IELTS Academic is accepted by all UK universities and is the most commonly required English language test. However, it is not the only option — many UK universities also accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge B2/C1 Advanced, and Duolingo English Test. The minimum band score varies by university and course, typically ranging from IELTS 5.5 to 7.0. Critically, for the UK Student Visa itself, you do not need to submit IELTS directly to UKVI — your university’s CAS letter confirms your English proficiency has been assessed. Check your specific university’s requirement before booking your test.

The financial requirement has two components. First, any outstanding tuition fee (i.e., the course fee minus any amount already paid). Second, living costs at £1,334 per month for up to 9 months — meaning a maximum of £12,006 for living expenses. Both amounts must have been present in your account for 28 consecutive days before the date of your visa application. If your institution is based in London, the living cost rate is the same. Always calculate the exact required amount with your consultant, as the tuition portion depends on what you have already paid the university.

Yes. Students on a UK Student Visa are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during official vacation periods. However, there are restrictions — you cannot be self-employed, cannot work as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, and cannot work as a doctor in training (unless your course permits it). Students enrolled at publicly-funded colleges at degree level or above enjoy the same rights. Students enrolled at below degree level at private colleges may have work restrictions — always check your CAS documentation.

The Graduate Route is a post-study work visa introduced by the UK government in July 2021. It allows international students who have successfully completed a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) at a UK university to remain in the UK and work — in any job, at any salary level — for 2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). No job offer is required to apply. You apply for the Graduate Route from inside the UK, before your Student Visa expires. It is not available to students who studied via distance learning or at non-sponsoring institutions.

The standard processing time for a UK Student Visa application submitted from India is approximately 3 weeks after biometrics are completed. UKVI also offers a Priority Visa Service (5 working days) and, in some cases, a Super Priority Service (next working day) for an additional fee. We strongly recommend applying at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date to allow for any unexpected processing delays or document queries. Empire Visa monitors all our students’ applications and alerts you immediately if UKVI makes an additional information request.