Complete guide to the UK Student Visa for the 2027 intake: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), £1,529/month London maintenance funds, 28-day rule, IHS health surcharge, and Graduate Route work rules.
The United Kingdom remains a top destination for international students, offering world-renowned universities, 1-year Master's degree options, and the popular post-study Graduate Route. Applying for a UK Student Visa for the 2027 intake requires satisfying the UK's Points-Based Immigration System.
This comprehensive guide details the exact eligibility criteria, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) requirements, updated financial maintenance thresholds, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees, and visa application procedures for Indian applicants.
Table of Contents
- The UK Points-Based System (70 Points Required)
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- English Language Requirements & SELT Tests
- Financial & Maintenance Requirements (28-Day Rule)
- Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
- Document Checklist & VFS Application Steps
- Work Rights & Dependant Rules
- The UK Graduate Route (2-Year Post-Study Work Visa)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Official Sources & Further Reading
The UK Points-Based System (70 Points Required)
The UK Student Visa is part of a points-based system. Applicants must score a total of 70 points to be granted a visa:
| Requirement Component | Points Assigned |
|---|---|
| Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from an approved sponsor | 50 points |
| Financial requirement (Proof of maintenance funds & tuition fees) | 10 points |
| English language proficiency (CEFR Level B2 or institutional equivalent) | 10 points |
| Total Points Required | 70 points |
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
A CAS is a unique electronic reference number issued to you by a licensed UK education sponsor after you accept an unconditional admission offer and pay your required tuition deposit. The CAS contains vital information including your official course title, tuition fees, deposit paid, and the academic qualifications evaluated by the university.
- A CAS is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
- You can only apply for your visa up to 6 months before your course start date when applying from outside the UK.
- Each CAS can only be used once in a visa application.
English Language Requirements & SELT Tests
You must demonstrate English language capability at CEFR Level B2 or higher. UK universities usually evaluate this through:
- Secure English Language Tests (SELT): IELTS Academic for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI.
- Standard IELTS Academic / PTE Academic (when accepted by Higher Education Providers with a track record of compliance).
- Class 12 English marks (70% to 80%+ from CBSE/ISC boards, accepted by select UK universities in lieu of IELTS).
Financial & Maintenance Requirements (28-Day Rule)
You must prove you have enough money to pay for your first-year tuition fees plus living expenses for up to 9 months.
1. Monthly Maintenance Thresholds
- Study in London (Inner London boroughs): £1,529 per month for up to 9 months (maximum £13,761).
- Study outside London (Outer London & Rest of UK): £1,171 per month for up to 9 months (maximum £10,539).
2. The Strict 28-Day Rule
The required maintenance funds (living costs + remaining tuition fees) must be held in your personal or parents' bank account for a minimum of 28 consecutive days. The end of the 28-day period must fall within 31 days of the date you submit and pay for your visa application online. Moving funds into an account shortly before applying without meeting the 28-day requirement is a leading cause of visa refusal.
Visa Fees & Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
| Fee Component | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Fee (Outside UK) | £490 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | £776 per year of study |
| VFS Biometrics User Fee | Included (Priority/Super Priority service available at extra cost) |
Example calculation: For a 1-year Master's program (12 to 16 months total visa duration), the IHS fee is approximately £1,164. The IHS grants you access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) during your stay.
Document Checklist & VFS Application Steps
- Valid Passport with at least one blank page.
- Official CAS number provided by your UK university.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate from an approved UKVI clinic in India.
- Proof of financial funds: Bank statement showing required funds held for 28 consecutive days, loan sanction letter from an approved bank, or official sponsorship letter.
- Academic certificates and transcripts listed on your CAS.
- ATAS Certificate (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) if your course involves sensitive research technologies.
- Parental consent letter and birth certificate if you are under 18 years of age.
Work Rights & Dependant Rules
- Part-Time Work Rights: Students pursuing degree-level courses at a UK higher education institution can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official university vacation periods.
- Dependant Rules: International students enrolled in standard taught Master's degrees cannot bring dependent family members (spouse or children) to the UK. Dependant visas are restricted to students enrolled in postgraduate research programs (e.g., MPhil or PhD) or government-sponsored courses.
The UK Graduate Route (2-Year Post-Study Work Visa)
After successfully completing an eligible undergraduate or Master's degree in the UK, international graduates can apply for the Graduate Route. The Graduate Route grants a 2-year unsponsored work permit (3 years for PhD graduates) allowing you to work, look for work, or gain professional experience in the UK at any skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for my UK Student Visa for September 2027?
You can apply up to 6 months before your course start date once you have received your CAS. For a September 2027 start, lodging your application in June or July 2027 is recommended.
Can I pay the UK visa and IHS fees in Indian Rupees?
Yes. The online GOV.UK payment gateway automatically converts the fee into INR based on current official exchange rates during submission.
What is a TB test certificate and where do I get it in India?
Indian residents staying in the UK for longer than 6 months must undergo a chest X-ray for tuberculosis at a UKVI-approved clinic in India (located in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata).
Official Sources & Further Reading
- GOV.UK — Official Student Visa Overview and Eligibility
- GOV.UK — Official Financial Requirements for Student Visa
- Favuni Global UK University Options & Guidance
Planning your 2027 intake with Favuni Global
Planning your 2027 study abroad journey? Favuni Global can help you explore universities, courses and application options, and build a timeline that fits your profile and budget. Our counsellors work through your academics, test scores and finances with you, and point you to the official sources for every requirement so you are never relying on second-hand information.
Book a free consultation to map out your 2027 application, or browse our scholarships listing to see what you may be eligible for.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not immigration or financial advice. Visa rules, deadlines and fees change frequently — always confirm the current position on the official government and university websites linked above before you apply.
