How long does the whole process take?

Most students start researching 12–15 months before their intake, apply to universities 8–12 months ahead, and apply for the visa once they have a CAS — usually up to six months before the course start date.

No. Every step can be completed directly with the university and GOV.UK. If you want regulated help with an immigration application, use an adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority.

Is this immigration advice?

No. This is general information to help you plan and ask better questions. Always confirm current rules and fees on GOV.UK before you act.

Study in the UK: the complete guide for Indian students

The answer in 60 seconds

The UK journey has four stages: choose and apply, get your CAS and visa, study and work part-time, then move onto the Graduate visa or a sponsored Skilled Worker role.
Two things cause most problems: maintenance funds held incorrectly, and applying for the Graduate visa after your Student visa has already expired.
Everything below links to a deeper guide, and every figure is dated with a GOV.UK link so you can confirm it yourself before you spend money.

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Stage 1 — Choosing where to apply

Start from outcomes, not rankings. For most Indian students the questions that matter are: does the university hold a Student sponsor licence, does the course lead to work you actually want, and can you afford the total cost of the city as well as the tuition.

Check that any university you shortlist appears on the UK register of licensed student sponsors. If it is not on that register, it cannot issue you a CAS and you cannot get a Student visa to study there.

Confirm the sponsor licence before you pay a deposit.
Compare total cost (tuition + city living cost + visa + IHS), not tuition alone.
Check intake: September is the main intake, January is smaller but real.

Stage 2 — Offer, CAS and the visa

Once you accept an unconditional offer and pay any deposit, the university issues a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies). The CAS number is required to submit the Student visa application.

Alongside the CAS you need English language evidence, maintenance funds held for the required period, a TB test certificate for applicants from India, and payment of the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

Stage 3 — Studying and working

On a Student visa at degree level you can usually work a limited number of hours during term time and full time outside term time, with restrictions on self-employment and professional sport. Your BRP or eVisa states your exact conditions — those conditions, not a blog, are what your employer must follow.

Use term time to build UK experience. Part-time and placement roles are how most graduates get their first sponsored interview.

Stage 4 — After graduation

The Graduate visa gives eligible graduates unsponsored time in the UK to work or look for work. It must be applied for from inside the UK while your Student visa is still valid.

The longer-term route is a Skilled Worker visa with a licensed sponsor, which has salary and skill thresholds, and can lead to settlement.

Common mistakes

Paying a deposit before checking the university's sponsor licence status.
Letting the maintenance balance dip during the qualifying period.
Waiting for graduation results before applying for the Graduate visa, after the Student visa has expired.
Assuming any employer can hire you — only licensed sponsors can sponsor a Skilled Worker visa.

FAQs

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