The answer in 60 seconds
- You need a CAS from a licensed student sponsor, English language evidence, enough money held for the required period, and a TB test certificate if you are applying from India.
- You can usually apply up to six months before the course starts from outside the UK.
- The main refusal causes are financial evidence errors, credibility interview answers, and documents that do not match the CAS.
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Key figures
Application fee (from outside the UK)
£524
Immigration Health Surcharge — students
£776 per year
Earliest application
Up to 6 months before the course start date
Typical decision time from India
About 3 weeks (standard service)
Figures last checked 22 August 2026. Fees and thresholds change — confirm on GOV.UK before you pay anything.
The document set
Prepare these before you start the online form, because the form asks for details that must match the documents exactly.
- Valid passport with a blank page.
- CAS number and the details listed on the CAS.
- English language qualification (usually a SELT, unless your university assesses you).
- Financial evidence covering fees and living costs.
- TB test certificate from an approved clinic in India.
- ATAS certificate for certain sensitive subjects.
- Parental consent and birth certificate if using a parent's funds.
The timeline that works
Working backwards from a September intake: accept the offer and pay the deposit by June, get the CAS in June–July, complete the 28-day fund hold by mid-July, book the TB test and biometrics, then submit in late July.
Leave four clear weeks of buffer before your course start date, and more if you need a new passport.
The credibility interview
Many Indian applicants are asked a short credibility interview. It is not a test of English perfection — it checks that you know your course, your university, your funding and your plans afterwards.
- Know your modules, course length and tuition fee.
- Be able to explain why this university and this city.
- Explain who is funding you and how they earn that money.
Common mistakes
- A financial statement dated more than 31 days before submission.
- Course details on the form that do not match the CAS.
- Booking the TB test too late and delaying biometrics.
- Vague interview answers about funding or post-study plans.
FAQs
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