Study in UK Post-Brexit Visa Guide 2025
Brexit (UK leaving European Union in January 2020) brought significant changes to UK's student visa rules and post-study work rights. However, for Indian students, many changes have been positive.
This comprehensive guide covers everything about studying in UK in 2025: Student visa process, Graduate Route (2-year work visa), financial requirements, healthcare surcharge, and pathway to permanent residence.
🎯 Quick Summary: What Changed Post-Brexit?
Graduate Route Work Visa
2 years (3 for PhD)
Work Rights During Study
20 hrs/week
Financial Requirement
£1,334/mo London
Healthcare Surcharge
£470/year
Student Visa Processing
15 working days
Major Changes Post-Brexit (2020-2025)
✅ Positive Changes for International Students
- Graduate Route Visa: Introduced in July 2021 - 2 years post-study work rights (3 years for PhD)
- No job offer required: Can search for jobs, switch employers freely
- Equal fees for EU students: EU students now pay international fees (same as Indians - level playing field)
- More university places: EU students' reduced numbers created more spots for non-EU students
- Points-based system: Clear, transparent visa criteria (no discretionary rejections)
⚠️ Challenges Post-Brexit
- Higher fees for students: Average £20-35k/year (₹20-35L) for international students
- Healthcare surcharge increased: Now £470/year (was £300 pre-2020)
- Financial requirement strict: Must show £1,334/month for London (£1,023 outside)
- No free movement: Cannot study/work in EU countries anymore without separate visas
UK Student Visa: Step-by-Step Process 2025
Step 1: Get CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
What is CAS? A unique reference number issued by your university after accepting you.
Requirements for CAS:
- Unconditional offer letter from university
- English proficiency proof (IELTS 6.0-7.0 overall, depending on course)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Deposit paid (usually £1,000-5,000)
- CAS fee: Usually free (included in deposit)
Processing time: 1-3 weeks after paying deposit
Step 2: Prepare Financial Documents
| Location | Living Cost Per Month | Total for 9 Months |
|---|---|---|
| London | £1,334 | £12,006 (₹12L) |
| Outside London | £1,023 | £9,207 (₹9.2L) |
Financial Requirements Formula
Total Amount to Show:
- First Year Tuition Fee (minus deposit paid)
- + Living costs (£12,006 London or £9,207 outside)
- = Total typically ₹25-45L for 1 year
Example: Leeds University (outside London)
Tuition: £25,000 - Deposit: £3,000 = £22,000
Living: £9,207
Total to show: £31,207 (₹31L approx.)
Acceptable Financial Documents:
- Bank statements: Last 28 days, in your/parent's/spouse's name
- Loan letter: From recognized Indian banks (HDFC, SBI, ICICI, Axis)
- Scholarship letter: If university/govt scholarship covers costs
- Important: Money must be in account for minimum 28 days before applying
Step 3: Pay Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Grants access to NHS (National Health Service)
Student IHS Rate
£470/year
For 1-year Master's
£470 (₹47k)
For 3-year Bachelor's
£1,410 (₹1.4L)
Paid Upfront
One-time payment
Benefits: Free NHS treatment, GP visits, emergency care (dental/optical extra cost)
Step 4: Book Biometric Appointment (VFS Global)
VFS Global Centers in India (Major Cities):
- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Kochi, Jaipur
- Appointment booking: Online at www.vfsglobal.co.uk/en/in
- Visa fee: £363 (₹36,300 approx.)
- VFS service fee: ₹3,000-5,000
Step 5: Submit Documents & Wait
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for entire course duration + 6 months |
| CAS Number | From university (print email) |
| TB Test Certificate | From IOM India centers (valid 6 months), ₹5,000 |
| Financial Proof | Bank statements/loan letter |
| Academic Documents | Transcripts, degree certificates |
| IELTS/TOEFL | As per university requirement |
| Passport-sized photos | 2 recent photos |
Processing Time:
- Standard: 15 working days (3 weeks) - No extra fee
- Priority: 5 working days - £500 extra (₹50k)
- Super Priority: 24 hours - £1,000 extra (₹1L)
Graduate Route Visa (Post-Study Work Rights)
🎉 UK's Biggest Advantage for Students
Graduate Route visa allows you to stay and work in UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD) after completing studies - NO JOB OFFER REQUIRED
Graduate Route Eligibility
- Completed eligible UK degree (Bachelor's, Master's, PhD) from licensed university
- Currently in UK on valid Student visa
- Apply before Student visa expires
- Duration: 2 years (Bachelor's/Master's), 3 years (PhD)
- Work rights: Unrestricted - any job, any hours, self-employment allowed
- Switching: Can switch to Skilled Worker visa if you find sponsored job
Graduate Route Costs
Visa Application Fee
£715 (₹71k)
Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
£624/year × 2 = £1,248
Total Cost (2 years)
£1,963 (₹1.96L)
Work Rights During Studies
| Study Level | Work Allowed During Term | Work Allowed During Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's / Master's | 20 hours/week | Full-time (Unlimited) |
| PhD / Research | 20 hours/week | Full-time (Unlimited) |
| Foundation / Below degree | 10 hours/week | Full-time (Unlimited) |
Typical Student Earnings:
- Minimum wage: £10.42/hour (April 2024)
- Part-time (20 hrs/week): £800-900/month (₹80-90k/month)
- Can cover 50-70% of living expenses
Pathway to UK Permanent Residence (ILR)
5-Year Pathway: Student → Graduate → Skilled Worker → ILR
Year 1-2: Student Visa
- Complete Master's degree (1-2 years)
- Work part-time 20 hrs/week
- Build professional network
Year 3-4: Graduate Route
- Work full-time (2 years)
- Gain UK work experience
- Find employer for visa sponsorship
Year 5-9: Skilled Worker Visa
- Switch to Skilled Worker (3-5 years)
- Salary minimum £26,200/year
- Job must be on skilled occupation list
Year 10: Indefinite Leave to Remain
- Apply for ILR after 5 years on Skilled Worker
- Then British citizenship after 1 year (Year 11)
- Permanent settlement achieved
Tuition Fees: Post-Brexit Changes
| Degree Type | Annual Fees (International) | Total Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (3 years) | £18,000-35,000/year | ₹54L-1.05Cr (total) |
| Master's (1 year) | £20,000-35,000 | ₹20-35L |
| MBA (1-2 years) | £25,000-65,000 | ₹25-65L/year |
| PhD (3-4 years) | £18,000-30,000/year | ₹54L-1.2Cr (total) |
Post-Brexit Impact: EU students now pay same international fees as Indians (was cheaper before Brexit). This created more seats for non-EU international students.
Top Affordable UK Universities 2025
Best Value Universities (Lower Fees + Good Rankings)
- University of Leeds - £23,000/year - Russell Group
- University of Sheffield - £22,000/year - Russell Group
- University of Birmingham - £23,500/year - Top 100 globally
- University of Glasgow - £21,500/year - Scotland (4-year degrees)
- Queen's University Belfast - £19,500/year - Most affordable Russell Group
- Cardiff University - £21,000/year - Wales, lower living cost
Common Visa Rejection Reasons (Avoid These!)
- ❌ Insufficient funds: Money not in account for 28 days
- ❌ Missing TB test: Required for all Indian students
- ❌ Fake documents: UKVI verifies everything - instant ban if caught
- ❌ Low English score: Not meeting IELTS requirement (usually 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5)
- ❌ Poor academic progression: E.g., MBA after 10 years working (credibility questioned)
- ❌ Unclear career goals: SOP must show genuine student intent
Conclusion: Is UK Worth It Post-Brexit?
✅ Yes, if You Can Afford It
- Graduate Route: 2-year work visa with NO job offer = Best in world
- 1-year Master's: Quick ROI compared to 2-year programs elsewhere
- World-class education: UK degrees globally recognized
- Pathway to PR: Clear 10-year route to citizenship
- Strong job market: Finance, Tech, Consulting, Healthcare have good opportunities
⚠️ Consider Alternatives if:
- Budget under ₹30L (consider Germany, Ireland, Canada)
- Want longer work visa (Canada gives 3 years)
- Prefer easier PR process (Canada Express Entry faster)
- High tuition fees a burden (Germany/Norway free tuition)
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