selecting a suitable university and course, receiving an offer, meeting the university’s conditions and obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The visa application can then be submitted online. UK Student Visa Requirements 2026 Before applying for a UK Student visa, you should make sure you meet the major eligibility requirements. 1. Admission to a UK University or Education Provider You must have an offer of a place on an eligible course from a UK institution that holds a valid Student sponsor licence. Once you meet the conditions of your offer, your education provider will issue your CAS, which contains important information about your course and is required for your visa application. 2. Financial Requirement You must normally demonstrate that you have enough money to pay your outstanding course fees and support yourself while living in the UK. The amount required for living costs depends on whether your course is in London or outside London. Under the current published UK government financial guidance, students need: £1,529 per month for study in London £1,171 per month for study outside London This is calculated for a maximum of nine months, meaning the maximum living-cost evidence can be £13,761 for London or £10,539 outside London, in addition to any relevant outstanding tuition fees. However, students applying later in 2026 should carefully check the latest figure applicable on the date of their application because maintenance requirements are changing. Recent reporting indicates that higher maintenance figures are scheduled to apply from 30 November 2026. This makes it particularly important not to rely on an old bank-balance calculation when preparing your visa application. 3. English Language Requirement Students must demonstrate the required level of English for their course. For degree-level study, the Student route generally requires CEFR B2 English, while courses below degree level generally require CEFR B1. The university may assess your English ability and record how the requirement has been met on your CAS. Depending on your circumstances and the university’s requirements, you may need an approved English language test such as IELTS. This is one reason why preparing for an English language test well in advance can be helpful for students planning to study in the UK. UK Student Visa Fees 2026 The current Student visa application fee for applications made from outside the UK is £558. The same £558 fee applies to applications to extend or switch to the Student route from inside the UK. For applicants from India, the UK government’s visa-fee service currently lists the Student visa fee at approximately ₹74,213. The amount in Indian rupees can change because of exchange-rate and fee-table updates, so students should check the official fee calculator when they are ready to apply. Immigration Health Surcharge The visa application fee is not the only cost to consider. Most students also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application. The current student rate is £776 per year, although the exact amount depends on the length of immigration permission granted. Therefore, when planning your UK study budget, consider: University tuition fees Student visa application fee Immigration Health Surcharge Living expenses Accommodation Travel expenses English language test fees, where applicable TB test and other documentation costs, where applicable Documents Required for a UK Student Visa Preparing your documents carefully is one of the most important parts of the application process. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need: Valid passport or travel document Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Financial evidence Evidence of English language ability, where required Tuberculosis test certificate, if applicable ATAS certificate, if your course and circumstances require one Academic documents Sponsorship or scholarship evidence, if applicable Parental consent and relationship evidence for applicants under 18 The exact document list can vary depending on your circumstances, so students should follow the document requirements generated during their visa application rather than relying only on a generic checklist. How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a UK Student Visa? This is one of the most common questions asked by Indian students. Your required funds normally include: Outstanding tuition fees + required maintenance funds. Your CAS will show the relevant tuition fee information. You then need to demonstrate the required maintenance amount based on your study location and circumstances. Another important point is the 28-day financial evidence rule. Where financial evidence is required, the relevant funds generally need to have been held for the required continuous period before the visa application. For this reason, students should not transfer or withdraw large amounts from the account without understanding how it could affect their financial evidence. If you are using a student loan, scholarship or other acceptable financial sponsorship, make sure the supporting documentation meets UKVI requirements. UK Student Visa Application Process 2026 The application process can be divided into several practical stages. Step 1: Choose Your Course and University Start by identifying universities and courses that match your academic background, career plans and budget.